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advice in this forum.]----
The Aeronca folks had similar feelings about the proposed AD issued a few
years ago regarding an extensive spar inspection. First, and fortunately,
through the efforts of the Aeronca association, the inspection requirements
were changed considerable to be much more easily done (something maybe not
possible with the Ercoupe issue unfortunately). Many Aeronca owners thought
it was a very unnecessary inspection anyhow. However....with the mandatory
inspections, a surprisingly large number of Champs and Chiefs it turns out
were flying around with cracks in the spars. It was a pain, but I think
that the majority feel the inspection turned out to be very worthwhile
requirement . roger
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Silberman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Ed Burkhead" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: "Ctech" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 4:31 PM
Subject: Re: [COUPERS-TECH] coupes loosing wings
----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any
advice in this forum.]----
Every aircraft has a limit that can be reached at which time structures
become more susceptible to failure. Enter the F-14 Tomcat. The Navy has
a program by which it assigns stress moments or such for the type of
flying done. The Tomcat is a great, strong aircraft, yet many of them
that had been use for air-combat training have used up their useful life
and retired. The aircraft look good probably fly good but they were
really beat up in training and their useful life is over, they become gate
guardians. Now, I am not trying to compare our 'coupes with an F-14. I
am only trying to make a point that even the strongest of aircraft have a
breaking point. Some of which will never be reached. I think the
inspection, being optional, will give us peace of mind and add value to
the 'coupe. After all, when it goes up for sale, now or 20 years from
now, the purchaser will not have doubts about the center section.
Also, if we take care of it, the FAA may be less likely to make it
mandatory.
jsilberman
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