Main Page

<mediawiki xmlns="http://www.mediawiki.org/xml/export-0.11/" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.mediawiki.org/xml/export-0.11/ http://www.mediawiki.org/xml/export-0.11.xsd" version="0.11" xml:lang="en">
  <siteinfo>
    <sitename>RV-15 Community Wiki</sitename>
    <dbname>dbs13261469</dbname>
    <base>https://rv15.org/wiki/Main_Page</base>
    <generator>MediaWiki 1.43.11</generator>
    <case>first-letter</case>
    <namespaces>
      <namespace key="-2" case="first-letter">Media</namespace>
      <namespace key="-1" case="first-letter">Special</namespace>
      <namespace key="0" case="first-letter" />
      <namespace key="1" case="first-letter">Talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="2" case="first-letter">User</namespace>
      <namespace key="3" case="first-letter">User talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="4" case="first-letter">RV-15 Community Wiki</namespace>
      <namespace key="5" case="first-letter">RV-15 Community Wiki talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="6" case="first-letter">File</namespace>
      <namespace key="7" case="first-letter">File talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="8" case="first-letter">MediaWiki</namespace>
      <namespace key="9" case="first-letter">MediaWiki talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="10" case="first-letter">Template</namespace>
      <namespace key="11" case="first-letter">Template talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="12" case="first-letter">Help</namespace>
      <namespace key="13" case="first-letter">Help talk</namespace>
      <namespace key="14" case="first-letter">Category</namespace>
      <namespace key="15" case="first-letter">Category talk</namespace>
    </namespaces>
  </siteinfo>
  <page>
    <title>Main Page</title>
    <ns>0</ns>
    <id>1</id>
    <revision>
      <id>655</id>
      <parentid>651</parentid>
      <timestamp>2026-10-21T04:29:23Z</timestamp>
      <contributor>
        <username>Jollygreenpilot</username>
        <id>38</id>
      </contributor>
      <minor/>
      <origin>655</origin>
      <model>wikitext</model>
      <format>text/x-wiki</format>
      <text bytes="17390" sha1="j6rj0mb17tgmriitqbkptukt2xmtbzl" xml:space="preserve">&lt;seo title="Home Page" metakeywords="RV15, Community, Wiki, Aircraft, Airplane, kit, RV-15, Vans, Van's, Vans Aircraft, kitplane, RV, builders, Gotchas" metadescription="RV-15 Aircraft Builder Community Wiki with section by section tips from builders for builders. Hints for modifications and options." /&gt;
= RV-15 Community Wiki =
'''You just finished a step and it was hard to figure out how to do it?''' Pass on your lessons learned and contribute to this non-profit RV-15 Wiki: '''[[Instructions]]'''&lt;br&gt;Note: There may be links on this Wiki to RV-15 Facebook groups, e.g. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2320914098060842 Vans RV-15 (Builders Group)], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/557232898801132 Vans RV-15], or [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1731565400361955 Van’s RV-15]. Consider joining these groups to benefit from the information there. There are also links to [https://vansairforce.net/community/forumdisplay.php?f=4 vansairforce.net], consider joining the list and donating to the owner that keeps it running.

-----
'''RV-15 Wiki Admin News''': [[Admin News|Click here]]
-----
__TOC__
----
* [https://rv15.org/index.php?title=Special:PopularPages Popular RV15.org Pages]&lt;BR&gt;
* [https://playcanvas.itch.io/swooop So, you don't want to build today? Game of the Day]

== Before You Build ==
Van's calls the RV-15 "Back Country, the RV Way" — a two-seat high-wing utility airplane
for rough fields, with a large cabin, 44 cu ft of baggage and a high-lift wing. It is
their first high-wing design. Van's says it was designed and tested with MOSAIC in mind
(see [[E-LSA vs E-AB]]), and much of the published specification is still estimated or TBD.

* '''The structure was designed around pull rivets.''' Van's says they "dramatically speed assembly," and the wing arrives pre-punched for 1/8" rivets, skins pre-bent and parts match-drilled — most of the fabrication that defined earlier RVs is already done at the factory. What is left is assembly, inspection and judgment rather than layout and cutting. The build is shorter for it, and far less forgiving of a wrong part discovered after it is riveted in. Van's notes the airframe was tested with the supplied blind rivets, and that deviating from the KAIs adds build time — see [[SL-00139]].

