A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 12 Dec 2007)

[Buell Powell]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

Found something that I thought might be of use to someone about original struts or at least interesting. When I stripped of the paint on the F19 front struts the original lettering is still on the tubing(must be good stuff). Anyway the lettering is;
3.036X1.286X.049 WALL SOMMERHILL SMLS 4130 MIL-T-6738A COND.N HT NO S4371

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

I just received an e mail response from Andy McAnaul which hopefully clarifies the status of airframe struts.


"Mr. Fries,

I looked into your inquiry, Per FAA approved PMA Supplement the Airframe
Inc Part numbers AF-MA-A815 and AF-MA-A854 are FAA approved equivalent
parts to the MA-815 and MA-854 replacement parts respectively. The
Airframe Inc parts are therefore approved replacement parts as terminating
action for the AD inspection requirements. Sorry for any confusion.

Andy McAnaul"

Nice, thanks for the post. Andy told me the same thing today too on the phone. He is out for 5 or 6 weeks after today.

This means there is no need for an AMOC and any A&P can install with log entry only since its an approved PMA replacement part for MA-815 and MA-854 on all the models listed in the PMA supplement sheet.

As an A&P I would do it that way and consider the AD complied with and no further action is required, ie this a terminating action for the AD. Andy McAnual agreed with me that was all I needed to do (as long as the model is listed on the PMA sheet).

These struts would definetly close the AD issue.
again I say, these struts would definetly close the AD issue.

Now this is a question for my education; Lee Budde can you educate me on a fine point? As I said I would merely buy your struts and replace the old ones and sign the log as a terminating action because your part is an approved replacement for MA-815 and MA-854 (and the AD prescribes that).

You mentioned that you have an STC. If I used your STC I would have to make out a 337 and sign it and I would rather not bother. Its more paper. Why would I want to do that since I can just sign as an A&P and I don't need an AMOC for your struts. Can you educate me here?

[lfries]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

I just received an e mail response from Andy McAnaul which hopefully clarifies the status of airframe struts.


"Mr. Fries,

I looked into your inquiry, Per FAA approved PMA Supplement the Airframe
Inc Part numbers AF-MA-A815 and AF-MA-A854 are FAA approved equivalent
parts to the MA-815 and MA-854 replacement parts respectively. The
Airframe Inc parts are therefore approved replacement parts as terminating
action for the AD inspection requirements. Sorry for any confusion.

Andy McAnaul"

[Buell Powell]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

You are probably right too. These are not even my struts but if I had some in this condition I would at least check into the posibility of spending probably 20.00 worth of bushings and some tube seal. I know it could be done-it's just a matter of contacting someone who can get it approved.

[astjp2]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

For a measly $100K in enginerding and data, they may grant you that stc!:hammer:

[Buell Powell]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

Guess you are right. It just seems like with X-rays showing no problems at all that an STC kit to convert them should be possible-at least by an authorized repair station.

[Mike]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

Has anyone checked on the possibility of struts in this condition to be made into sealed struts?

Not unless you can magically change the part number to an MA-(whatever).

[Buell Powell]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

I wondered that too. Is is possible if they check Ok to have them sealed? I am srtiping a set of F19 struts that the X-rays show no corrosion at all. Under the paint on the outside they look perfect. Has anyone checked on the possibility of struts in this condition to be made into sealed struts?

[Jim Herpst]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I have ordered set from the Taylorcraft factory---will come cpmplete with mid-strut braces and all new attachment bolts shipped together as a complete kit. Not certain yet about the freight!! Should have by end of this month!!
My plan is to replace existing with new and not have to do the 24 month inspections---they cost $$$---Will have the old set sent back to factory if freight isn't outragious, looking for a credit if they check out okey.

The following is written in my opinion:Shipping them back to the factory ...looking for a credit ??? Where did this idea come from??? The "factory" ??? What the H*#@ are they planning to do with the old struts that "check out ok??"
I hope the FAA is watching every thing going on here. Again, my opinion.

Oh what a world in 2007.

[Buell Powell]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

Has there been any thought about an STC for a Hyd. brake conversion for the F series?

