Van's Air Force
Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.
RV-12 Rivets
- Thread starter ten4teg
- Start date
Flush or driven rivets
...are a no-no. The waay I understand it, an aircraft built under the E-LSA rule must be build EXACTLY as the manufacture designed it. We are limited as to our top speed and stall speed and changing out the rivets would 'clean up' the air surfaces and increase both speeds.
Meade and George
#16
...are a no-no. The waay I understand it, an aircraft built under the E-LSA rule must be build EXACTLY as the manufacture designed it. We are limited as to our top speed and stall speed and changing out the rivets would 'clean up' the air surfaces and increase both speeds.
Meade and George
#16
vernhendershott
Well Known Member
RV 12 rivets
OK the short and simple ansewer is no it must be uilt per the plans, ....BUT if money is not an issue you could build the aircraft per the plans and get it FAA approved, then you can make any changes that you wish (so long as it still meets the LSA requirements) so with a RV-12 the wings come right off and you could build a second set with the wings flush rivited if you like, you could use normal rivits on one side and pulled countersunk rivets on the other and just put the wings on your aircraft.
Of course if you have a friend who has a RV-12 with plans built wings who would let you use them to get it approved then you would not have to build two sets of wings. It will add a lot of work and it may just make it to fast.
Good luck.
Best regards,
Vern
OK the short and simple ansewer is no it must be uilt per the plans, ....BUT if money is not an issue you could build the aircraft per the plans and get it FAA approved, then you can make any changes that you wish (so long as it still meets the LSA requirements) so with a RV-12 the wings come right off and you could build a second set with the wings flush rivited if you like, you could use normal rivits on one side and pulled countersunk rivets on the other and just put the wings on your aircraft.
Of course if you have a friend who has a RV-12 with plans built wings who would let you use them to get it approved then you would not have to build two sets of wings. It will add a lot of work and it may just make it to fast.
Good luck.
Best regards,
Vern
MartySantic
Well Known Member
This is why the building community is having a problem with the FAA. Sorry for the post.
Steve Brown
Well Known Member
Why?
Why would cleaning up the airframe increase stall speeds? I don't think so.
You can keep an LSA in spec by pitching the prop so the top speed can't be exceeded at maximum continuous RPM. Cleaning up an LSA with flush rivets, wheel pants, etc, has value even without increased cruise speed. Improved fuel economy and increased climb rate.
AND - since power is a function of MP and RPM, you could actually cruise closer to top speed with less drag since the engine could run at acceptable % power outputs.
None of this violates the fundimental LSA rules.
The E-LSA rule is about building exactly to plans is another matter. Hopefully some builders will get experimental approval for their 12s and this won't be an issue.
Why would cleaning up the airframe increase stall speeds? I don't think so.
You can keep an LSA in spec by pitching the prop so the top speed can't be exceeded at maximum continuous RPM. Cleaning up an LSA with flush rivets, wheel pants, etc, has value even without increased cruise speed. Improved fuel economy and increased climb rate.
AND - since power is a function of MP and RPM, you could actually cruise closer to top speed with less drag since the engine could run at acceptable % power outputs.
None of this violates the fundimental LSA rules.
The E-LSA rule is about building exactly to plans is another matter. Hopefully some builders will get experimental approval for their 12s and this won't be an issue.
