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

[Mike]

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

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.

Well, it's pretty easy to do a search for PMA parts on the FAA website, and Alaska Airframes holds a PMA for replacements for MA-A815 and MA-A854. That satisfies the AD.

[lfries]

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

I'm with Mike. I was ready to buy from airframes. The confusion created by the AMOC has scared me for now. Hopefully a reply from Andrew will get me back on track. Weather is very flyable so it hurts. I have no quarrel with Univair. I just prefer to buy from the party who started at a "fair" price.

[flyguy]

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

From the FAA PMA list

20071017 10/17/2007 40 LIFT STRUT AF-MA-A815AF-MA-A815 MA-A815 Airframes Inc PO Box 521759, Comanche Circle Big Lake AK 99652 United States
20071017 10/17/2007 40 LIFT STRUT AF-MA-A854AF-MA-A854 MA-A854 Airframes Inc PO Box 521759, Comanche Circle Big Lake AK 99652 United States

Looks pretty clear to me.

DC

[N95334]

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

The other side of the story, this is the reply I received from Airframes Inc. :

Dennis,
Unfortunatly the STC is not listed on faa.gov website yet, so that might explain some mis information you are recieving. We do have an STC to for these struts and they will meet the requirments listed on AD 2007-16-14.

On the last line on our STC under Limitations and conditions:

4) These FAA approved sealed lift struts are an approved replacement for part numbers MA-a815 and MA-a854 and meet the requirements of Airworthiness directive 2007-16-14.

That is copied verbatim from the STC . DO you need somthing else from me to satisfy your disbelieve.

I can fax you a copy of the STC. Or I you can call the FSDO office that engineered the entire project here in alaska.

Regards,

Levi Ward

I sent them my money due to several Taylorcraft owners are very satisified with their work and service and appear to be honest.

[flyguy]

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

Soooo- They now have a STC to allow the PMA to comply with the AD that covers the SB. But if you don't have a PMA you can still sign off the AD for the SB under the AMOC for a PN by applying to the FAA for a....

Darn, I got lost there somewhere.

I think my problem is going to be getting my IA to sign off on all this C.R.A.P.
DC

[robbie]

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

Update on wag-aero t-craft struts.
Paper work moving, need Texas FAA to sign off on the AMOC. Hope to be making struts in a couple of weeks. Will be completive with Univair in price.
Are taking names to call when struts are manufactured. Ask for Tom.

[Guest]

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

The other side of the story, this is the reply I received from Airframes Inc. :

Dennis,
Unfortunatly the STC is not listed on faa.gov website yet, so that might explain some mis information you are recieving. We do have an STC to for these struts and they will meet the requirments listed on AD 2007-16-14.

On the last line on our STC under Limitations and conditions:

4) These FAA approved sealed lift struts are an approved replacement for part numbers MA-a815 and MA-a854 and meet the requirements of Airworthiness directive 2007-16-14.
That is copied verbatim from the STC . DO you need somthing else from me to satisfy your disbelieve.

I can fax you a copy of the STC. Or I you can call the FSDO office that engineered the entire project here in alaska.

Regards,

Levi Ward

I sent them my money due to several Taylorcraft owners are very satisified with their work and service and appear to be honest.

See red above.

My bet is that Andy McAnual is going to say approved by who? I am the only one that can approve that and I didn't.

I (Dave) do not beleive that the FSDO has that authority over the AD.


Dave

[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"

[Guest]

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

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

[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).

[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.

[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

[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?

[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)

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?