RV4 vertical and horizontal stabilisers
 

I need new vertical and horizontal stabilisers for an RV4, and wondered whether there's any prospect of finding some either from an abandoned kit, or perhaps from an aircraft otherwise damaged in an accident?

I am aware that there might be problems fitting parts already drilled to fit one aircraft, to another, but would still be interested to hear from anyone who might be able to help. If so, then please PM me.

Hi abgd, are they not available from the original manufacturer..?
.

Well yes, but as a kit.

Buying and building an empennage kit is my plan-B but realistically I have little free time, so if there's one already available that would be my preference and get the aircraft flying much sooner, which would be better for it.

abgd

Hi, I own an RV-6 and have joined the RV Squadron Yahoo group. It's an easy process to join and you get
access to all the RV builders and operators - an invaluable resource.

https://www.rvuk.co.uk/news.php

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/...s?guccounter=1

First link is to the web site - classified ads are there and second is the mail group.
Worth putting your request there I think...

Thanks for the tips. I wasn't aware of the yahoo group and will join it - looks quite active.

abgd,

If you get no luck in the UK, try here:

https://www.vansaircraft.com/public/builders-groups.htm

I had my first exposure to an RV last year, when I flew a long cross-country with the owner of an RV-6A. I'm totally sold on 150 kt light aircraft. You just have to be careful with your packing!

I tried something similar a couple of years ago when we needed to replace one of the elevators on our RV4. We didn't have any luck finding any pre-made parts so in the end found a local(ish) builder/inspector who made the new elevator for us from Vans supplied parts. As you mentioned already given that RV4's are not match drilled kits like most of the more recent kits, you'll inevitably find that parts are unlikely to fit if already drilled etc. There are lots of experienced builders around so it might be worth seeing if anyone if willing to help make the parts you need.

Thanks. It's useful to know that you didn't have much luck. Pushes me towards buying the replacement kit.

There are still in circulation scaled drawings of how to build RV4 from scratch. I had a set and sold it couple years ago.

Hi ABGD, having built an RV-4 (too) many moons ago, I'd say order a tail kit from Vans. I'm sure you'll find someone in the UK willing to put it together if you don't want to do it yourself. It should not take too long, but be prepared to spend some time on the necessary jigs.
As for buying already built elements, adapting them to your aircraft will present some challenge if already drilled for the horizontal/vertical stabs... if the holes are not exactly aligned one could go to bigger size bolts, using caution to respect edge material limitations. If the tail feathers are not drilled, no problem, but careful match drilling required.

Good luck!