Strut Testing - where, who and what cost? (merged)

[Scott Zimmer]

Re: Strut Testing - where, who and what cost? (merged)

That's a good idea. I will keep a running count and post the results periodically.

Scott

[lawheelock]

Re: Strut Testing - where, who and what cost? (merged)

Scott,
Hope you will do the group a big favor and keep a running count on how many pass and how many fail. Also, please post a periodic update on pass/failure ratio. We would like to know if there really is a problem.
Thanks.
Larry

[Scott Zimmer]

Re: Strut Testing - where, who and what cost? (merged)

We perform the strut inspection for AD 2007-16-14.

usually 2-3 day turn around if you send the set of struts in to us. The cost is $150. If you want to see X-rays of the area add $75.00 (The X-rays are not required).

If you want us to perform the inspection on the plane, you can fly to Creve Coeur (1H0, one hotel zero) near St. Louis and we will inspect them on the the spot. Cost for this is $150 plus $75 trip charge. You pay only 1 trip charge to the airport, so if you have more planes, the trip charge is divided between each plane.

If you want us to come to your airport, it is still $150 per plane. There is still a trip charge but you will need to call to get a quote. Again, the more planes you have the less expensive it will be.

We take Cash, checks and most credit cards.

Call me personally if you like or our General Manager Steve Stutz to setup an inspection time.

Scott Zimmer

Quality Testing Services, Inc.
2305 Millpark Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63043
314-770-0607

[jmvolpp]

Re: Strut testing in Indianapolis

I hope to have mine tested there next week and will report afterwards.

MV

[VictorBravo]

Re: Strut Testing

Question?
At this time X-ray is not an approved test.
Is that true?

I sure like the price.

It cannot be guaranteed 100% just yet, but there is an effort being made now to approve X-ray, and I do know that the FAA is open to discussing it. How long it will take... I cannot hazard a guess.

I believe that X-ray will be approved, and in fact I bet $250 on it recently along with four other Taylorcraft owners locally.

I forgot how much time the AD says can elapse between the initial visual inspection and the first Eddy Current test. If you can fly for a while after the visual test and wait it out, then I'd advise doing so. If you have to get the AD inspection soon or don't want to wait then do what you gotta do.

But, for what it is worth, my personal opinion is to not jump out of your seat and order new struts from anyone just yet... unless your struts are known to be corroded or strongly suspect.

The visual inspection should be taken VERY seriously, and right !($#% now, IMHO. Do not minimize the importance of this inspection. If you have a fresh restored airplane and have a set of known clean, recently oiled struts that's one thing. But if you have an average Taylorcraft like most of us, get down there on a creeper or a foam pad, get comfy, and really poke around the struts and the fitting. Poke at it with an ice pick, strip off any flaked or bubbled paint, look to see if there's dirt or mud in the fitting, etc. etc. If there is ANY question in your mind, take the bolt out and swing the struts out of the fitting and look deeper into it. Absent anyone else's better or more educated ideas, I recently posted a MS Word document on one of the threads which contains instructions how to remove the struts safely without removing the wings.

[robbie]

Re: Strut testing in Indianapolis

How much are they charging??

[robbie]

Re: Strut Testing

Question?
At this time X-ray is not an approved test.
Is that true?

I sure like the price.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Strut Testing

Whole set. All four struts can be x-rayed a one shot when they are off the plane.

[jmvolpp]

Strut testing in Indianapolis

IDM Inc. in Indianapolis can perform the required wing strut inspections as per the recent AD/SB. If you have any questions or want to schedule a time to get this accomplished please contact Tony @ 317-244-0295 x219.

Mike V.

[cpirrmann]

Re: Strut Testing

Was that per strut or for the whole set?

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Strut Testing

When Terrry Bowden and I went to the NDI lab here in San Antonio the Level III technician stated that if struts were brought in to his shop he could do digital x-ray followed by ultrasound of any suspicious places for under $200.

I hope that helps. I will be interested in any other replies to your thread.

[Skydivematt]

Anyone who has had their struts tested, please tell us who, where, and what was charged for the entire process.