The scenario is that a new RV10 owner has lost the pilot side door shortly after take-off. His fault and he accepted it, as he simply forgot to latch it properly. As far as I can find out, it was only the Vans spring loaded lock that was holding it.
I know of and has been involved in two other doors that came off locally and in both cases the doors could be repaired easily an re-installed. In both cases the plexi was not even scratched.
BUT
This RV10 was built in the USA and imported to South Africa in 2017 and it has done about 200 hours locally. As an AP (Approved Person) I was asked by the new owner to help with his broken door.
Looking at the door I could immediately see that there was NO ATTEMPT AT ALL to sand/scuff or roughen up (whatever you want to call it) mating surfaces and flanges. The material used to bond also does not look like cotton flox to me.
We now know that it will be a completely new LH door which will be expensive and a lot of hours. Taking into account that we will have to go and remove the wings etc. and trailer to my place to do the repair. I am also worrying about the RH door which will be the same if it has been done by the same builder.
The reason for this message is to bring it under the attention of ALL RV10 builders. Please guys stick to the building instructions which is very clear of what to use and how to build these doors. I believe they are critical parts and no shortcuts should be taken.
Below are some pictures. The first picture is of the piece that has remained on the cabin top. Comments are welcome and I really hope it will be seen by current builders.
I know of and has been involved in two other doors that came off locally and in both cases the doors could be repaired easily an re-installed. In both cases the plexi was not even scratched.
BUT
This RV10 was built in the USA and imported to South Africa in 2017 and it has done about 200 hours locally. As an AP (Approved Person) I was asked by the new owner to help with his broken door.
Looking at the door I could immediately see that there was NO ATTEMPT AT ALL to sand/scuff or roughen up (whatever you want to call it) mating surfaces and flanges. The material used to bond also does not look like cotton flox to me.
We now know that it will be a completely new LH door which will be expensive and a lot of hours. Taking into account that we will have to go and remove the wings etc. and trailer to my place to do the repair. I am also worrying about the RH door which will be the same if it has been done by the same builder.
The reason for this message is to bring it under the attention of ALL RV10 builders. Please guys stick to the building instructions which is very clear of what to use and how to build these doors. I believe they are critical parts and no shortcuts should be taken.
Below are some pictures. The first picture is of the piece that has remained on the cabin top. Comments are welcome and I really hope it will be seen by current builders.