* '''The kit is still arriving in pieces.''' Wing and tail kits are being delivered; Van's says the rest will ship "as soon as they're ready." Wing tanks come quick-build or slow-build, and nosewheel and floatplane variants are planned. Serial numbers are into the 200s, and almost everyone building is doing a section for the first time anyone has done it.

* '''The instructions are a live document.''' Van's is revising the Kit Assembly Instructions while people build to them. Sections have gone through two and three revisions, individual pages have changed without the revision stamp moving, and corrections also arrive outside the KAI as service letters and builder notifications. The revision on your bench is not necessarily the current one — see [[KAI Status]].

* '''This wiki is where it is held together.''' [http://www.rv-15.com Van's Air Force] is where RV-15 builders talk, and nearly everything here began as a VAF post. But a forum is organised by conversation, not by build step: an answer sitting in post 47 of a thread titled for something else is an answer nobody finds when they need it. These pages are organised the way you build — by section and KAI page — with the source post linked so you can read the original and judge it yourself. Nothing here replaces the plans. It is what the plans do not tell you, at the step where it matters.

'''Decisions worth making before you open a crate:'''

==== Certification path ====
* [[E-LSA vs E-AB]] — which airworthiness certificate you intend to apply for governs how much you may deviate from the plans. Decide before you build, not after.

==== Documenting your Build ====
* [[Builder Log Options]]
* [[Using AI to Automate your Builder Log]]

==== Builder Assist (if desired) ====
* [[AP Planebuilder]] (Florida)
* [[Saint Aviation]] (Florida)
* [[Synergy Air]] (Oregon, Georgia)
* [[Custom Aircraft Builders]] (New York)

== Van's Aircraft RV-15 Kit: Build Instruction Hints / "Gotchas" by Section ==
[[File:20250720_184159_55A180A6.jpeg|basic|right|500px]]
Red means page has no contents yet. Click a red link to create that page if you have something to share.

==== KAI Status ====
* [[KAI Status]]

==== Notices From Vans ====
* [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/?aircraft=rv-15&amp;doctype=revisions-changes&amp;sort=date KAI Revision Notices at Van's] ''(Van's posts the revised KAI here, and in the store).
* Table of Notice emails recreated below, as they include data that is not captured on Van's website)''
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left;" | Notice !! style="text-align:left;" | Date
|-
|[[Main Spar Notice]]
|2026/07/08
|-
|[[CR3213-4-3 Notice]]
|2026/08/25
|-
|[[Elevator Counterweight Notice]]
|2026/08/26
|-
|[[HS Skin Dimples]]
|2026/09/08
|}

==== Inventory/Packing Lists ====
* [[Packing List Quick Build Wing Tanks]]
* [[Packing List Slow Build Wing Tanks]]
* [[Packing List Tail]]

==== General ====
* [[SECTION 01: Introduction]]
* [[SECTION 02: Design Philosophy]] - Does anyone know where this section lives on Van's website?
* [[SECTION 03: Tools]]
* [[SECTION 04: Parts Index]]
* [[SECTION 05: General Information]]

==== Empennage ====

* [[SECTION 06: Vertical Stabilizer]]
* [[SECTION 07: Rudder]]
* [[SECTION 08: Horizontal Stabilizer]]
* [[SECTION 09: Elevator]]

