29 July 2025
SRS Aviation of Burnsville, Minnesota, has been awarded the $528,110 Manuel Maciel Ruddervator Prize by the American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation (ASF), after successfully developing FAA-approved magnesium replacement ruddervator skins for the V-tail Beechcraft Bonanza.
With no replacement parts available for the unique magnesium ruddervators — and over 5,000 V-tails still flying — even minor damage risked grounding aircraft indefinitely. ASF launched the prize in 2021 to encourage a fix, funded by a 2008 grant and topped up with member donations.
SRS spent over three years researching and mastering the complex process of forming magnesium to meet the original design’s balance and structural demands. The company now has FAA PMA approval for skin replacement and full ruddervator rebuilds, restoring confidence in the long-term airworthiness of V-tail Bonanzas.
“This is a huge win for the fleet,” said ASF Board President Susan Delgado. “SRS delivered a solution where none existed — and helped preserve a classic aircraft for future generations.”
More information: srsaviation.com
