Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

[btbell]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

I had asked Andy McNaul the week before 11/20 about an extension and he did not seem to keen on considering it. Maybe with a lot of push from many people he would reconsider?? I hope so...

[jstall]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

They are beginning to respond to the emails and feedback, we need to spread the word and get as many concerned Crafters as possible to send email and snail mail to both Joe and Andrew----there is no reason at all that this shouldn't be extended in fact the whole A/D needs to be revolked
it has never cause a problem, hell if the FAA is going to write an Emergency AD on every aircraft out there that has some rust here and there, they can ground the whole fleet period, whol knows maybe thats the agenda, but one must remember?? they work for us, we are the tax payers, and the
consumers on this, its for us, not them?? remember that.

JS

[taylorcraftbc65]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

Or, (if you are not hangered at "Megatropolis International"), you could just FLY IT till the new struts come, taking prudent care to not place the aircraft under high flight loads.
Sometime next year, I will get the Alaskan struts, simply because I dont want the periodic hassels of inspections. My IA and I both looked at the struts, and they look FINE, so I will continue flying from my remote strip, to other equally remote strips of my friends till the new struts come in. Brie

Rats, I saw that. I had forgot about it. Probably we can figure someone else to work with. Origin of AD or whatever.
DC

[jdlowrey]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

Received another email from the factory which I pasted below. Guess maybe they'll start shipping soon.

All the issues have been resolved with the front lift struts, the FAA will be here Tuesday and I will send an e-mail message to each person with an accurate time frame in which they will receive their new struts. I will be working with the Owners and the FAA concerning alternate means of compliance since the ninety days have expired to inspect or replace. I know you have a choice and we will honor your wishes, I will send complete update Tuesday. Thank you, Harry

[DanBrown]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

The history of the factory is (again) messing up on delivery promises. The price of their struts vs. Univair and Airframes, and the good, accurate service provided by these two suppliers is no contest vs the factory. So why would anyone now buy from the factory unless there were no alternative sources?

I could understand the logic of wanting to have a reliable factory back producing parts -- and I started out wanting to support them. But I've changed my mind.

[jstall]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

The history of the factory is (again) messing up on delivery promises. The price of their struts vs. Univair and Airframes, and the good, accurate service provided by these two suppliers is no contest vs the factory. So why would anyone now buy from the factory unless there were no alternative sources?

I could understand the logic of wanting to have a reliable factory back producing parts -- and I started out wanting to support them. But I've changed my mind.

Dan, I sure can understand your feelings, as I'm one of the folks that sent a check, for mine 2 months ago, and haven't seen anything but promises since, however, another email came today from Harry, indicating that Joe Perez inspected them Tuesday, and gave the ok on the production run, Interesting now, susposidly new front strut material is going to arrive at factory next week?? and customers should get thier cue by Next Friday?? I don't know what they are doing for cash flow, if they haven't shipped product, don't answer phone? how could they
be filling orders for anything, thus, how can the pay the help, utilities, rent ect???? I just don't get it. But why else would they keep
emailing with new promises, either they are sincere about trying to fill these orders, or are trying to buy time?? my guess???

JS

Its a mess, only one reason that "if the factory gets it going" factory would be my choice. It my understanding that the competion is using a far "fatter"
tube for the front, and they don't even look like stock struts, they are not
the 3 inch .049 4130 material. I would prefer to have a stock set that looks right to keep the airplane showey, as it is now. I only hope and pray this will work out. Actually I think my current originals are going to pass ok.
I will know next week.

JS

[robbie]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

JS
If they pass what are you going to do ??

Wag-areo struts are going the be the j-3 struts, which actually are a bit smaller I believe.