==== Wings ====
* [[SECTION 10: Internal Ribs]]
* [[SECTION 11: Inboard Rib]]
* [[SECTION 12: Outboard Rib]]
* [[SECTION 13: Rear Spar]]
* [[SECTION 14: Rear Spar End Ribs]]
* [[SECTION 15: Rear Spar Internal Structure]]
* [[SECTION 16: Baffle]]
* [[SECTION 17: Skin Prep]]
* [[SECTION 18: Lower Skin]]
* [[SECTION 19: Upper Skin]]
* [[SECTION 20: Fuel Fittings and Vent]]
* [[SECTION 21: Fuel Sender Assembly]]
* [[SECTION 22: Rear Wing Spar]]
* [[SECTION 23: Wing Outboard Mixer Box]]
* [[SECTION 24: Outboard Mixer Box - Rear Spar]]
* [[SECTION 25: Inboard Mixer Box]]
* [[SECTION 26: Rear Spar Tank Assembly]]
* [[SECTION 27: Inboard Mixer - Rear Spar Assembly]]
* [[SECTION 28: Aileron Bellcrank and Pushrod]]
* [[SECTION 29: D-Cell Nose Ribs]]
* [[SECTION 30: Wire Harness and System]]
* [[SECTION 31: Wing Skins]]
* [[SECTION 32: Aileron and Flap Cove Skins]]
* [[SECTION 33: Strut Attach Fittings]]
* [[SECTION 34: Aileron]]
* [[SECTION 35: Aileron Attach]]
* [[SECTION 36: Flap]]
* [[SECTION 37: Flap Attach]]
* [[SECTION 38: Lens and Hatch Covers]]

==== Fuselage ====
* [[SECTION  NN:  ABC]]
==== Firewall Forward, Seats, Cabin Heat ====
* [[SECTION  NN:  ABC]]
==== Optional Sections ====
* [[SECTION OP-53: Floatplane Tank Drain]]
* [[SECTION OP-TBD: Wiring Harness]]
* [[SECTION OP-NN: ABC]]

== Optional Aftermarket Modifications==
* [[CiES Capacitive Fuel Senders]]
* [[Flyleds Tail Dragger Seven]]
* [[SL-00139|Flush Rivets on Leading Edge (SL-00139)]]
* [[OAT Probe (Garmin G3X)]]
* [[Pitot Mast (Garmin)]]
* [[Puddle Lights]]
* [[Alternate Inspection Plate Screws]]
* [[Filling Rivet Holes]]

== Other Build Topics (non optional) ==
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Air_Speed_Calibration Air Speed Calibration (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Alternator_Fuse Alternator Alternator Fuse (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Antennas Antennas (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Avionics_/_Panel Avionics / Panel (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [[Battery]]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Brake_Fluid Brake Fluid (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [[Check Lists]]
* [[Condition Inspection / Annual]]
* [[Door Locks]]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Electrical_System_/_Batteries_/_Cabling Electrical System / Batteries / Cabling|Electrical System / Cabling (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/ELT ELT (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [[Engine Options]]
* [[First Flight]]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Grease Grease (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Interior_Paint Interior Paint (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Magnetometer Magnetometer (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [[Noise Certificate]] (Europe)
* [[Outside Air Temperature Probe Placement]]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Pitot_Static_Kits Pitot Static Kits (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [https://rv10.org/wiki/Pitot_Tube Pitot Tube (RV-10 Wiki)]
* [[POH]]
* [[Propeller / Governor]]
* [[Seat Belts]]
* [[Stick Grips]]

== Certification and Registration ==
* [[E-LSA vs E-AB]] — the two airworthiness paths compared, and what MOSAIC changed in July 2026
* [[NKET Checklist]] — the FAA Fabrication and Assembly Checklist, required for E-AB because the RV-15 is not an FAA-evaluated kit
* [[Registration Hints]] — N-number, kit bill of sale, forms and the CARES portal

== Final Inspection and Flight Test ==
* [[CHAPTER: PRE FIRST FLIGHT]]
* [[CHAPTER: PREPARATION AND INSPECTION OF THE AIRFRAME]]
* [[CHAPTER: PREPARATION AND INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE]]
* [[CHAPTER: PREPARATION OF THE PILOT]]
* [[CHAPTER: PRE FLIGHT PLANNING]]
* [[CHAPTER: WEATHER]]
* [[CHAPTER: EMERGENCY PLANS AND PROCEDURES]]
* [[CHAPTER: SELECTING THE RIGHT AIRPORT]]
* [[CHAPTER: EMERGENCY PLANS AND EQUIPMENT]]
* [[CHAPTER: PREFLIGHT CHECK]]
* [[CHAPTER: OTHER IMPORTANT PREPARATIONS]]
* [[CHAPTER: TAXI TESTS]]
* [[CHAPTER: THAT FIRST FLIGHT]]
* [[CHAPTER: LANDING]]
* [[CHAPTER: POST FIRST FLIGHT]]
* [[CHAPTER: EXPANDING THE ENVELOPE]]
* [[CHAPTER: PERTINENT THOUGHTS]]
* [[CHAPTER: CARRYING PASSENGERS DURING PHASE I TESTING]]
* [[CHAPTER: TYPICAL TESTS]]
* [[CHAPTER: FLIGHT TEST PROCEDURES]]
* [[CHAPTER: DIRECTIONAL (YAW) STABILITY]]
* [[CHAPTER: LATERAL STABILITY FLIGHT TEST]]
* [[CHAPTER: STALL TESTING]]
* [[CHAPTER: SPIN TESTING]]
* [[CHAPTER: AIRSPEED CALIBRATION]]
* [[CHAPTER: LIMIT TESTING]]
* [[CHAPTER: FLUTTER TESTING]]
* [[CHAPTER: G-LOAD TESTING]]
* [[CHAPTER: AIRSPEED INDICATOR MARKINGS]]
* [[CHAPTER: RECORDING FLIGHT TEST DATA]]

