Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

[hangarb7]

Greetings, can I assume that we are still working to the original SB 2007-002 written by Taylorcraft Aviation? I want to be sure that I am working to the proper current document.

I have been out of the loop for several years (mostly from disgust but also because I had no A&P or A/I locally to help.) Are there any follow up ADs to this SB?

Did any ADs or SBs come out AFTER the strut /wing attach inspection?

Thanks,

Jack Dernorsek
'46 BC12D

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

We just finished the annual on my 41 and I am pretty sure there is no recurring inspection of the cluster at the bottom of the struts UNLESS you were ever on floats (could be if you are currently on floats, mine never has been so the inspection is one time for me).
That said, after I cut the hole for the inspection I thought it was a pretty good idea to look at it even if it was NOT required, so instead of patching the fabric I made a second cover plate for the hole and take it off for each annual with the gear fairing (they are independent covers). Sure makes it easier to clean any debris out and take a quick look down there.
I never did trust the FAA to not make the inspection an annual requirement and the thought of patching the fabric each year just seemed stupid.

Anyway, works great and my IA likes it. Got to finish those lower end strut cuffs next!

Hank

[hangarb7]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

Hi Hank, my question is whether the original Taylorcraft SB is the correct one to work to.... this aircraft has never had the inspection and now will be getting new struts. This airplane has been grounded since the AD came out.

I like your idea on the cover. Did you add a solid doubler on the back side to screw into?

Jack
N44057

[3Dreaming]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

(1) Initially inspect the left and right wing lift strut attach fittings, part number (P/N) A-A11, for
corrosion or cracking following Taylorcraft Aviation, LLC Service Bulletin No. 2007-002, dated
November 8, 2007, using the following compliance times:

Here is a link to the AD.
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgad.nsf/0/37aed9426cfefec78625743d00562819/$FILE/2008-09-18.pdf

[Guest]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

Greetings, can I assume that we are still working to the original SB 2007-002 written by Taylorcraft Aviation? I want to be sure that I am working to the proper current document.

I have been out of the loop for several years (mostly from disgust but also because I had no A&P or A/I locally to help.) Are there any follow up ADs to this SB?

Did any ADs or SBs come out AFTER the strut /wing attach inspection?

Thanks,

Jack Dernorsek
'46 BC12D

Jack,

Don't assume. Do an AD search and read them carefully.

Various SB's are mentioned. Use the correct one.

Dave

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

Hi Hank, my question is whether the original Taylorcraft SB is the correct one to work to.... this aircraft has never had the inspection and now will be getting new struts. This airplane has been grounded since the AD came out.

I like your idea on the cover. Did you add a solid doubler on the back side to screw into?

Jack
N44057

You still need to do the inspection at least once as far as I remember, but then you don't have to again unless there is float history. I did put two small pieces of plywood with T nuts on each side to hold the covers (4 total). I radiused the edges of the wood to keep it from wearing on the fabric.

Hank

[Robert Lees]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

You still need to do the inspection at least once as far as I remember, but then you don't have to again unless there is float history. Hank

I think if you have ever been on skis then the same applies, but I may be mistaken. If it is so, then it is a silly requirement, because the skis do not leave the aircraft in the same "tail-high" attitude as when parked as floats.

Rob

[PA1195]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

As a precaution I've kept my fittings periodically flushed with Corrosion-X sprayed through the accessible lower drain hole. That plus an annual inspection of the fuselage side and nearby tubing. No corrosion was noted a year ago when the lift struts were replaced.

Edit: Any plane that experiences rain will also experience water running down the struts and into the fitting.

Gary

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

With the covers I used it isn't any more work to inspect the cluster every year at annual. Not required, but what the heck? I don't really have to pull the tail wheel assembly and tear it down and inspect it every year either, but I do. I usually clean up the leaf springs and repaint them too. Might as well since the IA has the plane anyway and I can't fly.

Hank

You can ALWAYS do MORE than the Feds require, and sometimes should.

[PA1195]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

Might help over time to document via pics of the assemblies while using a borescope or mirror to note any changes.

Gary

[3Dreaming]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

Here is a link to the SB called out in the AD.

http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/TCRAFT_FITTING_SB2007-002.pdf

[Garry Crookham]

Re: Service Bulletin / wing strut attach fitting

Here is what the AD states for compliance:

COMPLIANCE

(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already
done:

(1) Initially inspect the left and right wing lift strut attach fittings,
part number (P/N) A-A11, for corrosion or cracking following
Taylorcraft Aviation, LLC Service Bulletin No. 2007-002, dated
November 8, 2007, using the following compliance times:

(i) For airplanes that have never been equipped with floats or snow skis:
Within the next 90 days after June 6, 2008 (the effective date of this
AD).

(ii) For airplanes equipped with or that have ever been equipped with
floats or snow skis: Within the next 30 days after June 6, 2008 (the
effective date of this AD).

(2) If the airplane is equipped with floats or snow skis at the time of
the initial inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD or at
any time after the initial inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD, you must repeat the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD as follows:
__________________________________________________ ____________________
IF THE FOLLOWING EXISTS: THEN:
__________________________________________________ ____________________
(i) The airplane is equipped Inspect no later than 48 months
with floats or snow skis following the initial inspection
at the time of the initial and repetitively inspect
inspection required by thereafter at intervals not to
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. exceed 48 months. Continue these
repetitive inspections until
removal of floats or snow skis,
at which time you must follow
paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(ii) You remove floats or snow Inspect no later than 48 months
skis at any time following following the last inspection.
the initial inspection After the inspection following
required by paragraph (e)(1) removal of floats or snow skis,
of this AD. no further inspections are
required unless floats or snow
skis are re-installed at a later
date, at which time you must
follow paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of
this AD.

(iii) You install floats or snow Inspect no later than 48 months
skis at any time since the following the last inspection or
initial inspection required before further flight after
by paragraph (e)(1) of this installation of floats or snow
AD. skis, whichever occurs later,
and repetitively inspect
thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 48 months. Continue these
repetitive inspections until
removal of floats or snow skis,
at which time you must follow
paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD.
__________________________________________________ ____________________