Tail Kit Sales Start Late March to Early April

[Van's Aircraft]

An announcement was just sent to all current RV-15 builders. Short version is that the tail kits are expected to go on sale late March or early April. Existing builders will be contacted first and have an exclusive window of 10 days to order before we open it up to new sales. We appreciate these early adopters and, as we've said before, want to give them first shot at the next kit in line.

Production of the tail kits starts in April with deliveries expected to begin at the end of May. Our production rate is planned for 2 full tail kits a day.

In case anyone missed it, the RV-15's tail configuration has been locked down to a trimmable stabilizer. That gave us the best combination of control authority and low weight, while preserving that renowned RV feel in handling.

RV-15 Tail Kit Deliveries to Begin in May

 

[TroyBranch]

Very interested to see how the pivot point of the stabilizer is done and the jack screw or whatever method is used to move the stab. I am sure it will be a great design.

 

[TShort]

Any rough estimate of price?
Will orders be with credit card deposit and balance paid when ready to ship?

 

[cfsanford]

I wonder if this kit is just airfoils - stabilizers and elevators, rudder - or if it includes aft section of fuselage with the dual jackscrew mechanism described in the EAA RV-15 Update of January 26?

 

[gasman]

Very interested to see anhow the pivot point of the stabilizer is done and the jack screw or whatever method is used to move the stab. I am sure it will be a great design.

I don't think the stabilizer is going to pivot.
Didn't Van's drop the stabilator and go back to a stabilizer with elevators...

 

[RVbySDI]

An announcement was just sent to all current RV-15 builders. Short version is that the tail kits are expected to go on sale late March or early April. Existing builders will be contacted first and have an exclusive window of 10 days to order before we open it up to new sales. We appreciate these early adopters and, as we've said before, want to give them first shot at the next kit in line.

Production of the tail kits starts in April with deliveries expected to begin at the end of May. Our production rate is planned for 2 full tail kits a day.

In case anyone missed it, the RV-15's tail configuration has been locked down to a trimmable stabilizer. That gave us the best combination of control authority and low weight, while preserving that renowned RV feel in handling.

RV-15 Tail Kit Deliveries to Begin in May

How about sending out some information about when we can expect delivery of backordered wing kit parts before we start discussing empennage parts! Just a little more information every now and then sure would help!

 

[Ironflight]

I don't think the stabilizer is going to pivot.
Didn't Van's drop the stabilator and go back to a stabilizer with elevators...

This is not a stabilator - it is a stabilizer/elevator with the stabilizer rotating about its aft spar point and the front anchored to a jackscrew so that it goes up and down. A trimmable stabilizer rather than a trim tab. Seen on all the finest Cubs…..

 

[gasman]

I see...

 

[mburch]

Very interested to see how the pivot point of the stabilizer is done and the jack screw or whatever method is used to move the stab. I am sure it will be a great design.

I don't think the stabilizer is going to pivot.
Didn't Van's drop the stabilator and go back to a stabilizer with elevators...

They haven't made this information too easy to find, but if you watch this EAA webinar video they go into a lot of these details.

 

[GaryK]

I see... View attachment 111247

Something similar to the CC EX3 Jackscrew.

 

[N10KE]

How about sending out some information about when we can expect delivery of backordered wing kit parts before we start discussing empennage parts! Just a little more information every now and then sure would help!

Taking deposits on tail kits brings in new revenue. Fulfilling back orders doesn’t. I don’t like it either, but it’s not unexpected.

 

[Jetmart]

Similar tail to my Waco?

 

[Dan 57]

Similar tail to my Waco?

View attachment 111268View attachment 111269

yep, and which, as Paul also stated above, was standard on the thousands of Piper Cubs manufactured and still flying worldwide. And the same movable HS, certainly the best aerodynamic way of trimming an aircraft, has been standard for probably all airliners.

 

[Van's Aircraft]

Good morning, all.

Here's some additional detail for you.

1. The concepts described here around the jackscrew are right but the execution will be different. The RV-15 has twin jackscrews (smaller, lighter) chain driven by a single electric motor. Moreover, the pitch of the threads is designed to prevent unintended movement in case the chain breaks and, on top of that, the range of the movement is limited by hard stops.

2. Yes, we're still not where we want to be in fulfilling backordered parts. We're working on it, and have made significant progress over the last couple of weeks, but still have some road to go. And, yes, our communication could be better.

3. The tail kit will be the flying surfaces, with the tailcone as part of the fuselage kit.

4. Price will be $9,000, which is in line with the RV-10's tail kit.

5. On the payment process, since we expect the tail kits will be within the 8-week delivery window, we'll take full payment at the time of order. This is how other kits in the RV line are currently handled. When they're outside that window, we'll take the 35% deposit and ask for the balance before the parts are due to be crated.

 

[catmandu]

Good morning, Van's!

How will order fulfilment for tail kits be handled, by serial number or by timestamp of the tail kit payment? I would like to coordinate delivery with another local builder, but we are tens of serial numbers apart.

 

[Van's Aircraft]

Good morning, Van's!

How will order fulfilment for tail kits be handled, by serial number or by timestamp of the tail kit payment? I would like to coordinate delivery with another local builder, but we are tens of serial numbers apart.

They'll be fulfilled by order date.

 

[RVbySDI]

Taking deposits on tail kits brings in new revenue. Fulfilling back orders doesn’t. I don’t like it either, but it’s not unexpected.

If you will reread what I said, I didn’t mention anything about stopping production of empennage kits in order to send out backordered parts.

What I said was:

How about sending out some information about when we can expect delivery of backordered wing kit parts before we start discussing empennage parts!

 

[543TB]

3. The tail kit will be the flying surfaces, with the tailcone as part of the fuselage kit.

4. Price will be $9,000, which is in line with the RV-10's tail kit.

Okay... The RV-10 tail kit does include the tailcone. So it's a bit strange to compare the price as similar while the contents are not.

Eagerly awaiting any actual information that might be forthcoming regarding the delays in fulfillment of complete wing kits after numerous private requests to Van's customer service for information.

 

[catmandu]

Today's news, via email:

Dear RV-15 Builder: We have exciting news: The wait for the RV-15 tail kit is almost over. Previously, we said this portion of the RV-15 would go on sale in “late March or early April,” and we’re on pace to fulfill that promise. We will be releasing the tail kit for sale exclusively to existing RV-15 customers on April 10, 2026. Watch your email closely, because on April 9 we’ll be sending a specific link for online ordering. Those who have yet to order an RV-15 wing kit will be able to purchase the tail kit beginning on April 24. Tail kits are expected to begin shipping by the end of May as our production rate stabilizes at two per business day. Meanwhile, work to fulfill existing backorders on RV-15 wing kits has been gaining speed, and we’re also on track for resuming shipments of new wing kits by April 20. Yes, it’s going to be a busy spring here in Aurora. For us, it’s worth it. The energy and enthusiasm we've seen from the RV-15 community has been incredible, and we're just as excited as you are. This is a big moment for Van's — our first high-wing design, and the beginning of a whole new chapter for backcountry pilots everywhere. Elsewhere in the RV-15 universe, our team has taken feedback from the field and made what we think are useful changes to the Kit Assembly Instructions. For example, the item numbers in each bill of materials callout is consistent across sections to help reduce confusion. Plus there are additional 3-D views to help visualize the assembly process more effectively.

Again: Watch your inbox on April 9 for ordering details. Questions? We're here at [email protected] or 503-678-6545 — don't hesitate to reach out. Together, let's make something amazing. Van's Aircraft