Easiest option is to find another good wing, they're out there. $2K for a DER and then the fix.
Spar cap replacement is a bear. Should be able to find a wing for $1500, your "core" should be worth something, put it on the Swap Page. Don't skimp on this, they don't fly well with one side hanging. Al DeMarzo Visit the Ercoupe Swap Page Free, Easy and No Membership Required http://www.ercoupeowners.com/swap/swapbook.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: airslot4518 To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 6:43 PM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] swiss cheese screwup I am new to the group but have been flying for over 30 years. Sold my piper a while back and have been looking at a c model coupe. During the prepurchase/annual inspection the inspector found a cut in the forward lower spar cap plate between third and forth nose rib from a hole saw when the hole was cut for inspection. The damage seems to have been done about eight years ago based on the logbook entry for the AD. Can't imagine how an AP could screw up and cover up his mistake. No excuse for such a mistake but its there. The IA will not sign the bird off till a repair is made. The options seem to be to (1)replace the spar (2) replace the wing or (3) repair the spar. The catch is the shop submitted information to a FAA DER(designated engineering representative) to get an approval and signoff to repair the spar the rep came back with a letter saying it was an easy repair but estimated his time/enginering calculations would cost between $1500 and $3000. Seems a bit steep for me. Can get a replacement wing for same amount. Anyone else familiar with this problem. Need info about the correct repair and signoff approval especially any DER who has issued a previous repair authorization
