Rudder Pedal SB 99-6-1

[Smak]

If You're using inspection for SB 99-6-1, STOP ASAP!

This Failure occurred this morning while taxiing out for a weekend get away. Had it happened at 80 knots on takeoff beside the Hangar Line, I wouldn't be writing this! Right Rudder Pedal Left Seat! Non Pilot Wife in right seat.

[Smak]

Yes SB 99-6-1 was complied with by inspection within 10 hours of failure!

[scrollF4]

Gerard,
Have you turned in the part for an engineering assessment, perhaps to Van’s? Are you relaying Van’s engineers’ direction to suspend the SB? That failure is pretty notable, and I’m glad you two are OK, but I would caution folks against simply ignoring a standing bulletin without getting a solid engineering assessment into why that happened.

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by scrollF4

Gerard,
Have you turned in the part for an engineering assessment, perhaps to Van’s? Are you relaying Van’s engineers’ direction to suspend the SB? That failure is pretty notable, and I’m glad you two are OK, but I would caution folks against simply ignoring a standing bulletin without getting a solid engineering assessment into why that happened.

The SB is for a 10 hour inspection, with replacement if any sponginess, hard rudder forces, etc. are experienced. Here's a link:

https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-cont.../sb99-06-1.pdf

I figured 20 years down the road everyone had already modified their rudder pedals to get past the issue.

I'd recommend people make the mod/upgrade. Ain't hard, relatively speaking.

[azrv6]

An important reminder from the original poster to all RV6 and RV6A owners, many who are new to their aircraft, to verify the status of SB 99-6-1.

Although the SB provides the option to inspect the overhead rudder pedals every 10 hours, and explains how to inspect them, it is a much better course to repair or replace them per info in the SB.

I built my RV6 and have been flying it for 25 years. I replaced my overhead rudder pedals soon after the SB was published and inspection required replacing them. Ordered from Vans and several hours later the new pedals were installed.

[Smak]

Originally Posted by azrv6

An important reminder from the original poster to all RV6 and RV6A owners, many who are new to their aircraft, to verify the status of SB 99-6-1.

Although the SB provides the option to inspect the overhead rudder pedals every 10 hours, and explains how to inspect them, it is a much better course to repair or replace them per info in the SB.

I built my RV6 and have been flying it for 25 years. I replaced my overhead rudder pedals soon after the SB was published and inspection required replacing them. Ordered from Vans and several hours later the new pedals were installed.

Exactly my intention. I’m new to the RV world and my ( ew do me RV) was in full compliance with this and all SBs. I expressed as strongly as I know how to Sterling at Van’s tech support that this SB be changed, removing the inspection option and “requiring” replacement or reinforcing. The wisdom I’m getting from those who have seen the parts break is that the weld wasn’t cooled properly (by applying heat) and that weekend the torque tube, which was the point of failure.
I have new rudder pedals on the way. They of course now come with gusset reinforcement.