Strut inspection results

[flyguy]

Re: Strut inspection results

Missed the point Forrest. My question was: how do you measure remaining thickness with Xrays, not what are the failure specifications.

Anyway thanks for the replies, looking forward to learning how they make a precision measurement with Xrays.
DC

[Robert Lees]

Re: Strut inspection results

They use a calibrated "step-wedge"; that is, a wedge made up of incrementally thicker sections in steps.

This is placed along side the struts during X-Ray, so that a shading comparison can be made between the strut thickness and the shade of the corresponding step of the wedge.

Rob

[flyguy]

Re: Strut inspection results

Thanks much Rob, I can see how that would be good enough to spot a real problem. I worked for some time in an Aerospace calibration laboratory (electrical) that did a lot of non-electronic stuff too, so I am always interested in the process.

Jim;
I have one front one that measures thin all along the trailing edge, but the leading edge is still .049 as original. Think I will likely cut that one up to see the actual condition of the inside. Maybe some simple xrays first. Still looks perfect and sounds solid when I bang on it. With all that metal in the front and the thin areas still close to a stock .035, don't think there was much danger of it breaking, but it needs to be replaced.
Darryl

[Robert Lees]

Re: Strut inspection results

We've had five sets of Tcraft struts inspected recently. Two of the Leicester owners met with the radiologist this week, and he took us through the X-Ray results. The "shading" is a very accurate way of determining thickness (we had 20 strut X-Rays to play with), and I am confident of the results.

My thanks to everyone who got the X-Ray AMOC approved, and thanks also to the FAA for listening.

Rob

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Strut inspection results

Amen , the radiologist will explain a lot. The "thin " along the back is not a problem. The center "neutral axis" is the important part. The lower part especially of course where the moisture could ahve collected and caused corrosion from the inside on the improperly maintained struts.

[tabranch]

Re: Strut inspection results

X-ray testing on the struts from our 2 F22s showed no evidence of rust. I can recommend Semiray in Phoenix AZ as an NDT facility. Ask for Dave, (602) 275-1917. The cost per plane was about $135. If rust had been observed, they would have done an ultrasound test to precisely determine the metal thickness. N2202T, s/n 2202 & N191TC, s/n 2203. The struts were 4130. Front: 3.875x1.345; Rear 2.345x1.018

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Strut inspection results

Very good , please include ser#'s of the ship, I imagine those were 1010 struts, maybe give maj & min dia. of the struts too!!

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Strut inspection results

Terry,

I asked BRL to inspect our struts but they turned me down because their machine was out for calibration or some such. I like BRL better, but there was not a choice at the time.

I will answer you question about my wife here publicly, I know there are others of the tribe who have some idea and I appreciate you all for your concern.

First, Thank you for prayers. The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. This has been a fortnight of many prayers and many tears.

Kathleen fell from a horse on December 2nd - not a very good thing for a Texan to do I realize. She spent two weeks in intensive care, first in a coma followed by small increments of returning to awareness. Just yesterday, the 14th, she was moved to a rehabilitation hospital. Injury is broken ribs and serious brain trauma. She was wearing a proper riding helmet which probably saved her life, but we are not as young and resilient as we once were.

Prognosis is good, but I do not know the extent of brain damage yet because she can't speak with tracheostomy tube in place. She knows me and all the family members. It appears she may not know how to use a pen and paper. Other than that I can't say. All I know is that this Christmas I was granted my wife's life by my Lord and Saviour. Many friends and family have helped me through thus far. Doc has been a constant guide, mentor and friend through two very difficult weeks -- and I'm far better off for the help. If I have to rebuild an all new relationship with my bride, that is fine by me. Kathleen probably has a lengthy rehab to go through now.

I wish you all a good and happy holiday "holyday' season. And tell Santa that all Taylorcraft tribesmen really need shoulder harnesses so they don't hit their heads while just out trying to have a good time.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Strut inspection results

Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family , Kathleen will be prayed for here and around the world, God Bless All! Patty will get a special hug in a moment as we head out for Christmas shopping. Holy Day , I like that.

[robbie]

Re: Strut inspection results

Mark
You and your family will be in our prayers the Christmas season.
Keep us all updated on Kathleen's progress.

[calvin wiley]

Re: Strut inspection results

took my 38 bc-65 struts down to nashville last week to have tested all four failed miserably

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Strut inspection results

were they the original smaller struts, what is the major dia.. ; those early rears were the ones we found bad here many years ago.thanks for the update.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Strut inspection results

01/08/2008

Got a call from Gary at "Testing Technologies, Inc" Woodbridge VA [ 703-491-5500] with the good news that all four struts are in good condition, no signs of corrosion, all walls appear to be of approx same thickness and without any dark spots on the film. He also checked the welding; he saw some pourous areas but they are not of any concern. I'll pick them up tomorrow with the film, scanned pictures (which I'll post) and the report. The test was done this morning and it took about three hours from set up to finish; add about half an hour for the report and pictures. Price: less than $ 400.00 for all four struts. Im happy that this is over; now, out to get new hardware, get them installed this week end and back to normal... I highly recomed their services...very proffesional.
Ralph

[Jim Hartley]

Re: Strut inspection results

Hi all...
Took the chop saw to the front left strut (failed x-ray,unairworthy) and left rear (passed test but marginal) Both showed a lot of rust dust and pitting. I have new Airframe Inc., struts installed. Had to fly once to make an adjustment to fly hands off but that was expected. Strut attach fittings look fine. Installed New windshield and skylight and external com antenna along with some cosmetic work during annual. Nice and safe now and ready for ski season.

Jim

[Buell Powell]

Re: Strut inspection results

The information for some 1977 F19 struts that were taken to All American Inspections in San Antonio is Serial no. F-107. N number 3698T.All were done with X-ray and have on the release certificate No cracks or corrosion noted.