Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Can you determine if they are welded in place or removable?

[N96337]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

If you need a "spider" to copy, I've got one that's out....
John

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

If I was making a case for the door frames ONLY and they were welded I would say that the welding attachment does not create a major repair issue because the frames are not a primary structural member.

(b) Major repairs�(1) Airframe major repairs. Repairs to the following parts of an airframe and repairs of the following types, involving the strengthening, reinforcing, splicing, and manufacturing of primary structural members or their replacement, when replacement is by fabrication such as riveting or welding, are airframe major repairs.

Having said that I realize that I may have overlooked something. I hope not.

Also the FAA's Bill O'Brian gave a presentation about 10-15 years ago at an IA meeting and gave many examples of A&P's and FAA having different and valid opinions about was was major and what was not. Bottom line expect different opinions.

Dave

[3Dreaming]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Can you determine if they are welded in place or removable?

The ones I have seen uncovered that are steel were welded in place.

[astjp2]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

My prewar has wood formers around the door and the door itself is a roll formed J/P shaped tubing that is welded together and then skinned with aluminum. Tim

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

My post war is wood framed too but I previously owned a post war that had stamped aluminum frames.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

My post war is wood framed too but I previously owned a post war that had stamped aluminum frames.

Me too (I've not seen steel door frames, and I can't imagine the manufacturing advantage in welding them). I wonder if the later F models had them, and some earnest folks have copied this on their 46 models?

Rob

[Ryan]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

I have a copy of a letter somewhere that I found here in alliance that specifies a date where the factory changed floor boards, stringers, and door frames from wood to aluminum. It was dated May of 1946. I have never seen steel door frames and have never run across any parts or paperwork here in Alliance for them but who knows. Maybe a few? I'm thinking they are welded up by somebody.

[3Dreaming]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

I have another fuselage I can check, but it is 50 miles away. I know I have seen more that one with a welded steel door frame, and they all looked like a factory job.

I agree that the pre war door frames should be wood, at least all I've seen were. The door with the rolled "P" shape would have been fabric covered originally.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Dave,
I agree. I was leaning toward the Main Seat modification as the "Major" thing here.
Perhaps I confused doors with seat… I have been known to do that.

[Joe cooper]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

If I was making a case for the door frames ONLY and they were welded I would say that the welding attachment does not create a major repair issue because the frames are not a primary structural member.

(b) Major repairs�(1) Airframe major repairs. Repairs to the following parts of an airframe and repairs of the following types, involving the strengthening, reinforcing, splicing, and manufacturing of primary structural members or their replacement, when replacement is by fabrication such as riveting or welding, are airframe major repairs.

Having said that I realize that I may have overlooked something. I hope not.

Also the FAA's Bill O'Brian gave a presentation about 10-15 years ago at an IA meeting and gave many examples of A&P's and FAA having different and valid opinions about was was major and what was not. Bottom line expect different opinions.

Dave

I agree with this! Remember these airplanes were inexpensive trainers, worked on by lots of different people over many years. If the seat and belts seem solid and is passably comfortable I'd have it double checked by a good mechanic and go flying. I'd be much more concerned having a good shoulder harness that is installed correctly . This is what would stop you from eating the panel in case you crash and probably save your life.

[AeroCapture]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Thank You for the input given on this post, it has helped steer me in the right direction. Since the original post, I have found enough undisclosed (or simply unknown) issues with my aircraft (N95333) that the decision has been made to do a ground up rebuild. I have chosen to recover her with the Stewart Systems products and will start with tail feathers as this will be my first (ever) aircraft project. Dry rot was discovered in the wing spars so I'll be replacing those as well. I am sure in the days and weeks ahead I will have a whole slew of questions and any guidance will be greatly appreciated. Again, Thank You all for your help. - Lyle

[Guest]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Hi Lyle,

Sorry that it came to having to rebuild the thing.

My t-craft worked out the same way. It was very disappointing.

The flip side is that I have owned it for 34 years since that rebuild and it has been a pleasure to own and use.

Once you fix it keep it for your self.

Dave

[M Towsley]

Re: Help identifying validity of seat design or unauthorized "modification"

Lyle,

There is a lot of information on this site so please feel free to utilize the search function. Also, go to the UK Taylorcraft group website and look up Rob Lees' contribution by selecting the G-BREY link on the left. http://www.taylorcraft.org.uk/ Good luck with the rebuild!

Also, as to the door frame material comments above I remembered to hit mine with a magnet and it stuck all the way around the frame.