ScottSchmidt
Well Known Member
I just came back from Arlington and went to look at the companies RV-10 rudder stops. I could not believe they used the rivets in the rudder stops with all the use it gets.
I had my rivets shear on me at Las Vegas one weekend which caused some damage and replaced them with "pop" rivets thinking they would be stronger in shear but they also failed a couple of weeks ago (lasted 14 months) which I caught on a pre-flight before any damage could occur. I have seen two other RV-10's with failed rivets on the rudder stops, one at Oshkosh last year that damaged the rudder (bummer).
I replaced my rivets with #8 screws and nuts. This will be much stronger
Well, guess what Van's did? #6 or #8 screws.
Next time you have the rudder off I suggest this modification. It could save alot of work down the road someday.
The rivets would work if Van's would make the rudder stops one piece instead of two.
I hope this saves a few rudders from any damage.
I had my rivets shear on me at Las Vegas one weekend which caused some damage and replaced them with "pop" rivets thinking they would be stronger in shear but they also failed a couple of weeks ago (lasted 14 months) which I caught on a pre-flight before any damage could occur. I have seen two other RV-10's with failed rivets on the rudder stops, one at Oshkosh last year that damaged the rudder (bummer).
I replaced my rivets with #8 screws and nuts. This will be much stronger
Well, guess what Van's did? #6 or #8 screws.
Next time you have the rudder off I suggest this modification. It could save alot of work down the road someday.
The rivets would work if Van's would make the rudder stops one piece instead of two.
I hope this saves a few rudders from any damage.