Buying a 7AC

[skyjim]

I buy a 7Ac N83451 and serial Number 7ac-2118 need some advise on what to look for AD's that are due and any experience you have had, good or bad on buying an Aeronca

Thanks Jim

[MikeB]

Jim, I own a 7AC that is only a few serial numbers from yours. Although, I'm hardly an expert, I've been an aircraft owner for 25 years and around Champs, including rebuilding the one I own, for several years. I'm sure others will chime in with ideas also. One thing you have to realize is that the aircraft is now almost 60 years old and a lot could have taken place over those years. There could be a lot of " backyard repairs" done and logged or not logged. Example: when I bought mine (a basket case) someone had installed automotive throttle cables for brake cables. Wonder how many times it passed inspection!! If you're not familiar with aircraft, I would certainly try to find someone (hopefully, but not necessarily, an AP or AI) who knows Aeroncas and tube and fabric aircraft ( a jet mechanic will probably not do you much good). The aircraft should have complete logs and a listing of form 337's completed over the years. There are several AD's but the recent wing spar (AD2000-25-02) is the one most likely not to be completed if the plane has been out of annual for a few years. Obviously, an engine inspection is in order, compression, leaks, etc. Most likely the aircraft will have been covered with Ceconite which lasts for years if properly taken care of. In my opinion, all aircraft, but especially fabric aircraft should be hangered. If the aircraft has been painted with automotive enamel paint recently, it will usually start cracking in short order. Either way, the fabric can be tested with a Maule tester. Look for rust on the bottom of the lift struts which indicates they will need to be replaced. If the landing gear oleo struts are bottoming out and/or leaking fluid it indicates they will need to be rebuilt soon. When inspecting a Champ I generally grab a wing tip and move the wing up and down, listening for creaks or snapping sounds inside the wing. There are so many places to inspect that it's impossible to list them all: rusty tubing, frayed cables, loose tailwheels, etc. That's why it's important to get someone who knows Champs involved in the "prebuy" or inspection process. Actually, if I remember correctly, the Lasher book had a good section on inspecting Champs and Chiefs. Well, hope this gives you some ideas anyway. Feel free to contact me at my email address (under "profile") if you have specific questions and I can help.
Good Luck....Mike Berg.

[joea]

Jim,

Agree with what Mike said above. Would be a good time to get a good A&P involved and look the plane over with a fine tooth comb, mechanical and paperwork. Better to know before you have a problem and fix it.

Joe A

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Another good idea is to research the paper work. For a small fee, about $25 (that could be off, it's been awhile since I've done it), AOPA will do a title search. This will ensure that the title is free and clear. Next call or go to the FAA website (click here) and fill out the form for the aircraft records. This is VERY handy, it will contain everything and anything that ever passed through the FAA's hands. That includes inspection reports (Anual's, when they went to the FAA every year), 337's, STC's and a whole lot more.

All of this will give you a little more piece of mind, and the true history, be it written, when it comes time to sign the check.

nkh