[astjp2]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

Lee, when are you going to start building landing gear? There are lots of people that are needing them and it would sure be nice to have a solid source for them. If I remember right, you even built a jig for them....Tim

[levi907]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

To all Taylorcraft owners:

It seems some folks are uncertain about the AD and the sealed lift struts we produce here at Airframes. inc. Let me try and clarify things. When the AD came out we started getting calls asking us to produce them from our customers. We have been producing sealed lift struts for the PA18 supercubs (which has a similar AD)for the past seven years and have made well over a thousand of them. After conferring with the FAA. it was decided to get an STC to comply with the Taylorcraft AD as this could be accomplished the fastest. The STC states clearly that these struts comply with the requirements of the AD. This is the equivilant of an AMOC letter. Apparently The FAA hasen't gotten around to posting our STC on thier site yet. We make thousands of different FAA-PMA approved parts for many different airplanes and are intimately familiar with part approvals, we hold many STCs and PMAs including one that has an amoc. Our FAA engineer has graciously said that people with questions may contact him. His name is Dave Swartz and his # is 907-271-2671.
Rest assured that not only are our struts the fix for the AD they are the best choice as they are much stronger than both the originals and the competitors.They are also the lightest weight. I chose to charge the same amount for the T-craft struts as we charge for the supercub struts. 1800 per set. I am happy to save the T-craft world all this money as I am a T-craft afficianato myself.
I have about 800 hours in T-crafts.My first airplane was a T-craft which I dearly loved, I have had two more since and still have one, N95090. I taught flying in a 1946 BC12D with no brakes on my side and I met my wife when she was my student in it. Of all the planes I have owned and flown I enjoy the T-craft the most.
If anyone has any other questions, Call us at 907-892-8244 and myself or Levi will be happy to answer them.

Sincerely,

Lee Budde

President, Airframes,inc.

[MJB]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

I ordered my struts from Airframes Inc in ak.
but recv'd this e mail????????????

Mr. McGuire,

The AMOC comments appear to be correct. A copy of the AMOC is available in the Docket and I believe a copy is also posted on the www.taylorcraft.com website. I am not aware of Ariframes Inc struts being approved as terminating action. If they have a PMA approval, then their supplement should state the OEM part number they are approved to replace. Airframe Inc can also present data to the FAA under an AMOC request to substantiate their struts are acceptable for terminating action. So far they have not contacted our office requesting this. Hope this answers your questions.

Andy McAnaul

What is going on now????

Hello fellow T-Craft-ers.

Mr. McAnaul is just "not aware" of the Airframes, Inc. PMA.

Here is a link to see for yourselves:

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgpma.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameSet

In the Search box, type in AF-MA-A854, click on the GO button and it will come up with the PMA. Do the same again for AF-MA-A815. Airframes Inc. PMAs for MA-A854 and MA-A815. They have the approval to produce these struts. If you have these struts installed on your aircraft, the AD is NOT applicable. Remember the AD states:

Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all serial numbers of Taylorcraft Models A, BC, BCS, BC-65, BCS-65,
BC12-65 (Army L-2H), BCS12-65, BC12-D, BCS12-D, BC12-D1, BCS12-D1, BC12D-85,
BCS12D-85, BC12D-4-85, BCS12D-4-85, (Army L-2G) BF, BFS, BF-60, BFS-60, BF-65, BFS-65,
(Army L-2K) BF 12-65, BL, BLS, (Army L-2F) BL-65, BLS-65, (Army L-2J) BL12-65, BLS12-65,
FA-III (Airphibian), 19, F19, F21, F21A, F21B, F22, F22A, F22B, F22C, and TG-6 Conversion
airplanes that:
(1) Are certificated in any category; and
(2) Do not incorporate in all struts new sealed front lift struts (P/N MA-A815 or FAA-approved
equivalent P/N) and new sealed aft lift struts (P/N MA-A854 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N).

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

My FSDO wouldn't touch AMOC's, what can I say.

[levi907]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers (updated 10 Nov 2007)

Dave,
Are you kidding me? This is a freakin STC and the FSDO does have the authority to state the parts as a means of satisfying the AD on the cover of the before mentioned FAA document(STC).
I will not get into a bloging war here. "enough is enough"