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

[Forrest Barber]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

Airframes Inc. was not listed on the PMA list first of the week. Glad we have the clarification, not yet, but soon. Shipping----- find a friend in the airline industry. I have one, struts can be delivered to an airline base and loaded for the employee and can be picked up at the freight dock upon arrival.
My guru works for Continental in CLE.

[Winston L.]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I'm not trying to be a bone head here, but was the Factory instrumental in this new AD?

IF it wasn't, then my beef is only with the FAA. But *IF* they are, then why would I support them with my $$? I would be willing to purchase other items, but never ever would I buy a lift strut from them.

On top of that, the person at the factory that initiated it all has no aviation or mechanical background!

[cpirrmann]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I'm convinced they are and I would pay extra to get struts from anyone else but the factory. I bought trim pulleys from them and all was well, but this just stinks.

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I'm not trying to be a bone head here, but was the Factory instrumental in this new AD?

IF it wasn't, then my beef is only with the FAA. But *IF* they are, then why would I support them with my $$? I would be willing to purchase other items, but never ever would I buy a lift strut from them.

-------------------------------------------

yes

[Richard Boyer]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I'm not trying to be a bone head here, but was the Factory instrumental in this new AD?

IF it wasn't, then my beef is only with the FAA. But *IF* they are, then why would I support them with my $$? I would be willing to purchase other items, but never ever would I buy a lift strut from them.

[stormman]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

Factory recons?
How does that work? My front ones are as new

[cpirrmann]

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.

Be careful, someone else may get them as 'new'.

[matsuthunder200]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

Stodderds in Anchorage also has struts in stock they are from univair.
price 620 for the rear 780 for the front

[TCTOM]

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.

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I talked with Lee at Airframes yesterday and he told me the same thing that is discussed above. He did indicate he was having some difficulty with FedEx and UPS on air shipping. They told him they were 4 inches too long. He suggested that we could consolidate orders for a particular area of the country and he would build a crate and send them by ground transportation. They will be larger than original and will require larger clamps for the jury struts, which would be included for the price of $1800 for a complete PMA'd set, sealed and primed. For example, his father lives in Mankato, Mn. he could ship them to him or any of us in the midwest and we could make a short trip from Iowa, Mn., Wisc., N.D., S.D., Nebr, etc. and get them. Other groups could do the same. He thought the shipping wouldn't be more than $20-$50 per airplane doing it this way. Does this sound reasonable assuming all the proper paperwork and documentation is in order?

I put my name on a waiting list, no money required, I was number 4 on the list and he said to check back in 2-3 weeks if I hadn't heard from him. If all is legit it sounds like the best way to go so far.

Carl Carson
Cedar Rapids, Ia.

Good point here, many strut purchasers will run into this problem of the straps not fitting and requiring replacement or modification.

Its nice to get a new set that fits with the struts.

The shipping sounds too cheap to be true but I hope it works out that way.

[Carl E. Carson]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

I talked with Lee at Airframes yesterday and he told me the same thing that is discussed above. He did indicate he was having some difficulty with FedEx and UPS on air shipping. They told him they were 4 inches too long. He suggested that we could consolidate orders for a particular area of the country and he would build a crate and send them by ground transportation. They will be larger than original and will require larger clamps for the jury struts, which would be included for the price of $1800 for a complete PMA'd set, sealed and primed. For example, his father lives in Mankato, Mn. he could ship them to him or any of us in the midwest and we could make a short trip from Iowa, Mn., Wisc., N.D., S.D., Nebr, etc. and get them. Other groups could do the same. He thought the shipping wouldn't be more than $20-$50 per airplane doing it this way. Does this sound reasonable assuming all the proper paperwork and documentation is in order?

I put my name on a waiting list, no money required, I was number 4 on the list and he said to check back in 2-3 weeks if I hadn't heard from him. If all is legit it sounds like the best way to go so far.

Carl Carson
Cedar Rapids, Ia.

[robbie]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

Ok guy's this might be our way out of the mess.
With the least amount spent.The NDT test and removal/replacment of the struts could buy you
1 1/2 to 2 struts.
Still makes me mad, I was poking around on my struts tonight and damn, I know they are still good and good for many years yet.
There are going to be alot of good struts out there, just laying around in hangars. What a shame.
Does any one know of any one who have Airframes Inc. struts on there pipers?

[N74DV]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

just got this email from Airframes Inc. In another email he indicated they will be PMA'd and legal to use.

---------------------------

The rumor is true, we are hard at work on the project and will have them
available within 3 weeks. They will be sealed struts and comply with the AD.
The cost will be 450 each for a total of 1800 for a set. We've built over a
thousand cub, 12 and pacer struts so this is our business.

We'll call you when we are closer or you can call us in a couple weeks.

Thanks for your inquiry,

Lee
Airframes,inc

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

If Airframes Inc. puts them out for $400/500 they can count me in as a buyer.
Maybe we should make a list of buyers at that price and give it to them so they would know they have the buyers up front.
It's going to take some money and work on their part, to make them and get them PMA.

You are right on.

But each time I think of it reminds me I paid $2700 for my set.

Should be here tomorrow. That will make it seem better.

I paid $105 FedEx from Colorado to New York. The shipping cost from Alaska will be more but I bet it will never exceed the $900 price difference plus my $105 shipping!

Dave

[robbie]

Re: A list of lift strut suppliers

If Airframes Inc. puts them out for $400/500 they can count me in as a buyer.
Maybe we should make a list of buyers at that price and give it to them so they would know they have the buyers up front.
It's going to take some money and work on their part, to make them and get them PMA.