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

[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)

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.

[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!

[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.

[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"

[Guest]

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?

[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

[Buell Powell]

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

David,
Did Mr. McAnaul mention anything about issuing the AMOC for Wag Aero struts? I sent an e-mail to Wag-Aero asking if they had any news about getting it and they said they had been calling for Mr. McAnaul for the last 3 days with no response. Wag Aero is going to check into it. Hope this does not hold things up for Wag Aero.
Buell

[levi907]

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

Drude,
A 337 is used when you make a major alteration or repair to any structure on an a/c. For example, if you weld on STC'd float fittings you have altered the structure of the airframe. Since your simply replacing parts here the 337 is not required. The STC is just there to cover the AD.Hope this clears it up for you.

Regards,
Levi

[Guest]

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

David,
Did Mr. McAnaul mention anything about issuing the AMOC for Wag Aero struts? I sent an e-mail to Wag-Aero asking if they had any news about getting it and they said they had been calling for Mr. McAnaul for the last 3 days with no response. Wag Aero is going to check into it. Hope this does not hold things up for Wag Aero.
Buell

Didn't mention anything about that but he was in a big hurry.

[Guest]

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

Drude,
A 337 is used when you make a major alteration or repair to any structure on an a/c. For example, if you weld on STC'd float fittings you have altered the structure of the airframe. Since your simply replacing parts here the 337 is not required. The STC is just there to cover the AD.Hope this clears it up for you.

Regards,
Levi

Ok, I see. I am assuming (always bad) that if there was an STC it involved some major alteration but it does not have to be. So I see that part now.

But it sounds like I could blow off the STC if I chose too and just go with the approved replacement part number if I wanted to as A. McAnaul suggested.

[Gary Snell]

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

Good info on the STC. I have the Airframe struts and thought I was going to have to file the 337. Thanks Dave for asking the question.

[barnstmr]

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

Levi,
I am not trying to be critical, but you are incorrect. All STCs require a 337. Not a big deal, because the STC is the "approved" data that allows an IA to sign off on block 3 of the 337. I recommend anyone using the Airframes Inc struts be aware of this and complete the 337 paperwork. Otherwise your airplane's records will have a gap that could come back and bite you someday.
Respectfully -

[Guest]

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

Terry,

This is why in red below, correct? STCs are only issued for major alterations so they are by definition a major alteration and require a 337.

§ 21.113 Requirement of supplemental type certificate.
Any person who alters a product by introducing a major change in type design, not great enough to require a new application for a type certificate under §21.19, shall apply to the Administrator for a supplemental type certificate, except that the holder of a type certificate for the product may apply for amendment of the original type certificate. The application must be made in a form and manner prescribed by the Administrator.


Dave

[Guest]

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

Good info on the STC. I have the Airframe struts and thought I was going to have to file the 337. Thanks Dave for asking the question.

Gary, your welcome, sorry I wasn't better at scrubbing the answer.

I am lost now on this whole issue. A PMA replacement part that meets the AD terminating action requirement according to the office controlling the AD but also needs an STC (and no 337) according to the manufacturer, how does that make sense? I give up.

Dave