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Guys,
I’m updating the
prepurchase inspection article on Ercoupe.org and would like you to check what
I’ve written about the center section corrosion AD.
Comments, please.
Ed
Burkhead
http://edburkhead.com/
ed -at- edburkheadQQQ.com (change -at- and remove the
QQQ)
3. Entire fuselage should be inspected for
inside corrosion. There is an AD requiring inspection of the center
section. This corrosion occurs in
just some airplanes – if it occurs in your plane, it could cost you thousands. Usual causes are not defined but
probably include mouse pee and/or drain holes not kept clean so water can build
up in the belly.
The AD requires you to either remove the wings and inspect
with flashlight and mirrors OR make inspection holes and inspect with a
borescope. I’ve heard a Coupe
mechanic say he thought an absolutely complete inspection would require both
but if either method was done properly, not much should escape.
Be sure
the plane you are buying has had this inspection done properly, using either
method. Worst-case repair situations
could be over $5k (as long as used center section parts are available). Most people are finding no corrosion or
light, fixable corrosion.
Other things to inspect include the tailcone area, elevator
and rudder, attaching brackets and bellcranks, bottom and belly when
insufficient drain holes are drilled, and around battery box.
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