SB-00043 and Section 9 for RV-10 and R-14/14A Published

[greghughespdx]

Today Van's published SB-00043, which describes inspection for potential elevator cracks and a method of remediation on RV-10/RV-14, as well as recommended preventative steps that can be taken. In addition, RV-10 KAI section 9 and RV-14 KAI section 9 have both been updated to include the additional steps during original construction.

The related SB-00043 KIT used to comply with the bulletin can be found at this link.

[TASEsq]

Hi Greg,

Can you elaborate on the purpose of the additional elevator counterweight? E-01414? (I assume that’s that it is from the instructions?)

Are the cracks caused by some kind of flutter or vibration?

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by TASEsq

Hi Greg,

Can you elaborate on the purpose of the additional elevator counterweight? E-01414? (I assume that’s that it is from the instructions?)

Are the cracks caused by some kind of flutter or vibration?

Sure. The E-01414 is covered in the Service Bulletin, starting at Step 16. The purpose is to offset the additional mass introduced aft of the spar, inside the trailing edges, when the sealant is applied internally.

The cracks are fatigue cracks, determined to be the result of pulse vibration such as happens from propeller wash/pulses and similar. The engine, propeller, and other aircraft configuration details will result in some variance in that regard, but the proactive placement of the sealant compensates for those potential fatigue-related stresses.

[TASEsq]

Thank you for the extra info.

[CarloJ]

Greg,

I see that RV-14 KAI chapter 9 (elevator) has also been updated to match the new SB. In addition to the sealant instructions, the new chapter also revised the part numbers for the front and rear spars. Can you tell us what changes were made to the spars (or is this just a nomenclature change)?

Thanks!

[ragedracer1977]

If we have an empennage kit that’s not started yet, do we need to order the entire kit or can the counterweights be ordered separate?

[Auburntsts]

Is the E-01414 Counterweight RV-14 specific?

[ferrari308guy]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

Is the E-01414 Counterweight RV-14 specific?

I was also wondering this. I looked through the revised Section 9 plans for the RV-10 and RV-14 (posted yesterday) and while both talk about adding the sealant to the rear spar, neither make reference to the new E-01414 counterweight.

If the counterweight is meant to offset the added mass from the sealant, then I'm confused why the SB advises it should be added, but the revised plans (which also call for the sealant to be added) do not.

Perhaps the revised part numbers for the rear spar imply a change that means the counterweight isn't needed if you're using the new parts, versus the originals? Although it appears only part numbers for the RV-14 changed. The RV-10 part numbers appear the same.

[Bavafa]

Originally Posted by steve997

Could we instead order 4 new E-614 and trim less lead off to increase the amount of counter-weight? If so, what total mass do we need on each side (L/R including inner and outer ?

What I have done is to install two additional nut plates in that area that matches the same counter weight and balanced my elevators after the paint using those nut plates. I am planning on just adjusting the weight after I have completed this SB. If you have not installed the elevator cap on yet, this would be an easy thing to do that will set you up for any future balancing of the elevator.

[CarloJ]

Originally Posted by ferrari308guy

I was also wondering this. I looked through the revised Section 9 plans for the RV-10 and RV-14 (posted yesterday) and while both talk about adding the sealant to the rear spar, neither make reference to the new E-01414 counterweight.

If the counterweight is meant to offset the added mass from the sealant, then I'm confused why the SB advises it should be added, but the revised plans (which also call for the sealant to be added) do not.

Perhaps the revised part numbers for the rear spar imply a change that means the counterweight isn't needed if you're using the new parts, versus the originals? Although it appears only part numbers for the RV-14 changed. The RV-10 part numbers appear the same.

For the RV-14, it looks like the plans revisions alter the amount removed from the inboard counterweights (leaves 1/32" vs flush). I assume this negates the need for the new E-01414 counterweight. The RV-10 plans are likely the same.