== Phase 1 ==
* [[Task-Based / 40 hours]]

==Hints for flying Airplanes==
* [[Condition Inspection / Annual]]
* [[Cruise Settings]]
* [[Cleaning]]
* [[Engine Start]]
* [[Ferry Service]]
* [[Fuel Tank Repair]]
* [[Grease]]
* [[Instrument Approaches]]
* [[Maintenance]]
* [[POH|POH, Weight and Balance]]
* [[Takeoff]]
* [[Tire Pressure]]

== Vans Service Bulletins ==
[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/?aircraft=rv-15&amp;doctype=service-bulletins&amp;sort=date Reference Link] ''(Don't assume the list below is up-to-date)''
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for hints) !! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for document)!! style="text-align:left;" | Date !! style="text-align:left;" | Summary
|-
|[[SB-00079]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sb-00079/ SB-00079]
|2026/03/20
|Emergency Egress Hammer
|-
! colspan="4" | All RV SB's (not necessarily applicable to the RV-15)
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for hints) !! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for document)!! style="text-align:left;" | Date !! style="text-align:left;" | Summary
|-
|[[FAA-2024-1695]]
|[https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/31/2024-25365/airworthiness-directives-lycoming-engines FAA-2024-1695]
|2024/10/31
|Lycoming Connecting Rods manufactured 2009-2017
|-
|[[SB-00103]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SB-00103-Dynon-Canopy-Warning-Software.pdf SB-00103]
|2024/07/11
|Dynon update v16.7 triggers door latch warning at 200 rpm in error.
|-
|[[SB-00090]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SB-00090-Dynon-SV-AP-PANEL-Runaway-Trim.pdf SB-00090]
|2023/11/06
|Dynon SV-AP-PANEL autopilot control panel
|-
|[[SB-00066]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SB-00066-Andair-Fuel-Pump-Ethenol-Use-Warning.pdf SB-00066]
|2022/10/21
|Prohibited use of ethanol in Andair fuel pumps.
|-
| [[SB-00006]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SB-00006.pdf SB-00006]|| 2020/5/6   || Kavlico Oil Pressure Sensors
|-
| [[SB 18-05-21]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sb18-05-21.pdf SB 18-05-21]|| 2018/05/21  || Fuel Spider, make sure, the fuel flow sensor port is plugged.
|-
| [[MT SB 31]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MT-sb31.pdf MT SB 31]|| 2016/08/29  || MT Governors
|-
| [[SB 11-9-13]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sb11-9-13.pdf SB 11-9-13]|| 2011/09/13  || Use of Sloshing Compounds in Fuel Tanks
|}

