Inspection holes, open as needed or ?

[8708]

Hi folks,
I have had my newly restored BC12D back in the air now for 9 months. I am looking down the road to the first annual. My question is about opening up the inspection ring holes? Each wing has 14! I added a couple for getting to the pitot tube and wing lights(if I ever decide to put them in). So, do they all need to be opened at the annual? I have two conflicting points of view from two AP IA’s. One said they must all be opened because that is what they are for. The other said he would only open the ones at the strut attach points and aileron crank locations and use his camera every where else.
Anyone have recent experience with this? Thanks! Jay

[astjp2]

supposed to be opened at annual so you can inspect.

[Edwin Otha]

Open the holes required for the inspection, see FAR 43 appendix D. Some access points are used as assembly access.

[3Dreaming]

You only need to open what is required to do the inspection. If you mechanic has a camera, and can do the inspection through one hole that is fine. If he is just using a flashlight and his eyes, the more will need to be opened. I did an inspection on a Citabria last year. It was my first time inspecting it, and most of the holes had not been opened up before. I opened all the holes and used a camera to inspect. There is an AD on the wing spars, and I have no idea how it was performed before me. Just to show the importance of looking in those inspection holes, I found missing bolts on wing strut attach fittings on a Champ once. I had previously flown the airplane providing the owner instruction. It is good to open them and inspect.

[Hank Jarrett]

I agree with Tom (as usual). There is no reason to open an access if you can adequately inspect another way. The key is "ADEQUATELY INSPECT". I use a bore scope hooked to a laptop and can see almost everywhere. Some covers must be opened to be able to inspect, but many have been closed up on my plane for decades. There are also a few EXTRA inspection holes I have added for maintenance (I can't understand how ANYONE has a plane without a hole so they can get the tail spring bolt in!)

Hank

[astjp2]

I have seen way too many time that if its not open, it will not get inspected. Its not like we are talking about removing 100 panels on an F-14 wing that each have 50 or more screws, its just some inspection holes and covers in a wing. What is it, like 14 covers per wing?

[3Dreaming]

I have seen way too many time that if its not open, it will not get inspected. Its not like we are talking about removing 100 panels on an F-14 wing that each have 50 or more screws, its just some inspection holes and covers in a wing. What is it, like 14 covers per wing?

Tim, I don't think anyone is arguing against removing panels for inspection. But just because there is a ring for a cover doesn't mean it it is required to be cut for inspection. For example a ring at the wingtip to connect nav lights in the future doesn't need to be cut out until you are installing the nav lights.

[8708]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think the approach with the camera is the one I will go with. I think it depends on the inspector in the end. If they feel the need to open them all then they can.
All the best!

[PA1195]

All mine are open plus we installed some on the tail to inspect the tubing and deal with the forward tail spring hardware. And one over each aileron bellcrank to clean and service/lube that component. Both were full with dirt and no cork plug to keep it out.

Gary

[PA1195]

Another place that could use a hole or vent is above the tail spring at the rear of the fuselage. A simple drain grommet (perhaps seaplane variety if it will fit above the spring) or inspection opening would work. The reason being that area is subject to the buildup of debris from forward in the fuselage that eventually moves back. Then water from wet shoes or fuselage openings will also get there and mix with the crud, forming a potentially corrosive compound. I try to vacuum that area frequently to remove loose debris. A drain would let water out providing it's not blocked.

Gary