This document provides information on the Vans RV-7 and RV-7A aircraft types, including:
1. Additions made to the Airworthiness Information Leaflet including new service bulletins.
2. Sections describing general information about the type, mandatory compliance requirements, and advisory information for owners and inspectors.
3. Details of the RV-7 and RV-7A such as approved engines, limitations, required modifications, and standard options.
This document provides information on the Vans RV-7 and RV-7A aircraft types, including:
1. Additions made to the Airworthiness Information Leaflet including new service bulletins.
2. Sections describing general information about the type, mandatory compliance requirements, and advisory information for owners and inspectors.
3. Details of the RV-7 and RV-7A such as approved engines, limitations, required modifications, and standard options.
This document provides information on the Vans RV-7 and RV-7A aircraft types, including:
1. Additions made to the Airworthiness Information Leaflet including new service bulletins.
2. Sections describing general information about the type, mandatory compliance requirements, and advisory information for owners and inspectors.
3. Details of the RV-7 and RV-7A such as approved engines, limitations, required modifications, and standard options.
This document provides information on the Vans RV-7 and RV-7A aircraft types, including:
1. Additions made to the Airworthiness Information Leaflet including new service bulletins.
2. Sections describing general information about the type, mandatory compliance requirements, and advisory information for owners and inspectors.
3. Details of the RV-7 and RV-7A such as approved engines, limitations, required modifications, and standard options.
Addition of Vans Service Bulletins. Minor editorial changes.
Dated 12/3/14
JV
These TADS are intended as a summary of available information about the type and should be used during the build, operation and permit revalidation phases to help owners and inspectors. Although it is hoped that this document is as complete as possible, other sources may contain more up to date information, e.g. the manufacturers website. Section 1 contains general information about the type. Section 2 contains information about the type that is MANDATORY and must be complied with. Section 3 contains advisory information that owners and inspectors should review to help them maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition. If due consideration and circumstances suggest that compliance with the requirements in this section can safely be deferred, is not required or not applicable, then this is a permitted judgement call. This section also provides a useful repository for advisory information gathered through defect reports and experience. Section 1 - Introduction 1.1 UK contact There is no UK agent. Contact Vans direct: Vans Aircraft Inc, 14401 NE Keil Road, Aurora, Oregon, 97002, USA Tel: 001 (503) 6786545 Tel: 001 (503) 6475117 Website: www.vansaircraft.com UK Vans owners club - RV Squadron, run by Harry Hopkins, Cheltenham Tel: 01242 260242. Enthusiast and 2 x RV Builder, Nigel Reddish, Nottingham Tel: 01623 810300 1.2 Description The RV-7 and RV-7A are developments of the former RV-6 and RV-6A models. The improvements being mainly in ease of build and improved payload and performance using up to 200 BHP Lycoming engines. The RV-7 and RV-7A can be built from standard or fast-build kit. Pre-built wing spars are also available. All are acceptable subject to the inspector being entirely satisfied with the quality of workmanship of any part-built assemblies. Solid-riveted sheet aluminium construction is used throughout. Many hundreds of these kits have been sold. The aircraft is fitted with integral wing fuel tanks and sealed during construction using a proprietary sealant. For UK-built examples recommend suitable corrosion protection of aluminium airframe throughout, e.g. epoxy primer on aluminium parts and assembly compound where steel parts are assembled to aluminium parts. The RV-7 is similar to the RV-7A except that the RV-7 has a tailwheel rather than nosewheel undercarriage.
