JOhn Ahearn
I'm New Here
Hi RV12 owners, and operators,
I'm interested to know if anyone has seen cracks like this on their RV12 rudder.
In the attached pictures you'll see two cracks - one each side at the bottom of the rudder - starting at trailing edge near the trim tab.
The trim tab is mounted to the rudder using double sided foam tape.
I suspect a lack of rigidity in the foam tape allows the trim tab to vibrate - which maybe caused the cracks to start and propagate.
There is also some impact damage around a rivet which could be the trigger point for the cracks to start.
The aircraft's first flight was in 2011. 675 hours.
Vans advised; "recommend full rudder placement. The rudder has been redesigned to help with this very issue by adding a Stub Spar and Trim Tab."
So in the meantime, I want to keep flying until a new rudder can be installed.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
I'm looking for a repair strategy. Drilling holes at the end of the cracks is an obvious answer. However, that solves the symptoms but not the cause.
I'm thinking about a patch that includes the trim tab, bonded and riveted in place. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for any assistance.
Regards,
John
I'm interested to know if anyone has seen cracks like this on their RV12 rudder.
In the attached pictures you'll see two cracks - one each side at the bottom of the rudder - starting at trailing edge near the trim tab.
The trim tab is mounted to the rudder using double sided foam tape.
I suspect a lack of rigidity in the foam tape allows the trim tab to vibrate - which maybe caused the cracks to start and propagate.
There is also some impact damage around a rivet which could be the trigger point for the cracks to start.
The aircraft's first flight was in 2011. 675 hours.
Vans advised; "recommend full rudder placement. The rudder has been redesigned to help with this very issue by adding a Stub Spar and Trim Tab."
So in the meantime, I want to keep flying until a new rudder can be installed.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
I'm looking for a repair strategy. Drilling holes at the end of the cracks is an obvious answer. However, that solves the symptoms but not the cause.
I'm thinking about a patch that includes the trim tab, bonded and riveted in place. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for any assistance.
Regards,
John