An Ounce of Prevention …

In response to customer reports of cracking laser-cut holes appearing in parts manufactured via laser-cutting processes between February 2022 and June 2023, Van’s Aircraft—the famed light-sport aircraft marque and maker of the perennially popular RV6/6A, RV7/7A, and numerous additional kit aircraft—has disseminated a letter setting forth:

“Hi, Everyone,

“Below is a link to an information update regarding the issues customers have reported regarding laser cut holes appearing in some of the parts we've had manufactured via a laser-cutting process. That process was used to manufacture certain parts from February 2022 to June 2023. I'll include a brief summary here, and the complete details are at the link (see below).

“As many of you likely know: Some of the laser-cut parts made during that period have formed cracks in holes either when being dimpled by a builder, or when riveting a dimpled hole. There are a variety of variables that may contribute to this occurring.

“Van's will manufacture and replace affected laser-cut dimpled parts with CNC punched parts. The linked update provides an initial description of our plan to prioritize that process, and we will update you as the process is executed and refined. We will also be communicating this issue and related details directly to customers over the next several days. We will also be publishing a list of affected parts and status for each later this week.

“In addition, we are conducting tests along with a nationally recognized testing lab to fully understand the situation. This is a complex process, and we are committed to working hard on it and communicating with customers regularly throughout until the work is complete.

“Finally, please understand that we will post any new information as we get it. When details become available, we will be able to share that information with our team at Van's and with you. We're committed to sharing what we know with you, as we know it, based on confirmed facts.

“We will update this thread again later this week with any new information.

“Thank you for your understanding and patience. We know this is a frustrating situation and we're committed to getting this resolved for customers who are affected.”

FMI: www.vansaircraft.com, www.vansaircraft.com/2023/07/information-about-dimpled-hole-cracking-on-some-laser-cut-parts/