Coupers:
I normally keep my information to myself and lurk on these pages. This is due
to situations that are past history, However I see more and more Coupers
ignoring the federal regulations and attempting to do their own work, and
severely modifying their aircraft. "Home Depot Aircraft Supply" is not where I
would shop for parts to modify my certified aircraft in any manner. Nor would
I select a non certificated shop to rebuild any item that was on the airframe
equipment list that is specific to my airplane. That is if you expect life to
return to normal for you heirs should an "Incident" occur.
I speak from experience.
Many years ago I was involved in an "Incident" that resulted in severe damage
to an Ercoupe. In rebuilding this particular aircraft it was found that the
gascolator was clogged with debris, and gunk from age. A new gascolator was
purchased from an aircraft supplier known to many in the flying public. (Not a
supplier I have ever heard mentioned here) the Gascolator was not approved for
use on aircraft, although it was purchased from an aircraft supplier and was in
every way a duplicate of an Ercoupe Gascolator with the exception of
replacement of the fragile glass bowl with a metal casting supplied with a
quick drain. $69.95 at the time (1991) Six flying hours later I was in a
hospital, and my airplane was lying flat on it's back in a plowed field.
It was found during the FAA inspection of the airplane that 100 octane low lead
fuel dissolved the "Permatex" seal where the quick drain screwed into the bowl
and the quick drain had fallen out, causing immediate exhausting of the fuel
from the header tank. This resulted in the remaining 3 forces that control
flight to take over from the lack of thrust, there upon, The Earth rose up to
smite me.
I received a reprimand from the FAA, the Mechanic was fined $750 and suspended
for 90 days.
Maybe the FAA was more strict almost 20 years ago, and maybe the people that
worked there were more knowledgeable about General aviation regulations, but
this did happen, and I followed the rules. I purchased from a reputable
aircraft supplier what I thought to be a certifiable replacement part, and gave
it to a mechanic who also was current on his certification to install on my
airplane.
I make darned sure, impeccably, that every part that goes on my airplane is
FAA/PMA approved, or can be directly traced to a point of origin.
My life insurance carrier informed me that they would not have been required to
pay had this "Incident" resulted in my expiration.
I will not reply to any "Flames!"
Respectfully
D. Wayne Woollard CPBE
o--iii--(
