spar replacement cost?

[waltermrich]

Re: spar replacement cost?

Do you have an approved drawing of the spar, and if so are you willing to share it ?

[skip]

Re: spar replacement cost?

Do you have an approved drawing of the spar, and if so are you willing to share it ?

My drawings were provided with STC SA1-210. Terry Bowden is the owner of the STC, and he should be contacted regarding the STC drawings. He is "barnstmr" here on the forum.

[waltermrich]

Re: spar replacement cost?

Thanks I will contact him.

[waltermrich]

Re: spar replacement cost?

I know that the STC is related to installing a bigger engine (85hp) and the modification of the spar for its approval, it probably would be I good idea to modify the spars if I replace them , I do not know what the cost is for the STC, and Terry probably will not part with the drawings without having the STC. But I can find out . Thanks

[otrcman]

Re: spar replacement cost?

and



My FSDO wanted me to quote chapter and verse from 43.13-1b on the 337. So for reference, here is the appropriate section that covers both use of the drawings from the STC and "just copy the wing"................

So first, a 337 and field approval is required because replacement of the spar is a major repair. This isn't just a log book entry. The 337 will need to specify which case in 1-41 was used for the replacement spar.................


The third case is the "just copy the spar". Note that the copied spar needs something like the little brass serial number plate from Taylorcraft and maybe a picture of the very dim and probably paint-covered stamp used by the Taylorcraft supplier in order to "provide sufficient evidence to verify that the spar is an original part." just saying "I copied the spar" may not be enough depending on your specific FSDO reviewers. Thus my comment about getting the concurrence of your IA and FSDO folks before you get started..............

This isn't really as difficult as you think. First off, you made a fundamental mistake in contacting your FSDO. No, I'm not kidding. The FSDO isn't involved in routine repairs such as a spar replacement. You do need to execute a Form 337, but it is merely sent so Oklahoma City and filed with the other records for your airplane. You do not need a Field Approval. Field approvals are for the approval of the data you are using, not approval of the repair itself. You already have the data you need. It's contained in the AC 43.13-1B. So all you are required to do is submit a 337 to Oklahoma City for incorporation into the permanent records for your airplane.

Let's take this step by step.

1. Do you have a major repair or a minor in a spar replacement ? Answer: It's a major repair. Both Part 13, Appendix A, Section B(1) IV and AC 43.13-1B Para. 1-41 tell us it's a major repair.

2. Are you making a repair or a modification to the airplane ? Answer: It's a repair. (Unless you change the type design of the airplane.)

3. Do you have the necessary data to perform the repair ? Answer: Yes. The title page of AC 43.13-1B states,

"PURPOSE: This Advisory Circular(AC) contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for the inspection and repair of nonpressurized areas of civil aircraft, only when there are no manufacturer repair or maintenance instructions. This data generally pertains to minor repairs. The repairs identified in this AC may also be used as a basis for FAA approval for major repairs. The repair data may also be used as approved data, and the AC chapter, page, and paragraph listed in block 8 of FAA form 337 when:

a. the user has determined that it is appropriate to the product being repaired;

b. it is directly applicable to the repair being made; and

c. it is not contrary to manufacturer's data."

So, you are authorized to use the information found in AC 43.13-1B as approved data. All you need to do is cite the chapter and paragraph number in block 8 of your 337.

4. You will be using Paragraph 1-41 as your specific authority to fabricate an owner-produced spar. If you are going to make the new spar by reference to an existing spar, your mechanic and your IA need to be satisfied that "... sufficient evidence is presented to verify that the existing spar is an original part, and that all materials and dimensions can be determined". Note that I said that your mechanic and your IA need to be satisfied. That's what the inspector is for. The FSDO isn't involved. The means of determination has already been approved by 43.13-1B. All you are doing at this point is executing the determination. By requiring you to provide a data plate or other manufacturer's identification, the FSDO is re-writing the 43.13, which is not within their pervue.

Your mechanic and IA can determine he suitability of the existing spar by using their own judgement and experience. Does the spar show any signs of previous replacement ? Do the aircraft records show a previous replacement ? Does the appearance of the spar (age, workmanship, etc.) compare to the spar in the opposite wing ? Does the configuration of the spar compare to that of another aircraft of the same make and model ? If the mechanic and the inspector like the spar, then they are meeting the intent of paragraph 1-41.

5. How is the repair approved and how do I handle the paperwork ? Answer: The mechanic performs the work and the inspector inspects it in accordance with the requirements of 43.13-1B. A Form 337 is written (citing both the wing repairs and the new fabric job). The mechanic signs that he has performed the work and the inspector signs that it is approved. A copy of the 337 is mailed to Oklahoma City for record keeping (not for approval; that's already a done deal when your inspector signs it).

6. Last question: Can you modify the spar by partially complying with an STC ? Answer: Here's where it get sticky. Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Now you need approved data. Call Terry Bowden on this problem and he can advise you. If Terry finds that partial compliance is a good thing to do, he may be able to provide you with approved data for such a modification. Terry can also tell you whether there is any involvement with the FSDO.

Dick

[waltermrich]

Re: spar replacement cost?

Valuable info, thanks, Obtaining spars prints is very difficult. Wag-Aero has them but will not part with them. FYI they have 5000 Taylorcraft prints and also the PMA to produce the parts therefore reluctance to part with them.

[Pearson]

Re: spar replacement cost?

Has anyone tried to get a copy of an original drawing from the FAA using the Freedom of Information Act. I know there is something about not being able to do it if the factory is available. But since they are not yet in production, it might be worth a try.

[waltermrich]

Re: spar replacement cost?

I will try it,and see what happes.

[Pearson]

Re: spar replacement cost?

I have never done it. But I have heard that there are specific forms to do so. Just for grins and giggles I did a google search for "FOIA requests FAA", and came up with the following link.

http://www.faa.gov/foia/foia_request/

[mike lutz]

Re: spar replacement cost?

This summer I bought from Wicks material for four spars,two ail. spars,and the plywood for the doublers.It came to slightly over $800.00 ($818.00 I believe) I picked them up at Oshkosh and hauled home on top of my camper to save shipping.I was very happy with the quality of the wood.It all was the correct spec.,and they milled to the sizes I gave them.

[tim]

Re: spar replacement cost?

d&e called me back just now and its a no go for the time being he told me he had not heard from taylorcraft so i gave them the new info for them so hope in the next few years something will come from this