Airframes Alaska Struts

[freightpilot27]

I see Airframes Alaska is having a small sale of there Tcraft lift struts.

I'm looking for the general consensus of which strut manufacturer people are most happy with and which ones people have gripes about.
are some larger than others?

-wag Aero
-Univair
-Aircraft Spruce
-Airframes
-others?

[skipilot]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

Just got my set last week from airframe alaska. Very nice!!! They are great to work with and you will not be let down by there product!

[lfries]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I purchased "Airframes" simply because they were the first to offer them at a more reasonable price. I'm very happy with them.

[Peter Collin]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I bought Airframes too, little bigger than original no big deal, better price too. Would buy them again.

Peter

[Dano"T"]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

FYI...I just got a wag aero sale flyer and they "remanufacture" and seal your existing struts...$250 for front...$300 for rear....it satisfies the AD and is a bit cheaper...just another option.

[Pearson]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

Airframes Alaska - Very pleased

[matsuthunder200]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I have a set from airframes they are right down the street from me.
I havent had them put on yet but when i do I will have a lifetime strut from univair for sale its only about a year old.

[paulnuss]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I bought mine from Airframes, the name was a bit different then, but I believe it is the same people. They are excellent, large in size, but they provided the appropriate-size jury-strut clamps, the rest doesn't matter, they fit the airplane perefectly. Quality appears superb, shipping was very reasonable.

[swoeric]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I understand that ultrasonic inspection can be performed on the struts to verify thickness of the metal. Does this inspection have to come with a certification of inspection, what does it cost?


What im getting at is I have a couple hundred hours running an ultrasonic machine and a machine at my disposal if i perform my own inspection do i need to have a level III inspector sign it off or am i legal to do my own work.

The aircraft parts in which we inspect for work go on f22-f35-f18 we are bound by the specs of these manufactures to the level of certification for their aircraft although i was unsure what is needed for my aircraft

[lfries]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

Search a thread on strut AD. It covers the compliance requirements. I bought new airframe struts so I'm not sure what it says about authorization.

[shipljl]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I have wondered the same question. I do NDE method development as a career and a lot of NDI but am not a certified technician. I took a quick look at AC43.13 chapter 5 and while it lists the three technician levels, I didn't see where it is required to be a certified technician to do the inspection. Can an A&P or AI sign off the work if I do the NDI inspection? Does anybody know?

[skip]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

Echoing everyone else. I purchased them because they were first and have had no regrets. Good product. Good shipping and delivery.

[swoeric]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

i was wondering who could really sign it off I wouldnt really trust any IA or AP with in NDT test or interpretation of an indication without experience in that method. I have my ut experience because i am adding it to our list of methods currently I have a Level III on staff although not always in the building. I am currently writing our procedure for boeing approval and gaining hours towards my Level II. checking thickness would be way easier than interpreting indications

[Robert Lees]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

I purchased ten sets from Airframes for use here in England (pictures & details here).

Nice product. My only comment is that some of the green primer they come in is a bit weak, or perhaps the bare metal was not fully cleaned, so strip that off and put proper primer on them.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Airframes Alaska Struts

For NDI there are two problems. You need to get an inspection done that satisfies the FAA, and you need to do an NDI that actually checks the condition. If you do NDI for a living you already know the methods the regulations require don't always get the job done (they started the inspections on the struts using Eddy Current to look for internal rust with no standard! Eddy Current is for CRACKS!!! NOT RUST!)
Do what the Feds require to get the inspection signed off and then do a REAL inspection to assure yourself the struts are safe. The only one that counts to the FAA is theirs. The only one that matters to me is the one I DO!
Hank

By the way, I wrote NDI requirements for the A-6, F-14, F-8, E-2, and a pant load of other Navy aircraft in an earlier career. When MY BUTT is in the seat, I want MY INSPECTION done after the FAA is happy. If you REALLY want to know if a strut is safe, PULL TEST IT! Lost out trying to convince the FAA on that one. It would have been cheaper and more reliable a test that any A&P or owner could do with a club tool.