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LAA TYPE ACCEPTANCE DATA SHEET
TADS 323 VANS RV-7 & 7A 150-200 BHP Lycoming O-320, IO-320, O-360 and IO-360, engines may be fitted as recommended by Vans. Also accepted with equivalent XP type engines manufactured by Superior Air Parts. Consult LAA regarding acceptable models of Superior Air Parts engines, in particular choice of ignition system, in particular use of dual electronic ignition system only accepted if type-certified electronic system used. Single noncertified electronic ignition plus certified magneto is acceptable. Note that the only propeller(s) approved for an individual aircraft are those listed on the individual aircrafts Operating Limitations document or in the PTL/1 (Propeller Type List) for the type. Section 2 Mandatory information for owners, operators and inspectors At all times, responsibility for the maintenance and airworthiness of an aircraft rests with the owner. Condition No 3 of a Permit to Fly requires that: the aircraft shall be maintained in an airworthy condition. 2.1 Fast Build Kit 51% Compliance The contents of the standard fast build kit is accepted as compliant with the 51% major portion requirements on the basis that it is the same kit standard that has been accepted as 51% compliant by the FAA. 2.2 Build Manual RV-7/-7A Assembly Manual and RV-7/-7A drawings. Vanss newsletter, the RVator, provides useful additional guidance. A useful compilation of the content of past RVators is also available from Vans. 2.3 Build Inspections Build inspection schedule 44 (Vans RV Aircraft). Inspector approval codes A-A, A-M, or K. Inspector signing off final inspection also requires first flight endorsement. 2.4 Flight Manual Nil. Build manual contains section with advice on flight testing. 2.5 Mandatory Permit Directives None applicable specifically to this aircraft type: Also check the LAA website for MPDs that are non-type specific (TL2.22).
Description P2 control column attachment Addition of artificial stall warner (supersedes MOD-181-002) Inspection for cracking in tailplane front spar Inspection for cracks in elevator forward spar
Vans SB 02-6-1
Vans larger rudder
All variants
All variants All variants
The RV-7/-7A type engine mount must be fitted to RV-7/-7A aircraft rather than the similar but weaker RV-6/6A engine mount even though the two appear interchangeable. Note also LAA advisory letter regarding water leakage past fuel filler caps dated 3.9.02 2.7 Additional engine operating limitations to be placarded (or shown by instrument markings) (Refer to the engine manufacturers latest documentation for parameter values.) 2.8 Control surface deflections Ailerons
Up: 25 to 32 Down: 15 to 17
Elevators
Up: 25 to 30 Down: 20 to 25
Rudder
Left 30 to 35 Right 30 to 35
Flap
Down 40
2.9 Operating Limitations and Placards
(Note that the wording on an individual aircrafts Operating Limitations document takes precedence, if different.) 1.
Maximum number of occupants authorised to be carried: Two
2.
The aircraft must be operated in compliance with the following operating
limitations, which shall be displayed in the cockpit by means of placards or instrument markings: 2.1
Aerobatic Limitations Aerobatic manoeuvres are prohibited. Intentional spinning is prohibited.
2.2
Loading Limitations Maximum Total Weight Authorised: 1800 lb
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LAA TYPE ACCEPTANCE DATA SHEET
TADS 323 VANS RV-7 & 7A CG Range: 78.7 to 86.82 aft of datum Datum Point is: a point 70.0 forward of the leading edge of the wing 2.3
Engine Limitations Maximum Engine RPM: 2700 (2600 rpm when Sensenich 70CM 2-blade metal propeller fitted to O-320 or IO-320 engines)
2.4
Airspeed Limitations Maximum Indicated Airspeed (VNE): 230 mph IAS Max Indicated Airspeed Flaps Extended: 100 mph IAS
2.5
Other Limitations The aircraft shall be flown by day and under Visual Flight Rules only. Smoking in the aircraft is prohibited.
Additional Placards: Recommended climb speed 90 kts (103 mph). Refer to RV-7 Pilots Note ref RV7/PN/1 Occupant Warning - This Aircraft has not been Certificated to an International Requirement A fireproof identification plate must be fitted to fuselage, engraved or stamped with aircrafts registration letters. When certain types of metal propeller are fitted, RPM avoid bands are necessary as specified by the propeller manufacturer, in which case these must also be placarded. Alternative limitations for those aircraft cleared for limited aerobatics: Aerobatic Limitations Intentional spinning is prohibited. The following aerobatic manoeuvres only are permitted, not exceeding +6g or -3g Maximum airspeed for full control deflection, VA = 142 mph IAS Manoeuvre Inside loop Aileron roll Slow roll Stall turn Barrel roll Roll off the top Cuban eight
Loading Limitations Maximum aerobatic weight: 727 kg (1600 lb) CG Range, aerobatic category: 78.7" to 84.5" aft of datum. Aircraft cockpit to be placarded: "Warning: this is a high performance aircraft in which care is required particularly during aerobatic manoeuvres to avoid exceeding structural limits and/or maximum permitted airspeeds".
