Ad 87-03-08

[hangarb7]

Inspector is questioning my BC12D and this AD that requires a change from the hose shown in diagram. Well, mine doesn't look like the one in the diagram because it is clearly a made-up replacement made from Aeroquip aviation hose and fittings, not the Stratoflex shown in the AD.

It goes on to say, "1) If the oil pressure hose is not of the type shown in Fig 1, no further action in accordance with this AD is required."

But then it says, "2) ...replace with a new P/N B7071 hose assembly identified by Taylorcraft with a 'T' stamped on one of the wrenching flats on one of the hose assembly brass fittings."

I can't imagine that this hose is still available from Taylorcraft (I have dealt with the factory and they never tell a correct story... I waited for six months for new pullies and they just kept telling me that they will be in "...next week." I finally got two of the small pulleys and none of the big ones so I gave up.)

Any thoughts?

Jack Dernorsek
N44057

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Ad 87-03-08

Get a new IA that can think outside the box.

There are a hundreds aircraft companies that are no longer in business, but the old planes keep flying. For example, when is the last time you saw a factory fresh Funk part?

If your hose is made to the specification in the AD, then at worst case it can be a legitimate Owner Produced part.

Rant Over, you may return to the normally moderated discussion group.

[paulp]

Re: Ad 87-03-08

Howdy Jack,

Just have your A&P make up a Stratoflex hose of the correct dimentions. Make an entry in the engine log and replace same every 5 years. In addition, find yourself another IA!!!!!

[hangarb7]

Re: Ad 87-03-08

Guys, thanks for the advice. However, here is my I/A story.

There are two on my airfield (FWQ, a large, hard surface airport). One doesn't want his customers doing any of the work other than removing inspection plates, cowling and the interior. He has a reputation for replacing everything and has had airplanes sitting for long periods of time waiting for parts. Can you imagine how long it would take to get Taylorcraft parts?

The other I/A that I chose is a Baptist minister and is generally a pretty good guy. Agreed to sign off all my work after he saw my homebuilt ship. The annual last Saturday actually took only ONE hour after he saw my anal approach. But he got a little hung up on the hose AD thing, although when I found the entry in the old logs that addressed it, he told me to get a replacement for next annual. That's not bad.

Only one other I/A will come to my airfield and he is in his 80's; nice guy but not a person to build a long time relationship with. After all, my Taylorcraft is 8 years older than me and will probably outlast me and the inspector!

Thanks again for the advice.

Jack

[Robert Lees]

Re: Ad 87-03-08

The important thing about this hose is that the fitting has a very small orifice at the engine end, so that if the hose were to break, the oil would leak out very slowly.

I also recollect someone saying words to the effect of "these aeroplanes have been flying OK since the late thirties...why the need for this AD in 1987?"

Answers please on a postcard to:
FAA Aircraft Certification Branch
Oklahoma City
OK

[flyguy]

Re: Ad 87-03-08

My, and my A/I's reading on that AD is: If you don't have that weirdo hose, and no one does anymore, then the AD in non-applicable. (as in meaningless.) The reason that was put out was to cover problems with that SPECIFIC hose, that was stuck on a few late-model airplanes, and none other. You should have a small orfice SOMEWHERE in the line to prevent oil loss is case of breakage. This is off the little point of my head so I may be in error, but that is what I remember. And my AI is a bit of a nit picker, sometimes, bless his carefull heart. I just try to keep him on this side of reality and we wind up with a pretty safe airplane. IMHO.
Darryl