Author: Chris
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AST
The ASTs are the Anti Servo Tabs. Completely different than what I thought they were. When originally looking at the plans, I thought they were trim tabs, i.e. for trimming pitch. The RV-12 uses a sensitive horizontal “stabiliator” – the entire surface moves rather than a more traditional horizontal stabilizer + elevator design. So these…
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Rudder
The rudder is done! Started a little of it on Mar 29th, but did most of it on Sat. Apr 4th, 2026. Total estimate on number of hours is ~9.5 All went according to plan until my pneumatic pull rivet gun stopped releasing rivet mandels halfway through riveting the skin. Took it apart, cleaned it,…
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Vertical Stabilizer
Was able to complete the empennage inventory and pretty much finish the Vertical Stabilizer pretty quickly. This started with creating a couple of hinges, then framing the skeleton with 5 ribs and a spar. As usual, more prep than construction… match drilling (spar caps) and deburring. I’m going to prime the interiors of the tail…
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Fiberglass Course
On March 7 and 8, 2026 I attended an EAA SportAir workshop in Fremont, California at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. The topic was “Van’s RV Aircraft Fiberglass Techniques.” The instructor was Scott VanderVeen and he put on a very good class taking us from zero fiberglass experience to having the skills necessary to do…
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Empennage Kit Arrives
Today was delivery day! The driver unloaded the oversized crate on the liftgate with ease. I was surprised, and pleased, to learn that the crate is now a huge box instead of a one-time custom built plywood crate. This way it’s easier to reuse/dispose/recycle and much lighter too. There were pretty thick corragated cardbord inserts…
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Empennage Kit Ordered!
The empennage kit, or tail kit, has been ordered and paid in full! The committment has been made! Van’s website is currently publishing a 4-week lead time, so I should expect to have it roughly by the end of February!
Renegade 12 