== Vans Notifications and Letters ==
[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/?aircraft=rv-15&amp;doctype=notifications-and-letters&amp;sort=date Reference Link] ''(Don't assume the list below is up-to-date)''
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for hints) !! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for document)!! style="text-align:left;" | Date !! style="text-align:left;" | Summary
|-
|[[SL-00139]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00139/ SL-00139]
|2026/09/22
|Alternate Rivet Types — AN426AD, AN426B and AK4xH accepted in place of LP4 skin rivets; CS4 NOT acceptable. See [[SL-00139|Flush Rivets on Leading Edge]]
|-
! colspan="4" | All RV Notification Letters (not necessarily applicable to the RV-15)
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for hints) !! style="text-align:left;" | ID (click for document)!! style="text-align:left;" | Date !! style="text-align:left;" | Summary
|-
|[[SN-00114]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sn-00114/ SN-00114]
|2025/05/08
|Understanding RV Flight Limits. All RV Aircraft
|-
|[[SN-00062 REV 1]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sn-00062/ SN-00062 REV 1]
|2025/05/08
|Warning regarding modifications to Van's designs using Van's or third-party parts and materials. All RV Aircraft.
|-
|[[SL-00097]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00097/ SL-00097]
|2024/03/05
|Use of Hartzell propellers on RV aircraft. All RV's except RV-12/12iS
|-
|[[SL-00091 REV1]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00091/ SL-00091 REV1]
|2023/11/11
|Laser cut parts and certification of aircraft. All RV Models
|-
|[[SL-00078 REV 1]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00078/ SL-00078 REV 1]
|2023/05/10
|Vapor lock — risks with high operating temperatures and MOGAS. All RV's
|-
|[[SL-00060]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00060/ SL-00060]
|2022/09/06
|Installation and use of control stick opening covers. All RV Models
|-
|[[SL-00047]]
|[https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sl-00047/ SL-00047]
|2022/08/15
|Brake caliper O-ring improvement — higher temperature O-rings. All RV models
|-
| [[N 14-07-03]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-14-07-03/ N 14-07-03]|| 2014/07/03 || SAIB HQ-14-16, all-metal lock nuts. All Van's Aircraft RV Models
|-
| [[N Buying a Flying RV]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-buying-a-flying-rv/ N Buying a Flying RV]|| 2011/04/19 || Letter to prospective buyers of flying RVs
|-
| [[N Service Letter – Soft Rivets]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-service-letter-soft-rivets/ N Service Letter – Soft Rivets]|| 2007/11/26 || Soft rivets. All RV kits
|-
| [[N Dynafocal II]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-dynafocal-ii/ N Dynafocal II]|| 2007/04/05 || Dynafocal II motor mounts. All RV's
|-
| [[N Battery Cables]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-battery-cables/ N Battery Cables]|| 2006/10/18 || Possible battery cable terminal failure. All #2 battery cables
|-
| [[N 60 amp Alternator Wiring Change]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-60-amp-alternator-wiring-change/ N 60 amp Alternator Wiring Change]|| 2006/02/13 || 60 amp alternator wiring change. All users of a 60 amp alternator
|-
| [[N FAB SB 05]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-fab-sb-05/ N FAB SB 05]|| 2005/10/01 || Filtered airbox advisory. All builders and operators of any model of a Van's Aircraft kit aircraft except RV-12
|-
| [[N Buying a Used RV Kit]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-buying-a-used-rv-kit/ N Buying a Used RV Kit]|| 2004/08/11 || Letter to prospective buyers of a second-hand RV kit
|-
| [[N Anti-Rotation Bracket]]|| [https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/n-anti-rotation-bracket/ N Anti-Rotation Bracket]|| 2000/06/12 || Fuel pick-up tube anti-rotation bracket. All RV Aircraft Wing Tanks, also see SB 06-2-23
|}

== SDS Ignition / Injection Service Bulletins ==
Please read all service bulletins [http://www.sdsefi.com/sb.htm here]

==Builder Logs ==
[[BuilderLogs|Builder Logs]]

== Similar Wikis for other aircraft models ==
* [https://rv10.org RV-10]
* [https://rv14.org RV-14] (redirects to a Dropbox with RV-14 files)
* [https://wiki.velocityoba.com/ Velocity]
* [http://www.cozybuilders.org/ Cozy Mark IV]

== Most relevant Wiki editing help pages ==
Useful if you use the legacy "edit source" method instead of "edit" which launches visual edit.
*[[mediawikiwiki:Help:Formatting|Formatting]]
*[[mediawikiwiki:Help:Links|Links]]
*[[mediawikiwiki:Help:Images|Images]]</text>
      <sha1>j6rj0mb17tgmriitqbkptukt2xmtbzl</sha1>
    </revision>
  </page>
</mediawiki>