Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD) (merged VI)

[Winston L.]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

Also so the bottom plate can be inspected is my guess.

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

Why can't the test be done with the struts on the aircraft? What is the chance the AD can be modified to not have to pull the struts to comply?

Danny Deger

Because they want you/mechanic to detect debris inside the strut (if it exists) is my guess.

[Winston L.]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

You need a visual inspection performed within the next five hours after August 20th. If you installed new unsealed struts you have 24 months from the date of installation to perform the NDT inspection. If they are older struts or original struts you need the NDT inspection within three months after August 20th. Then you need the NDT inspection every 24 months from now on unless you install sealed struts.

That is my understanding, tell me if I am wrong.

[hangarb7]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

I agree with the question. What is it that we are required to do?

I am ready to start my annual inspection. I have read the AD and am confused, and more so after reading these recent posts. Can someone please explain it in plain English? How about a brief explanation so that I can discuss it with my mechanic...

Thank you

Jack D
N44057

[lfries]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

In reading the AD, are we good until the 20th and then for 5 hours
after that.

[Winston L.]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

I'm not sure I didn't discuss that issue with him. It does seem that it would be possible to do them in place. Except the bottom end plate.

[DannyDot]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

Why can't the test be done with the struts on the aircraft? What is the chance the AD can be modified to not have to pull the struts to comply?

Danny Deger

[Winston L.]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

I spoke with Mr. Mcanaul (the FAA engineer and "A.D. author") regarding the Maule punch test. He personally does not think it is adquate. Supposedy they performed tests on corroded struts with the Maule tester and they passed. I guess his opinion of what is acceptable and what isn't is different than mine. That's the way it goes.

I guess I will be looking for a NDT company to send my struts to.

Winston

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

What separate ticket do big iron boys get? Never heard of one other than an Airframe or Powerplant.... (Not saying there isn't one, I am curious)

About 5-6 years ago, they changed the mechanics ticket over to AMT(Aircraft Maintenace Technition). If you got your ticket under this new system, you were not able to work on anything over 12,500 gross until you received a transport mechanics rating making the mechanic an AMTT. Anyone under the old system was grandafthered in. They may have changed it again, but that was how it was when I was still studying the regs to get my IA.

Mike

[fearofpavement]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

my point exactly. If todays mechanics today were taught that tube and fabric airplanes still exist, they would be able to do a proper inspection and find these issues and correct them. Sometimes I almost wonder if we need a seperate ticket like the big iron boys get today.

What separate ticket do big iron boys get? Never heard of one other than an Airframe or Powerplant.... (Not saying there isn't one, I am curious)

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

how to teach it to the owners and the mechanics is the question. If it appears rotten it may be rotten !

my point exactly. If todays mechanics today were taught that tube and fabric airplanes still exist, they would be able to do a proper inspection and find these issues and correct them. Sometimes I almost wonder if we need a seperate ticket like the big iron boys get today.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

I have cut open the cap off struts before, but finding a competent welder will be about like finding a NDT guy in certain areas. It will also require repaint of the strut fromt the welding. I also beleive in the Piper AD you have to remove the paint from the area of inspection if I remember correctly. I frimly believe also the Maule tester method should be included and will be sending my comments to the FAA regarding it.

Yes there will be struts found with corrosion. It is inevitable. To say this won't have an adverse economic impact in the AD is incorrect considering strut replacement will cost up to 15%-20% of the value of some aircraft, and may ground many owners.

Drude: I doubt you will find very many used struts laying around that are any good. I am always on the look out for good used struts and they are just not out there.

Mike

[NC95842]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

Hi guys, a few years ago I went to do my annual and when we got to the bottom of the lift struts I was able to push my finger nail through the bottom. I had been flying that plane for almost a year and pulling 6gs at times when loaded at gross.

I still think that the punch test is a good way to see if there is enough rust to justify a loss of strength.
Cracking on the other hand is much harder to see. This is not a part that is subject to lots of high stress vibration or over bending.
I can understand that the FAA would like to have some hard data showing that the 60 year old struts are safe. But in my opinion, after an NDT test to look for cracking, we should just be able to do a punch test for the next 8 years.

And by the way, when is the FAA going to wash there hands of us and give us the “Owner Maint.” option.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

Andy & I are in official contact, I totally agree that the tracing of these struts are vital. Kind of like Rotor blades on my other machines.
Time, usage, storage, all are a factor. It still boils down to Common Sense , how to teach it to the owners and the mechanics is the question. If it appears rotten it may be rotten !
Yes I ferried a ship into here one time that had been sitting on a limestone floor , wet at times for 5-7 years. Paint was good, metal was rotten on the struts, tail surfaces. lower fuselage longerons, etc. WE scrapped the bad parts. We have people trading stuff like that off to other folks and that is the bad part.
I will be pushing the non-destructive testing lab north of me for some answers today & tomorrow.
I was of the opinion that the press test with the Maule and the ring test with a punch was the best & most economical , I am still looking into it all.
I do have an open mind, I fly aerobatics with these struts , +4 g's & -1.5 many times........

Re: Strut Airworthiness Directive (AD)

I also suspect that a failed Piper style Maule test means it has already gone too far.

What about drilling and tapping a hole in the area where the "patch" is, allowing you to insert a borescope for a full visual inspection, spraying corrosion preventative through the hole, then screwing in a bolt or set screw with Permatex sealant to keep it closed between inspections?

I discussed that with the engineer and in the process I convinced myself that I will not be able to discern the wall thickness with that method. Old rust and linseed oild mixed will make it too hard fo me.

I think its somewhat bogus. The engineer says the factory showed them corroded struts and that Forrest said he saw some too that were so rusty he could push his thumb thru.

But the reason I call it bogus is that I don't know pedigree of said struts. Were the laying in wet ground for years or on an airplane? I think that's important to know. But on other the hand I don't have to wait till one of us guys dies to figure out that this should be checked in some way.

Hey Forrest if you have issues with what I just wrote talk to Andy not me that's what he said.

Dave