I am hoping that you are co-ordinating this with your A&P/IA since this is a
major repair on a certificated aircraft. He/She can help you with these
decisions to help in the process of approval. Even if the parts fron Univair
are expensive, they are approved since they hold the type certificate rights
and are the supplier of approved parts. If your IA feels that your method of
repair is one that they are willing to sign off then you have no
problem.Repair/modifications are always something the FAA will take a hard look
at
Good Luck!!! Tom Couper .3989H
alanfairclough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I am going to have to replace the belly skins on an old coupe.
What thickness should I use?
The skins on the bottom of my coupe are slightly wavy and it would
seem like the rear spar is a weak point because I have seen several
that are similar to mine.
In taking my project coupe apart i find the outboard end of the rear
right spar is buckled right where the steel wing attachment is. there
is also a small crack in the lower flange edge. This would all
indicate a life of hard landings has it's toll on the end of this
spar.
It has the rear spar reinforcement on the inboard end of it so I am
guessing the spar is made of the thinner sheet metal. they went to
something thicker after a certain serial #.
I have seen Univair's prices and had my laugh.
I have access to a bender brake and sheets of alloy. I just don't
know whether:
A) replace the rear spar making one out of thicker alloy sheet metal.
B) repair the existing spar by adding a thicker angle piece of alloy
to the forward side and rivet it in.
C) Both A and B
D) Just use thicker belly skins as the reinforcement for the rear
spar.
E) A, B and D
All previous experience is welcome.
Recommended thicknesses appreciated.
Bucking bar partner needed.
Alan fairclough
N96496
N87333
