Common Sense

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 16:02

Sometimes you wonder where and how common sense comes into play.

According to my AI, the paperwork is still hung up on getting approval to use the approved pop rivets in .032 ribs on the wings on my L16. I don't exactly remember how long it's been (way over a month) but it seems to be a telephone and paper chase between the FAA and my AI. Service letter 85 specifically states the use of pop rivets for .032 ribs. Of course that applies to a 7EC, etc. but it's still the basically same wing and as I'm putting in all new spars and ribs the wing will be built to 'new standards'.
I can't be the only person in the country that's installed .032 ribs and pop rivets

.

Mike

Post by **joea** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 17:01

Mike,

Other than going to the .032 ribs (which are the ones that the TC holder sells for this wing) what if any are the differences in the two wings?

I would get Jerry from ACA to call the FSDO and have a discussion with them. He is their DER and can set them straight on this I would hope.

Joe

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 17:40

As far as I know there are no differences and we're only talking about a 85 MPH aircraft anyway. I think Jerry has already called on my behalf and with my thanks. Not sure what the issue is as I'm remote or the third party in this case. It might be a somewhat of a paper conflict between the Feds and my AI. According to him they sent the 337 back with a bunch of questions to be answered. I haven't seen the 337 he submitted so I can't comment on that part. It just seems to me that we're not 'plowing new ground' here as us old time farmers would say. Right now it's not really holding me up at this point but I kind of like to keep things moving so they don't get lost in a shuffle somewhere.

This issue is going to keep coming up as .032 ribs are the only ones available to my knowledge and I can't see drilling new holes in the ribs when you already have 'holes'. I'm sure it will get resolved but it is frustrating and I can't do much about it myself.

I had intended to buy all new ribs for the other wing from WAG at Middletown.

Mike

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 21:28

Sounds like he put too much info on the 337--Had that happen once on a sailplane we were putting water ballast on--the FAA inspector said to dump about 9 or the 14 drawings and info and he would approve it. But he was from the old school.

Doug

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 17:38

The "on going' saga' here: in addition to form 337 we now have to fill out and submit a ICA (Instructions for Continued Airworthiness)........more paperwork!! I mean we're not talking brain surgery here: I'm replacing old spars with new PMA units. New PMA leading edge and all new .032 PMA ribs. The hangup seems to be on using the approved 1/8" pop rivets as Aeroncas came with PK screws instead of pop rivets. To me (in my simple mind

) we're bringing the wings up to at least a Citabria standard so I guess I don't understand the foot dragging. I'm quite sure if I drilled my new PMA ribs full of holes to install PK screws it would be no problem, but why would I want to do that?

Well anyway, the ICA is filled out and will be submitted. I'll let you know how things come out when all is said and done.

Guess I spent too much time during my working years in the instant decision and problem solving business (i.e. "get 'er done"

).

Mike Berg

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 19:30

Guess they want you to take the fabric off each year and inspect the pop rivets.

Only the FAA...

Doug