Tires for Chief

[PurpleHonker]

Does anyone out there have a 337 for a field approval 337 for 6-ply tires. I'm restoring 3703E but the airworthiness certificate was lost before I acquired it so I'm having to undergo (endure!!) a "conformity inspection". If you ever have that opportunity, DON'T!! Anyway, the TCDS specifically approves 6:00 2- and 4- ply . I didn't read it close enough and bought a pair of Condor 6-ply new recaps which the FAA inspector has rejected. I'm working with a DAR & if we can get our hands on a field approved 337 we'll apply for our own field approval. Otherwise I'll be stuck with 2 new tires that I have absolutely no use for.
Thanks,
Cliff Goldman

[Paul Agaliotis]

I wouldn't worry about using a 6 ply tire. Not listed because of the weight of the plane. If it is a TSO'd tire I'd use it.
Paul

[PurpleHonker]

Thanks Paul. Ordinarily I'd do just that but I'm stuck in this time warp of a "conformity inspection" (lost airworthiness certificate, no record in the FAA database of a permanent one being issued at the "changeover" in 1957) and the FAA inspector has rejected my new 6-ply tires (not allowed by the TCDS). The options available now are buy new 4-ply tires which sticks me with the new 6-plys, which I'd have absolutely no use for, or request a field approval which Bill Pancake and my DAR recommend. If I can get my hands on a copy of an approved 337 that should be enough "data" to get it through FAA. If you've never been through one of these monstrocities (most haven't) DON'T! A stroll through Aushwitz in a tornado is far more enjoyable.
Thanks again,
Cliff

[Richard Murray]

Just a thought out of the box, why not borrow a pair of tires to complete the inspection and I will leave the rest to your imagination....)

[Paul Agaliotis]

Richard is on the right track. Write the inspectors name down and share it with the NAA, so we can avoid this guy.
A conformity inspection shouldn't be this bad. It just makes sure it MEETS type design. A 2 ply tire would meet the design as well as the 6 ply. The 2 ply is the minimum requirement and the 6 ply would exceed the requirement. But in both cases the tires would MEET the TCDS requirements.
Get through the inspection and put a scarlet letter on this guy.
Paul

[Paul Agaliotis]

Take a look at AC145-4A. It has a lot of information on tires and remarking of the tire ratings. It might help your ASI get through your inspection.
Paul