There are a few facets of Alan's OP...some very positive, and some that have raised some concern of jumping to conclusions. I fly with a few of Alan's products and have benefitted from Alan's generosity of time and sponsorship of my RV in racing. I truly don't feel he's the type to use scare tactics or opportunistic marketing.
That being said, I do however, see where language in the OP could raise concerns. We all do our best to convey the message we hope to send, and in this case (shooting straight here Alan) the message about your VS Spar Doubler and the conceptualization of a tool for inspecting and adjusting control surface attachment hardware (both positive things), was blended with your concerns over tail component failures (a very emotional topic).
The thread title (which you said you've evaluated candidly in an earlier post), combined with statements about "becoming a little paranoid" over "recent events and the incident in Canada a couple of years ago involving tail feathers" raised my eyebrows too. I know you are honestly concerned, and if a product within your manufacturing capabilities can help add to safety, you are motivated by the value added to the community. I appreciate that about you very much!
However, the combined discussion of (1) the recent tragic event (about which we really don't yet have answers at all), with (2) recent discussion of elevator spar cracks, plus (3) discussion of VS spar attach hardware...with a dose of (4) this comment, "I would like to see some photos of these mounting plates on the aircraft that experienced the major or complete tail failures, resulting in total destruction" becomes a pretty invigorating blend of words, as we have seen.
As I said, it raised my eyebrows, and I know you mean well, so this is just honest feedback from a friend, and a plug for your forthrightness to others who may not know you yet.
I don't know if there have been "major or complete tail failures, resulting in total destruction", but those are strong words! The thread evolved and even includes discussion of canopy impact on tails.
The combo of events above has many inspecting their tails closely...all good. Perhaps we can separate inspecting the the VS spar and doubling as deemed necessary into one concept or task; inspecting the elevator and H-stab (and developing a tool to help in that task) into another; and leave the Canadian RV-7 incident (completely different failure mode or cause), and the recent accident (completely unknown failure mode or cause) out of what would otherwise be a very positive and productive discussion.
And if you come up with a tool that makes inspecting the tail easier, I'm all in (I inspect my tail often, to be sure!) I would also love to see what Steve Smith suggested to you, as he and I have had similar discussions of tail surface attachment security...though his suggestions may now be proprietary info!
)
So maybe we can call a truce, eh!
Cheers,
Bob
....In light of some recent events and the incident in Canada a couple of years ago involving tail feathers, I am becoming somewhat paranoid. After viewing a thread showing some cracks or flaws in the front vertical spar mountings on two airplanes. We decided to make a mod that would eliminate this being a potential problem as I am sure most on this forum are aware of. My greatest fear in flying is a major control surface failure, an in flight fire or a midair collision. Many of you ordered this product from us as a little extra insurance. As people began to check their aircraft or they went to install this item, we began to receive e-mail stating that they had found cracks in their vertical spar attach plate. That would suggest that this is not just a couple of isolated incidents. I would like to see some photos of these mounting plates on the aircraft that experienced the major or complete tail failures, resulting in total destruction. Possibly we could determine how and where they failed. If anyone has this, or access to some, please let us know, as we would be extremely interested.
... We are currently looking at producing a tool or set of tools to easily access and check the torque on the rudder and elevator mountings (suggestion from a fellow forum member). We hope to have an offering of this tool soon. Anyone with an idea for this type of product, an improved part or mod that may increase safety or piece of mind for all of us, please, give us a call or drop us an e-mail. I promise if at all feasible, we will do our best to evaluate and produce your ideas. Thanks, Allan...