[Guest]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

Dan, I sure can understand your feelings, as I'm one of the folks that sent a check, for mine 2 months ago, and haven't seen anything but promises since, however, another email came today from Harry, indicating that Joe Perez inspected them Tuesday, and gave the ok on the production run, Interesting now, susposidly new front strut material is going to arrive at factory next week?? and customers should get thier cue by Next Friday?? I don't know what they are doing for cash flow, if they haven't shipped product, don't answer phone? how could they
be filling orders for anything, thus, how can the pay the help, utilities, rent ect???? I just don't get it. But why else would they keep
emailing with new promises, either they are sincere about trying to fill these orders, or are trying to buy time?? my guess???

JS

Its a mess, only one reason that "if the factory gets it going" factory would be my choice. It my understanding that the competion is using a far "fatter"
tube for the front, and they don't even look like stock struts, they are not
the 3 inch .049 4130 material. I would prefer to have a stock set that looks right to keep the airplane showey, as it is now. I only hope and pray this will work out. Actually I think my current originals are going to pass ok.
I will know next week.

JS

I bet you can't tell the difference in a Univair and T-craft strut.

First the old t-craft size is smaller, about 3.025 is no longer used.

The Univair and T-craft rear struts are identical.

I reused the rear t-craft jury strut fitting on the Univairs so they are the same size.

I used the front jury strut strap for a 3.372" front strut on one of my new Univair and I think that 3.372 is what T-craft is using now since that's what is currently available. So I think that means the fronts are the same size too.




Dave

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

Andy did let me know that he had to take off for a bit, that is why I have been a bit silent, I will be on the phones Tues morning for a resolution , you are all correct, if we cannot get supplied then they should extend; BUT there are a lot of struts passing the tests.
Do your attach fittings real well, there may be more on that issue too!

[btbell]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

Forrest,

Last time I talked to Andy I asked about an extension since the AD revision was not yet completed and the factory had yet to ship a set of struts. He indicated there were other strut manufacturers approved and doubted an extension would be considered. I agree with you that it is appropriate...thanks for going to bat for us!!

He also indicated that a NPRM was likely to be issued soon for the attach fitting. Please let us know of the time frame if you hear so those of us who are about to comply with the first AD can time it appropirately to not have to remove struts twice. My IA is hesitant to use the SB since the last time it changed so much when the AD was issued. We plan to get as good of a look now without cutting fabric and removing things until the final decisions come out. My plane has always been on wheels and hangered so he feels that we are probably in very good shape.

Brian

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

I am doing SB as written, cut the fabric away to properly view the fitting only about a 1/2 inch around. Dave Whitaker has fabricated a nice plate to use for repeated looks in the future. WE will put it out for others to copy.

The problem with the fabric is some mechanics have improperly wrapped fabric up into the cavity so you cannot see the metal in the interior cavity. Inspect it now with struts off for your own safety.
Clean, look, protect with primer, IF there are any suspicion of corrosion then use NDT to look at that area . I truly doubt that we will find ANY like the subject aircraft, BUT there are a lot of coverd up stuff showing on this strut inspection.

[Tim Haake]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

I wanted to update this thread and continue the factory strut saga....

Since the post that JDLOWRY made (several posts back) I did get one phone call into Harry and also an email from the FAA MIDO concerning same. Also another forum user received a call from the MIDO.

When I talked with Harry now two weeks ago he did indicate that he was to meet with the FAA the following day as JDLOWRY indicated. Harry also said he had just sent to me the same email but I never received it. He was also going to send all email that following day after his meet with the FAA to determine the disposition of 6 sets of struts but to the best of my knowledge no one got any info.

I called all week with no responce on either phone line. The FAA finally returned an email indicating they did indeed meet with Harry but it appears to have taken place that Thursday and not on the Tuesday as Harry indicated. They indicated to me that they now do agree with Harry that the front strut material was indeed bowed and did not meet Taylorcraft’s requirements. The FAA stated that the front material was received in 20 foot lengths.