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LAA TYPE ACCEPTANCE DATA SHEET
TADS 323 VANS RV-7 & 7A In the event of an inadvertent erect spin, the aircraft responds to standard recovery actions ie throttle closed, check ailerons centred, apply full opposite rudder followed by progressive forward stick until rotation ceases. 2.10 Maximum permitted empty weight N/A Section 3 Advice to owners, operators and inspectors 3.1 Maintenance Manual Nil. In the absence of a manufacturers schedule, LAMS can be used as a guide to required inspections and this is reflected in the check list in Section 1 of the LAAs Permit renewal application form. Alternatively the LAA Generic Maintenance Schedule may be used. Vans service information should also be reviewed. Maintenance is typical of riveted aluminium alloy airframe. Engine maintenance as appropriate to the engine manufacturers advice (e.g. Lycoming). 3.2 Standard Options Vans offer a great number of options in their catalogue of accessories, the majority of which are accepted by the LAA. Refer to LAA technical leaflet TL3.08 for details. Some examples of the RV-7 and -7A may be cleared for limited aerobatics. This is subject to a number of special requirements and a special flight test. A g meter must be fitted for aerobatic clearance. Contact LAA Engineering for the procedure to clear an aircraft for aerobatics. The following items are also permitted to be fitted as optional equipment, without further reference to LAA Engineering. Installations must be inspected by an LAA Inspector against the supplied installation instructions and a PMR entered into the logbook. Andair TQX series throttle quadrant with or without flap switches. Andair lockable fuel caps. Andair fuel pump PX375-TC (on fuel injected engines only and only pump serial numbers 30453 and on). AntiSplatAero nose leg brace and fairing fitted in accordance with the manufacturers instructions entitled The Nose Job (ref LAA mod 13274). Affordable Panels Inc modular instrument panel (ref LAA mod 11302). Briggs Airmotive nosewheel bearing spacers (ref LAA mod 12265). Bell tailwheel fork (ref LAA mod 12276)
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LAA TYPE ACCEPTANCE DATA SHEET
TADS 323 VANS RV-7 & 7A Sega tailwheel fork (ref LAA mod 12414) Rocket tailwheel steering link (ref LAA mod 11575) Replacement of removable canopy hinge pins with appropriate bolts and nuts. 3.3 Manufacturers Information (including Service Bulletins, Service Letters, etc) In the absence of any over-riding LAA classification, inspections and modifications published by the manufacturer should be satisfied according to the recommendation of the manufacturer. It is the owners responsibility to be aware of and supply such information to their Inspector. Copies of service information can be downloaded from Vans Website. Service Letters: Dated 20.12.11 19.4.11 26.11.07 16.11.07 9.11.07 6.9.07 5.4.07 18.10.06 13.2.06 10.05 10.03.05 10.11.04 11.8.04 30.6.04 4.9.03 3.03 3.03 14.11.01 12.6.00
Description Fuel valve lever II installation A letter to prospective buyers of flying RVs Soft rivets Inspect master switch Nose gear leg and fork upgrade Tricycle gear aircraft nose wheel torque Dynafocal II mounts #2 Battery cables 60 amp alternator Filtered Airbox advisory Nose gear design Check horizontal flange of HS-710 Addendum Buying a second hand RV kit Buying a flying RV GAS-3 gascolator recall Hartzell HC-C2YR prop Hartzell HC-C2YK prop CT 82F and CT 83F Fuel pickup tube anti-rotation bracket
Description Cracks in elevator spar (see also LAA MOD/323/004) Horizontal stabiliser cracks (see also LAA MOD/323/003) Inspect for missing wing attach bolts Fuel tank slosh inspection Nose gear leg and fork upgrade Securing flap motor rod end bearing Affixing the passenger control stick permanently Trim cable anchor Safetying of standard and flop-type fuel pickup tubes (see also related LAA letter) Tip-up canopy fuselage kits Electric flap motor recall Pre-manufactured hoses Larger rudder (LAA required mod)
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LAA TYPE ACCEPTANCE DATA SHEET
TADS 323 VANS RV-7 & 7A SB 96-10-2 SB 96-10-1
Full swivel tail wheel
Filtered airbox
