This is the root rib on a horizontal stabilizer. The rivets that fasten the rib to the spar are completely missing!
![[Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fuel-Selector-218x150.jpg "Fuel Follies")
![[Credit: Eric Powell]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AdobeStock_1043661239-218x150.jpeg "Weight In The Balance")
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In the total picture this is not necessarily unairworthy. Yes this is an over site by the builder but in the total picture the fasteners in the rib to skin and skin to spar probably provide the necessary strength to carry the normal flight loads. This condition needs to be corrected and probably before the next flight but to call it unairworhty is an overstatement.
I use the little feature anymore to highlight problem areas. 🙂
Yes, but look how nicely the bolts are marked with torque seal….so much attention to detail he missed the rivets! Form over substance. Yikes!!!
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