The saga continues with Van’s and the LCP (laser cut parts) fiasco. It has taken the momentum out of my build as I weigh options, choose my path forward, and read copious amounts of online dialogue–ranging from justifiably angry to slightly unhinged angry to bafflingly understanding. I think I land somewhere in the middle.

I’ve completed my review and arrived upon a fairly concise list of parts that will (possibly–more on this) be replaced in my kit. Surprisingly concise, in fact.

First, I’ll be trusting Van’s when they say “Acceptable for Use.” Arriving upon this decision wasn’t easy, and many have decided against trusting the guidance. Or maybe it isn’t about trust after all. For some, when taking into account all factors, they’re in a position that’s easier to replace all parts (sitting on a shelf) for the ability to claim an airframe is free of LCP. For me, having all parts in question already riveted to the plane certainly influences my decision.

Van’s has identified 45 parts in the RV-7A that they recommend replacing (149 total possible lcp, including those approved for use). This alone is far fewer than other more popular kits, like the 9, 10, and 14.

Based on crating dates, I can further narrow this to 36 parts.

After hours reviewing video and photos, blue plastic has assisted in eliminating another 21 parts, providing just 15 that are recommended to be replaced.

Very careful review of dates on heat treated parts has allowed me again slim this down to 13 parts.

And, I suspect I’m not done. Based on dates of adjacent parts and memory, I feel some of these can still be eliminated. However, I won’t be doing so on memory alone. I’ll continue to look for evidence prior to neglecting to replace any parts.

For those familiar with the videos, you’ll know that I have a separate log dedicated to documenting my handling of the LCP issues. Not only will lists and processes be located in this log, photo evidence of each part listed as “Replacement Recommended” that I have determined not to be an LCP will be provided.

I’m still trying to verify all heat treated parts are prior to LCP era. This has proved difficult, but not impossible. As it stands, if unable to find evidence of remaining parts, some end ribs and counterweight ribs will need to be replaced. I’m not ruling out inspection of these pieces as a means of determining suitability in the airframe, but I’ll have to be 100% confident they don’t pose a threat to the project.

I’ve confirmed that my flap spars were laser cut. These non-blued parts were very easy to spot during the construction of these components–for me and viewers of the channel. The process of replacing these pieces alone has me fairly worked up, but also extremely empathetic for those with LCP woven throughout a constructed airframe.

I look forward to moving past this disaster, and getting back to the fun days of building. These days along with the bad ones will of course be documented on videos soon.