I am building a tail kit for an RV7 from 2007. I purchased the Horizontal stabilizer SB kit from Vans. I also bought the new root ribs(HS0005). I am not sure if I need to drill an additional hole in the rib and skin. Has anyone run into this? In the updated drawing there are two holes in the front flange of the rib. I know the old skins have an extra hole that isn't used anymore. I'm wondering if I should add a hole aft of the unused hole.
New builder, so any suggestions are much appreciated!
I am a DAR in the Northwest. I just got off the phone with Vans. the service instruction is a bit vague, and it will be rewritten soon. Meanwhile, the later kits have a heavier cap in the area of the crack, that is what is meant as "not applicable" on the "chart". That does not mean that the SI does not apply to those aircraft, just the drawing. All RV 6-7-8 aircraft need to be inspected prior to further flight for these cracks.
also, per 8130.2G(change 1) and 8100-1 for all new aircraft being inspected for a certificate of airworthiness, all Vans service Instructions must be current at the time of issuance.
Some have said that the SI does not apply to an Experimental Aircraft. Here is the rub........ how can the repairmen or A&P certify that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation, when the manufacture of the kit says it is not? I would not want the liability when the lawyers start smelling blood.
While we are on the subject...... I have found aircraft with excessive clearance between the forward vertical attach bracket, with the bolting together causing stress on the bend radius. Vans plans call for a shim if the surfaces do not mate exactly. good time to take a look. I'm heading out to the hangar now to inspect my -7.
Fly Safe!
Gary Brown
ATP A&P IA CFI DAR
Basically, can I get an airworthiness certificate and continue my annual inspections per the SB?
Hi,
when i order now a 7, the problems are fixed from Vans site?
The Parts for the repair are included and the plans chanced from vans?
Thank you for an answer.
Chris
I'm trying to understand these most recent comments. Are you guys implying that the reinforcement needs to be installed regardless of whether cracks exist?
The bulletin allows for inspection prior to further flight and then each annual inspection. Maybe I'm reading too much into these comments or not reading the bulletin correctly.
I'm trying to understand these most recent comments. Are you guys implying that the reinforcement needs to be installed regardless of whether cracks exist?
The bulletin allows for inspection prior to further flight and then each annual inspection. Maybe I'm reading too much into these comments or not reading the bulletin correctly.
How do I get on the distribution list for Vans planes. I am the original purchaser of the kit.....the builder....and the one and only owner. I have never gotten any correspondence from Vans regarding service bulletins. I just happened to stumble on this one via this forum.
out board inspection hole
dmat. Pretty sure that you're going to have to make a hole on the outboard stabilizer end rib. At least on the -8 there's a rib that prevents you from viewing the out board hinge. The outboard hole is a good way to go. After I finished my repair I just used a plastic hole plug that seals it up quite well.
I think these posts are referring to a different service bulletin, SB-00036?Can one make a hole from inside of the tail instead of drilling on the outside of the horizontal stab? I’m working on the conditional now and pulled the tail fairing and was thinking this would be a good place to put a hole as it’s concealed when the fainting is put back on the tail.
Interesting opinion. I just bought the SB Kit a few months ago, and have yet to put it in. I have a LOT of hours on the aircraft, and still don't see any crack (inspected multiple time/year). I think the cracks occur for some because of how they fly/handle their plane, or possible because of some other building factor. I'm thinking about replacing the thin skin elevators and will probably install the kit then.You are correct. Being an A&P and very knowledgeable on RVs, all SBs need to be complied with for me to sign off the once a year "Condition Inspection." SB 14-01-31 requires that the reinforcement be installed if a crack is found. If a crack is found, I will NOT sign off the aircraft until after the reinforcement spelled out in SB 14-01-31 has been installed.
I prefer that the reinforcement be put in before the crack develops. I would like to think that most owners that were not builders schedule down time to install the reinforcement before a crack develops instead of wait till they are forced to have the aircraft down because of a crack.
Interesting opinion. I just bought the SB Kit a few months ago, and have yet to put it in. I have a LOT of hours on the aircraft, and still don't see any crack (inspected multiple time/year). I think the cracks occur for some because of how they fly/handle their plane, or possible because of some other building factor. I'm thinking about replacing the thin skin elevators and will probably install the kit then.
My opinion only: " If it isn't broke, don't fix it". But keep an eye on it. If it begins to fail, fix it immediately...RV6_flyer said: ..."I prefer that the reinforcement be put in before the crack develops. I would like to think that most owners that were not builders schedule down time to install the reinforcement before a crack develops instead of wait till they are forced to have the aircraft down because of a crack."...
Interesting indeed... what's the thought process that drives action above and beyond what Van's engineering advises?