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I have compiled all the stuff regarding the recent spar upgrade questions into one document for anyone interested. It includes:
-The foundation discussion threads started by me on the spar, and the replies from the group
-Related e-mail messages and offline replies
-My personal opinions and analysis of all the information I received on this issue
-Recommendations for others upgrading their Taylorcraft
-The details of the spar drilling fixture I had fabricated for my project
-Correct procedure for use of the drill fixture
-Notes on the bushings and my recommendations on the gluing/installation procedure
-A recommendation for a modification or amendment to the Gilberti / Harer STC to prevent an unsafe flight condition
Probably to no-one's surprise this is a very lengthy document (over 30 pages), and is very detailed. It represents what I believe is all the pertinent information AVAILABLE on this issue. Unfortunately there is a lot of information that SHOULD be in this document that I do not have access to, and answers that I believe some people have but will not divulge.
The opinions and analysis of information in this document were written by me as a non-engineer, a non-certified mechanic, and a non-certified everything. I am not posing or claiming to be in any position of authority or engineering knowledge. All I represent myself to be is a four time Taylorcraft owner with slightly above-average knowledge of how airplanes work. I welcome the participation of anyone and everyone whose knowledge is greater than mine.
I make no apologies for the length, tone, or what anyone can/cannot read between the lines of this document. It was an emotional roller coaster for me, there is a fair chance that the safety of the airplane can be affected, and at times I felt like I was Bob Woodward surrounded by hundreds of Nixon staffers. What Jack Gilberti knew (or was thinking) about T-craft spars and which doublers were good enough is like the missing 18 minutes erased from the Nixon Oval Office tapes in 1973.
Likewise, I am sure there's a few people out there who know the real story about the JFK assassination, and a few people who know the real story of Taylorcraft drawing #2569. Unfortunately, I suspect we'll find out about JFK first. Don, can you send Oliver Stone a copy of the drawing?
Anyone who wants this document is welcome to send me an e-mail at victorbravo (at) sbcglobal (dot) net and I will e-mail it. If Bob O. thinks it is incredibly brilliant scientific research and belongs in the club's technical archive someplace that's fine with me. If the foundation sees it as undesirable to make this information available then they can squash it and keep everyone guessing.
My decision on the strut fittings and the plywood doublers has been made. Don's decision has been made too. Now it's your turn
Bill Berle
-The foundation discussion threads started by me on the spar, and the replies from the group
-Related e-mail messages and offline replies
-My personal opinions and analysis of all the information I received on this issue
-Recommendations for others upgrading their Taylorcraft
-The details of the spar drilling fixture I had fabricated for my project
-Correct procedure for use of the drill fixture
-Notes on the bushings and my recommendations on the gluing/installation procedure
-A recommendation for a modification or amendment to the Gilberti / Harer STC to prevent an unsafe flight condition
Probably to no-one's surprise this is a very lengthy document (over 30 pages), and is very detailed. It represents what I believe is all the pertinent information AVAILABLE on this issue. Unfortunately there is a lot of information that SHOULD be in this document that I do not have access to, and answers that I believe some people have but will not divulge.
The opinions and analysis of information in this document were written by me as a non-engineer, a non-certified mechanic, and a non-certified everything. I am not posing or claiming to be in any position of authority or engineering knowledge. All I represent myself to be is a four time Taylorcraft owner with slightly above-average knowledge of how airplanes work. I welcome the participation of anyone and everyone whose knowledge is greater than mine.
I make no apologies for the length, tone, or what anyone can/cannot read between the lines of this document. It was an emotional roller coaster for me, there is a fair chance that the safety of the airplane can be affected, and at times I felt like I was Bob Woodward surrounded by hundreds of Nixon staffers. What Jack Gilberti knew (or was thinking) about T-craft spars and which doublers were good enough is like the missing 18 minutes erased from the Nixon Oval Office tapes in 1973.
Likewise, I am sure there's a few people out there who know the real story about the JFK assassination, and a few people who know the real story of Taylorcraft drawing #2569. Unfortunately, I suspect we'll find out about JFK first. Don, can you send Oliver Stone a copy of the drawing?
Anyone who wants this document is welcome to send me an e-mail at victorbravo (at) sbcglobal (dot) net and I will e-mail it. If Bob O. thinks it is incredibly brilliant scientific research and belongs in the club's technical archive someplace that's fine with me. If the foundation sees it as undesirable to make this information available then they can squash it and keep everyone guessing.
My decision on the strut fittings and the plywood doublers has been made. Don's decision has been made too. Now it's your turn
Bill Berle
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