The proper response is ....

[mhorowit]

Assume you replace the fuel cut-off valve with a ball valve (see the long-ago article by Mr. Bixler in his bulletin).

During the next annual, the A&P comments on it, stating it isn't original equipment, and it's questionlble if it's a/c quality, and he begins to make ominious noises and you begin to think passing the inspection is in the balance.

We've heard all the discussion about how Mr. Taylor went to the local auto factory for parts, and the gasolator looks remarkably like it came off a tractor engine; however, what is the correct reply that will allow the A&P to say 'oh, alright'? - Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: The proper response is ....

Who installed it? They have to do the proper maintenance entry. the approved valves come from the supplier with paperwork. At the moment , the Luscombe folks have the valve & "approved" data for their aircraft. We have to use that ( acceptable data) as the basis for the install on the Taylorcraft. If anyone has a 337 let us ALL know.

[Len Petterson]

Re: The proper response is ....

Ball valves are being used in Canada in homebuilts,
Some where, some one must have a aprovel on one make by now?

I am haveing my Taylorcraft transferd into Owner maintinence Category.
In essence I sign the logbook the same as owners of experimentals.
I am no longer aloud to fly in to USA with it. I have to drive to the Alliance in May instead.
The political end of AOPA/ EAA and COPA/RAAC can work what out.
Any puch even so small, you fellows can give the procces we would apprichiate.
Aircraft alowed into owner maintinece catgory have to be: Out of production for more then 6 years. singel engine, fixed propp, fixed gear. less than 200 Hp.
Almost any rag and tub aircraft, most C150, C172, Luscombs,Ercoups or similar have been approved. Even the Cornell is approved
To transfer back to Certified agin would be difficult if not impossible. NO commercial operation is alowed.
Cost is $250 for the inspection, $65 for Re-registration.
A owner has to apply to DOT for approval for the type and model, and if they approve, all aircraft of what type and model is approved for owner maintinence.
The owner of a aircraft in OM has to be holder of a valid pilot license or permit.
DOT has a designated Inspector for Experimantals, UL and OM aircraft.
He checks out the indivudual aircraft before transfer.
The area inspector does accident investigations and transfers, trainingseminars. etc.
Logbooks has to be stamped and singed, and a X to added after the model desination and stamped on all permanetly installed nameplates. In essence airframe and engin nameplates.
It is still unclear if major modification of our own desing, like in experimentals, are aloved or if we have follow STC's , 337.s etc applical to the type.
This regulation is relativly new, 3-4 eayrs running, so the laywers have not got hold of it yet.

Len Petterson, entertament director of ( coffemaker at our mettings )
Recriational Aircraft Assosiation of Canada. Niagara Chapter.

[mhorowit]

Re: The proper response is ....

Still on the fuel valve: Here is a quote from somewhere -

"The FAA Form 337 is required anytime you have performed a MAJOR REPAIR and/or MAJOR ALTERATION. If you are not sure whether the maintenance that is being performed will be considered a Major Repair/Alteration, look at Appendix A of FAR Part 43 and the definitions of Major Repair/Alteration in FAR Part 1."

A reading of Appendix A seems to exclude repair on the fuel cut-off valve, so, why would Forrest suggest a 337 is required?

Is it because the proposed valve is not a part approved for aircraft use? - Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: The proper response is ....

I did not say you need it to repair IT is sure needed to replace if you do not have "approved data" to begin with ; it must conform to "type design" WHO is your IA??

[mhorowit]

Re: The proper response is ....

Your buddy John Spandi. He says he was president of an EAA chapter near you (the chapter's name was the name of a person).

I don't know that he would reject the valve if I put it in; he made polite noises when I said I wanted to replace the original valve with a ball valve from the hardware store. - Mike

[Dick Huish]

Re: The proper response is ....

John was a member of the Russ Miller chapter (531). He left this area at least 20 years ago. Dick

[crispy critter]

Re: The proper response is ....

Mike,
Go buy the 3 or 4 dollar hardware store valve(fuel valve from a ford tractor works great)then place your original valve and the new valve in the hands of your IA and tell him to make one of them work.That way you don't have to do a lot of work and put up with his dirty looks.
It sounds to me like your IA is a fairly hard person to please.

[mhorowit]

Re: The proper response is ....

Hi Kev - One of the problems is that being under the nose of HQ, the FSDO's are quite active and keep the A&Ps on their toes. - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: The proper response is ....

Dick - John is now a mechanic for United. He works the night shift at Dulles, then comes to work at the shop he and Sean are starting up at Front Royal. - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: The proper response is ....

Forrest - I mentioned this thread to John Spandi and he suggests you tell us the story of the time someone bent a wing on Russ Miller's bi-plane. Something about being in the air at the time. - Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: The proper response is ....

Egads I thought everybody in he World knew about my having wing interplane strut fail coming out of a loop at a TAylorcraft Fly-In . I guess I scared a few people. Have him contact me OR just do like suggested, you can put that valve in place but the IA is the guy to "install" it. This major,minor argument is ages old. THE IA doing the install determines "in his opinion" how to do it and submits the paperwork to the FAA and it is "approved" or not approved as they see fit. The IA is right next to God....... say Hi to John for me bye Forrest thanks Dick I do need the memory refresh on occasion .