3.4 Special Inspection Points
Builders not familiar with the form of solid construction used in this type are encouraged to practise on scrap test pieces to learn techniques of riveting before starting on actual construction. These are high-performance aircraft and top quality workmanship is essential. The engine compartments of these aircraft are fairly cramped and care should be taken to avoid overheating problems, charring of the cowlings near the exhaust, vapour-lock due to pre-heating of fuel in gascolator, etc. Insulating the exhaust pipes has been found to help, but can cause problems with premature and hidden corrosion of the exhaust pipes underneath. The flaps are operated by rod-ends on the operating pushrods without any back-up capturing feature and therefore the rod-ends must be checked carefully for wear to ensure that there is no possibility of a rod-end coming adrift from a flap. Check that fuselage fairing around rear of tailplane is well secured since if this fairing comes loose it could cause the elevator to jam. Take care to minimise operating friction in flying controls by careful attention to hinges, rod-ends, lubrication etc. Note that the trailing edge profile on control surfaces is critical to control characteristics. Engine mount cracks have been reported in the vicinity of the undercarriage leg sockets on similar tailwheel RV-6 model, especially when operated from grass fields. With the similar RV-6A model, problems have been experienced with the nosewheel jamming in the spat and it is important to trim the nosewheel spat to ensure generous clearance between the tyre and the wheel aperture in the spat (circa half an inch), and to maintain the correct nosewheel tyre pressure. It is also important to maintain suitable preload on the nosewheel axle bearings, torquing up the axle nut gently as required in the absence of a conventional spacer between the bearings. Note that the wheel spats may be used as part of the locking system for the axle nuts, so if the aircraft is operated with spats removed, alternative means of locking the axle nuts is required. Later type nosewheel forks provided by Vans seek to improve this issue by raising the ground clearance of the noseleg. If manual elevator trim fitted, refer to SB-06-9-20 regarding problems with rear attachment of trim cable. Longitudinal levelling datum for weight is the cockpit rails.
3.5 Special Test Flying Issues
VP Prop flight test schedule required if VP prop is fitted.
Adjustments to lateral trim can be made by lightly dressing aileron trailing edges. These are high-performance aircraft but nevertheless the designs are well developed and thanks to good handling characteristics they have achieved a good accident-free record. The stall warner vane may need adjusting to sound the hooter at the correct airspeed. Due to the onset of neutral longitudinal stability in the climb configuration at lower airspeeds, a placarded recommendation to climb at an airspeed of 90 knots (103 mph) has been included by LAA for RV7/7A types. Further details are provided in LAA note RV7/PN/1, available from LAA.
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LAA TYPE ACCEPTANCE DATA SHEET
TADS 323 VANS RV-7 & 7A
Problems have been experienced with the similar RV-6A noseleg, especially when operating off grass, with instances of the nosewheel bending back and the strut digging into the ground, causing a rapid stop and further damage. In order to avoid this risk, it is important to maintain the correct nosewheel tyre pressure, and to trim the spat to ensure generous clearance between the tyre and the wheel aperture in the spat (circa half an inch). It is also important to maintain suitable preload on the nosewheel axle bearings, torquing up the axle nut gently as required in the absence of a conventional spacer between the bearings. It is also important to land the aircraft on the mainwheels first and hold the nosewheel off the ground during the initial part of the landing roll, rather than landing on all three wheels together which encourages wheelbarrowing and overloading the nosewheel. ---------------- END --------------Please report any errors or omissions to LAA Engineering: engineering@laa.uk.com