The FAA indicated in the email to me that they were building struts. In an email to me from another forum user Harry indicated that new front strut material was to be delivered this week and that by Friday (today) those who have ordered strut sets would be notified as to when they should expect shipment. The information also stated that the rear struts and all other hardware was ready to ship.

I haven’t received any email or phone calls. I also have been calling all week with no response. Has anyone else received information other then what I have posted here?

It is a shame that Harry sees the need to be so elusive if he really wants to be in business. It is hard for me to see how the lack of communication can be of any benefit to him or his business.

[jstall]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

I wanted to update this thread and continue the factory strut saga....

Since the post that JDLOWRY made (several posts back) I did get one phone call into Harry and also an email from the FAA MIDO concerning same. Also another forum user received a call from the MIDO.

When I talked with Harry now two weeks ago he did indicate that he was to meet with the FAA the following day as JDLOWRY indicated. Harry also said he had just sent to me the same email but I never received it. He was also going to send all email that following day after his meet with the FAA to determine the disposition of 6 sets of struts but to the best of my knowledge no one got any info.

I called all week with no responce on either phone line. The FAA finally returned an email indicating they did indeed meet with Harry but it appears to have taken place that Thursday and not on the Tuesday as Harry indicated. They indicated to me that they now do agree with Harry that the front strut material was indeed bowed and did not meet Taylorcraft’s requirements. The FAA stated that the front material was received in 20 foot lengths.

The FAA indicated in the email to me that they were building struts. In an email to me from another forum user Harry indicated that new front strut material was to be delivered this week and that by Friday (today) those who have ordered strut sets would be notified as to when they should expect shipment. The information also stated that the rear struts and all other hardware was ready to ship.

I haven’t received any email or phone calls. I also have been calling all week with no response. Has anyone else received information other then what I have posted here?

It is a shame that Harry sees the need to be so elusive if he really wants to be in business. It is hard for me to see how the lack of communication can be of any benefit to him or his business.

Tim

This pretty well sums up my corresondence with Joe Perez also, I did get an email from Harry that on Friday Dec 14th we would be getting information
on the shipping and cue for the stuts. Friday the 14th came and went with no furthur communication for Harry, See Posted below::

Our meeting yesterday with the FAA went very well and after their inspection of our new lift struts they agreed that our decision to delay shipments to our customers was the correct action because the front lift strut material had a tendency to bend and did not meet our manufacturing and quality standards. This problem was discovered four weeks ago and a second order for material was placed, we got the confirmation that the new front strut material will be in Brownsville next week. The rear struts, jury struts, clamps and hardware are ready to ship. Shipping information will be sent to you next Friday with dates you can expect to receive your new struts. Service Bulletin 2007-002 is posted at taylorcraft.com please download a copy and inspect the A-A11 lift strut attach fitting on the fuselage for cracks or corrosion. Please e-mail any questions or concerns and I will respond on Saturday. Thank you, Harry

Its anybodys guess what is "really going on down there" .

JS

[Tim Haake]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

Looks like maybe Taylorcraft LLC bit the dust? Just tried calling both voice phone numbers AND the FAX number and they have been disconnected. Time to move on.

Wonder what is going on with Alaska Airframes too. When you sell the SuperCub end of the business the strut business goes with it? What if I want a strut for some other Cub model or does one strut fit all in the Cub world?

[jstall]

Re: Anyone received their new factory struts yet?

I'm with Tim, looks like the factory finally "bit it" all phones disconnected, no contact since 12/10/07,. I've been relative quiet for past few weeks on this waiting to see how things turned out for the factory, even with tongue in cheek hopeing that some how they might actually produce something other than lies, hot air and fraud, well, now I must admit that I'm another unfortunate soul that has lost money at Harrys hands. This time arround I don't think many sent checks mostly cards that could be reversed. lesson well learned, time to move on.

There are those in D.C. that will be looking at this, from the top to bottom
what happened??

For what ever it is worth, "DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH TAYLORCRAFT OR HARRY INGRAM, PERIOD"