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Screws to nowhere - RV9

M

Martinejim

Active Member
Hello everyone,

I’m the proud owner of a “new to me” 2005 RV9. I was checking on the plane today after some heavy rain over the past few days and came across this loose rear anti-collision/strobe light on the rear of the plane attached to the bottom of the rudder. I thought, no biggie, I’ll just get out a screwdriver and tighten up. Well, the screws turned but it never got tight. Upon closer inspection I couldn’t find anything in the hole for the screw to screw into. Makes me wonder how it’s been staying in place this whole time.

Can someone tell me how this should be attached/secured? I thought maybe a nut or something might have fallen off but I looked inside the whole and couldn’t find anything. I would greatly appreciate any help the collection brain power of this group can provide.

Last question, I’m waiting on covers for the plane (I have full plane covers on the way) but for now it’s not covered and there was quite a bit of water in the bottom of the rudder. Should there be a drain hole there? If so, I couldn’t find one.

Thanks,

Jim
 

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Martinejim said:
Hello everyone,

I’m the proud owner of a “new to me” 2005 RV9. I was checking on the plane today after some heavy rain over the past few days and came across this loose rear anti-collision/strobe light on the rear of the plane attached to the bottom of the rudder. I thought, no biggie, I’ll just get out a screwdriver and tighten up. Well, the screws turned but it never got tight. Upon closer inspection I couldn’t find anything in the hole for the screw to screw into. Makes me wonder how it’s been staying in place this whole time.

Can someone tell me how this should be attached/secured? I thought maybe a nut or something might have fallen off but I looked inside the whole and couldn’t find anything. I would greatly appreciate any help the collection brain power of this group can provide.

Last question, I’m waiting on covers for the plane (I have full plane covers on the way) but for now it’s not covered and there was quite a bit of water in the bottom of the rudder. Should there be a drain hole there? If so, I couldn’t find one.

Thanks,

Jim
Click to expand...
My guess would be that the builder tapped the fiberglass and they stripped over time. Tapping fiberglass is generally not a good practice for this reason.
 
skypilot737 said:
I don’t have the exact strobe as yours but mine has a ring that fits inside the rudder and has threaded holes for those screws to attach to.
Click to expand...
Now that would make sense. However, how does it stay in place? The way this thing is made I have no way of getting the screw started to attach it. Guess I could possibly glue the ring in place?
 
Before OP-56 was available, builders would "bond" in a nut on the inside, some would just tap the fiberglass and hope ;)
The hole location is "standard" - thanks to the Whelen A-500 unit.

Screenshot 2025-05-09 at 2.47.41 PM.png
 
1746820242111.png
You can purchase this from Paul at Flyleds or from Blake at Flyboy Accessories.
Attaches with the CS4-4 rivets and has threaded holes top and bottom for your light. As far as your drain hole. Pick the low point of your rudder fairing and drill a 1/4" hole..
A
 
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bjdecker said:
Before OP-56 was available, builders would "bond" in a nut on the inside, some would just tap the fiberglass and hope ;)
The hole location is "standard" - thanks to the Whelen A-500 unit.

View attachment 87261
Click to expand...
Thanks, that is super helpful. I actually wondered why there was no plate to screw the light to. Guess this was one of those areas where the builder crossed his fingers that it would stay put. Now, if I only had all the tools and export to get this done that would be great. Wonder if there is a temporary fix until I can get what I need or find another Vans owner to assist.
 
Martinejim said:
Hello everyone,
Last question, I’m waiting on covers for the plane (I have full plane covers on the way) but for now it’s not covered and there was quite a bit of water in the bottom of the rudder. Should there be a drain hole there? If so, I couldn’t find one.
Click to expand...
There SHOULD be a drain hole in the bottom of the rudder closure - it's not called out by dimensions, should be at low point of cap with plane in normal parked attitude and for a RV9 (tail dragger) that means tail down. Typically builders use an 1/8" hole. Look in to rudder using opening for tail light to be sure you're not drilling into wires glued to the bottom of the fairing, also make sure no other obstructions exist like a raised floor or a "dam" - some people have been known to add inner bulkheads to support sides which could block drainage if they go all the way to the bottom.
Please check the rest of the airframe including wings etc for drain holes too :)
Hope that helps.
 
Drawing #7 Rudder, note #(3) for 7-9. "Add 1/4" dia. drainage hole to R-911 at low point when the airplane is in a ground attitude" I amended my inaccurate 1/8" dimension above.
A
 
Last edited:
I tried the ring. The screws are so small I stripped the holes pretty quick. I bonded steel 4-40 nuts inside. Pretty simple actually.

-Buy two scrap 4-40 screws. Long ones. -Buy four good 4-40 nuts.
-Wax the screw really well so they won't get stuck.
-Spin a nut on each screw.
-Insert.
-Add the other nut inside.
-Tighten the outside nut to hold the assembly in place.
-Goop it up with flox inside.
-Cure.
-Remove the screws.
-If necessary, run a tap through to clean up the nut threads.
Works and less prone to stripping.
 
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