EAA/VAA Submits Comments to Taylorcraft Lift Strut AD
EAA and its Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) have responded to FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-16-14, which requires non-destructive test (NDT) inspection of the lift struts on Taylorcraft A, B and F models. As expected, given the wide range of models affected, many EAA/VAA members contacted their organization regarding the maintenance issues resulting from the AD.
Prior to composing the comments, VAA Executive Director H.G. Frautschy and EAA’s industry & regulatory affairs staff spent considerable time gathering feedback from the Taylorcraft Owners Club and individual EAA and VAA members. In addition, contact was initiated with the FAA engineer in the office responsible for the AD. EAA’s submitted comments were based on information and suggestions from VAA and EAA members, as well as independent research into the facts.
“Our members were active in calling and commenting on this AD, as well as providing us with background on the struts, the structure, their experience with inspection issues, and other information,” Frautschy said. “Forrest Barber and the Taylorcraft Owners Club and Taylorcraft Foundation were also very helpful in educating us on the issues surrounding this AD.”
EAA and VAA suggest that an alternate methonds of compliance (AMOC) using the Maule Fabric tester, and an additional NDT using an x-ray process, be accepted in lieu of the ultrasonic method described in the AD. Also suggested is an extension of the inspection period following the initial inspection.
Like the similar Piper lift strut AD issued more than 20 years ago, one of the most challenging aspects of this AD is the price and availability of replacement struts for the aircraft. www.Taylorcraft.com advertises a new set of struts and hardware. Some member comments expressed confusion regarding the suitability of PMA replacement struts offered by other aviation suppliers. To clarify, per paragraph (3) (B) of the AD, terminating action for the AD is the installation of new sealed lift struts (P/N MA-A815 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) [emphasis ours].
PMA’d, sealed lift struts manufactured by other vendors are eligible for installation and will eliminate the repetitive inspection requirement of the AD. We urge members wishing to replace their wing struts to carefully understand the terms and conditions of any sales contract for replacement struts.
(Read the EAA/VAA comments.)