Questions for IAs / Regulations

[zipperdu]

Hi Guys,

Well, Ive just been to an IA renewal and walked away somewhat frustrated....
I've got two questions that I've wondered about but been unable to resolve, any help??

1) It's a known fact that the 7AC was certificated under CAR4a, also tailwheels were not regulated at that time. So why is it that the current Type Certificate Data Sheet A-759 Note 202 lists a number of different tailwheels AND includes the 7AC in that list of aircraft that it applies to. It does not include the API wheel thats on my Champ either.....

2) When searching the Airworthiness Directives for compliance, I've used the FAA website and used the RGL . I was told today that this site may not be current and that I should use a commercial company to get the ADs from an "approved" source.

Anybody care to comment? Thanks!!

Jon Marion

[DC Krog]

The listing for approved tailwheels in the TC specs are for "origionally approved" tailwheels that the manufacture has certified for the aircraft. Now there may be "approved" tailwheels that are accepted by and STC approval. Basically you may install a serviceable Scott or Maule without any paperwork but a logbook endorsement. But your tailwheel maybe FAA/PMA approved but it will require an STC approval (or field approval if you can ever find a Fed that will do his job).

As far as the AD lists goes the old FAA catch 22 is that you must have all the current data available. However if the federal register is not current than in my opionion then that is not my responsibility. That being said you as the owner (or anyone for that matter) can receive every single AD that comes off the press by subscribing for free the the FAA e-mail AD alerts.

I'm sure the commerical subscribers to AD's will want you to pay for the service but I really don't think in the internet age you are limited to finding the current lists online.

Good luck
DC Krog A&P/IA

[Paul Agaliotis]

The TCDS is used in obtaining a TC. I implies approval but doesn't approve installation, still with me? The installer approves the installation, based on approved data. The CAR's, being approved, would be the approved data. If the CAA didn't care about the tail wheels, I don't either. One of the first things you do as an AI is to make sure and inspect the aircraft to the correct specification. In this case the CAR's not the FAR's.
Another confusing area is the TSO debacle. The TSO is a minimum standard, and equipment must be installed with this standard when instructed. The only items for the Aeronca that must meet a TSO requirement would be the ELT and a Transponder.
Everyone has a different interpretation of all of this stuff. This is an area where a whole bunch of clarification is needed. In the case of your tail wheel, the CAR's would cover it. ACA uses it on the 7Ec LSA and they have a drawing to cover it. But they don't think it's worth the trouble to make a TCDS change.
I would rather have the API wheel installed than some worn out Scott or Maule because of a perceived requirement. If you ask the Feds,it of course, would need approval. Because that's what they do, regulate. Even when their own documents support installation with no added approval.
Paul