Van's has discovered and been made aware of a small number of RV-8/8A quick build fuselage kits that were provided to customers with incorrect fasteners installed. Specifically, in these cases the lower firewall brackets that attach to the forward portion of the F-834-1 longerons were attached using rivets instead of the specified AN bolts. We've issued a service bulletin (SB-00031) directing owners to visually inspect the fasteners used, and if rivets are found to then replace the rivets with the proper AN bolts and related hardware. The details are covered in the SB document.
The QB fuselages where we have seen this issue thus far were assembled around 10+ years ago. Because we cannot be completely certain how many may have been assembled this way, we are issuing the service bulletin indicating an inspection of all RV-8/8A quick build fuselages.
Until this inspection is completed and (as necessary) remediated, affected aircraft should not be flown in aerobatic (>+3G, <1G) flight. Note that the specified inspection can be conducted visually without modifying or dissembling the aircraft.
The QB fuselages where we have seen this issue thus far were assembled around 10+ years ago. Because we cannot be completely certain how many may have been assembled this way, we are issuing the service bulletin indicating an inspection of all RV-8/8A quick build fuselages.
Until this inspection is completed and (as necessary) remediated, affected aircraft should not be flown in aerobatic (>+3G, <1G) flight. Note that the specified inspection can be conducted visually without modifying or dissembling the aircraft.
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