SECTION 06: Vertical Stabilizer
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Before you start:
Build Instruction Updates
- Check for more recent updates here
- CN-00168 Empennage KAI Update (Jun 16, 2026): Download Section 6 (Rev 3) from Van's CN-00168 page BEFORE starting. Rev 2 and Rev 3 appear content-identical but confirm you have the latest.
Videos
- The Empennage Kit Arrives! Unboxing the RV-15 Empennage Kit (Ep. 18) — Average Joe's Airspeed Acres
- A Vertical Stabilizer in One Afternoon! — BackcountryRV-15
- Van's RV-15 Build Ep. 23: Building the Vertical Stabilizer in Silent Mode - Average Joe's Airspeed Acres
Modifications to Consider
Special Tools / Supplies
- #12 reamer (required for 6 specific holes in this section — order before starting)
- No-hole / thin-nose yoke (pg. 06-36)
General Build Notes
- Empennage section build order (easiest to hardest): Rudder → Elevators → VS → HS. Sections can be built in any order, but this sequence builds skills progressively.
- Tail kit quality vs. wing kit: The tail kit has consistent item numbers throughout each section, more detailed drawings, and extra rivets/washers included. Less deburring needed than wing kit parts.
- Estimated build time: 6–15 hours (varies by experience level).
- VS rear spar caps: The long, thin rear spar caps have a pre-formed bend — they straighten out correctly once installed. Do not try to pre-straighten them.
Revision History
- R2 - Initial release to builders
- R3 - Added a footer to page 6-21 only, no other changes found.
Specific Build Notes:
Page 06-04 (R3)
- Part Prep Step 3: Rib fluting: The individual pages don't call out rib fluting (like some other sections), but if VS ribs show curvature or warping, lightly flute the main rib and nose rib flanges before installation.
Page 06-09 (R3)
- Setting rod end bearing deck heights: The dimension is to the center of a small circle, and parallax alone costs more than the 1/32" the spec allows. Use a jig: scrap with a hole drilled the correct distance from a flat edge, so an AN3 bolt passes through into the rod end; adjust until the bolt sits parallel to the spar web. A printed version is published: RV-15 rod end jig (untested by its author). Source
Page 06-31 (R3)
- Follow the KAI skin clecoing sequence even if it seems odd — it works.
- VS skin leading-edge bend may be too shallow as shipped. Visible pillowing where the leading edge meets the spars. A sharper bend lays up cleanly; one builder re-bent it on the same shop-made brake used for the flap trailing edge, then smoothed the front end ribs to match. Source
Page 06-36 (R3)
- Use the no-hole yoke (not the two-die setup) for LE rivets — better access and results.