Positive Progress

Positive progress on the investigation into the tailplane attachment bolt hole positioning issue

We wanted to provide a further update on the investigation into the tailplane attachment bolt hole positioning issue identified in some RV aircraft, and to share the encouraging progress that has been made.

Since issuing MTD-07-2026 on 19th August and the revised Issue 2 on 25th August, which included a helpful relaxation of one of the edge-distance limits, we have received around twenty reports from owners whose aircraft were found to be outside the published criteria.

Van's Aircraft has received more than sixty similar notifications following the release of Service Bulletin SB-00134. Many of these reports have provided valuable data, which is helping build a clearer understanding of the issue across the wider RV fleet.

Over recent weeks, LAA Engineering and Van's Engineering Team have been working closely together, reviewing these reports on a daily basis. By examining the various types of edge-margin discrepancies in detail, we have been able to develop a much better understanding of the structural implications and the most appropriate solutions.

Following a very productive meeting on 9th September with Van's Chief Engineer, Rian Johnson, LAA Engineering will now reassess all reported LAA cases in light of this latest technical work. We are optimistic that a number of aircraft may be able to return to flight immediately without further action. Others may require only limited rework, while a smaller number may need more extensive rectification.

These reported cases are our highest priority, and we intend to provide individual responses to affected owners by 18 September 2026. Where a straightforward solution is not immediately available, we will look to Van’s for a proposal of how to deal with the individual aircraft.

A particularly positive development is that Van's has completed additional finite element analysis of the affected structure and, based on these findings, has released Revision 2.1 of Service Bulletin SB-00134, dated 4th September. This latest revision introduces further relaxations to some of the bolt-position criteria, reflecting increased confidence in the structural capability of the design. In certain cases, aircraft previously considered non-compliant may now be acceptable for continued operation, subject to periodic inspections.

We are currently awaiting some additional technical data relating to Service Bulletin revisions 2.0 and 2.1 before publishing MTD-07-2026 at Issue 3. Until the revised MTD is issued, owners carrying out MTD-07-2026 Issue 2 must continue to apply the criteria contained within SB-00134 Revision 1 and continue reporting any non-conformances to both the LAA and Van's.

We are in the process of updating MTD-07-2026 to reflect the latest engineering findings from Van's and to incorporate any additional improvements that can simplify inspections and minimise disruption to owners. Our aim is to provide clear, practical guidance that supports both safety and continued flying activity wherever possible.

If your aircraft is found to be non-conforming, we would be grateful if you could also include photographs of both bolt groups from above and below (using a mirror or endoscope where necessary). These images are proving extremely valuable in helping our engineers assess each case efficiently and determine whether any corrective action is required.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by RV owners throughout this process. The close collaboration between owners, the LAA and Van's has already produced significant progress, and we remain committed to restoring aircraft to service safely and as quickly as possible.

For reference, copies of the documents mentioned above are provided below.