|
Hi Ralf-
When I
first bought my Chipmunk (which is Experimental/Exhibition), the local IA said I
could do the work on it as it was not Type Certificated. One day I emerged from
the bowels to find a nice man asking what I was doing. He turned out to be an
FAA Inspector. He said that because DeHavilland was the builder, not me, any
work other than preventive maintenance had to be approved by a certificated
mechanic.
From then on I worked under the IA. Because
you bought the plane and didn't build it originally, when your rebuilding is
done you'll have to get a Condition Inspection done by an A&P and subsequent
work would also have to be approved. As you're working on a plane that has
flown I'm assuming that you're doing the work in a hangar at your home base. If
so I'd suggest that you find a local mechanic that you trust and have that
person guide you. When the time comes the inspection will be
easier.
I may be wrong but my understanding is
that aircraft used in non-commercial operations don't have to follow
manufacturer's life limits although common sense dictates some
exceptions. Certain helicopter and turbine components come to mind. That
goes double for Experimentals- you could probably use garden hose if you thought
it might work and could convince your mechanic. Up here I've seen duct tape used
and there are stories about 2x4's. And those were
Certificated... Ultimately, it depends on what the mechanic is comfortable
with. If he signs off on something he could be putting his certificate and
livelihood at risk. Of course you are potentially putting your aircraft and your
life at risk as well.
Specifically on the hoses- it depends. One
of the first things I did on my planes was to replace all the hoses even though
many were still usable (flexible, no obvious defects). I
generally used Teflon hoses that don't have a finite life- they're
replaced "on condition". Good information can be found in the Aircraft Spruce
catalog, AC 43.13, and the Sacramento Sky Ranch website.
Generally, lack of use can be harmful.
There might not be much mechanical wear but corrosion, gasket shrinkage and
dried lubricants become potential issues. -Bill Wade
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 1:45 PM
Subject: [LML] life time of components in
experimentals
Dear
subscribers,
I learned from an aircraft
mechanic at our airport that many components in a certified airplane have a
limited life time.
For examples hoses for hydraulics,
brakes or fuel need to be replaced after ten
years.
When I wanted to put the fuel pump
back in the plane on my 4P rebuild project I found on the back of the pump the
note that the pump needs to be replaced or serviced after ten
years.
I had a pre buy inspection done at
Lancair. At this time most of the components were already 12 years old.
Lancair didn’t mention anything about expired
components.
I am wondering if I should put all
my old stuff back in the plane as long as it looks half way decent or if
should replace certain things.
What components do I need to
replace – the components of my 4P are approx 13 years old but the plane has
just 240 hrs. I would describe the physical appearance of most of the
components as old and messy.
Thanks for your
help
Ralf
Phone: (419) 369 12
33
Fax: (419) 369 33 32
E-mail:
bronnenmeier@grobsystems.com
|