[STEVE]

STEVE on November 23, 2024 at 10:05 pm #22874

James,
You’re welcome,
S

[James Grahn]

James Grahn on November 22, 2024 at 11:15 am #22868

That is better than I found. I believe my IA, I just wanted to see it in writing.
Thanks!!

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 21, 2024 at 10:27 pm #22866

Hi James,
I did find the following paragraph in the Piper PA 30 service manual:

“4-46. REPAIR OF RUDDER. Recautions must be taken when performing any 
maintenance and/or repairs to the rudder. Repairs must be made in a manner that maintains 
the original configuration, strength, stifmess and weight distribution. Repairs are limited to 
replacement of complete skin sections, ribs, hinges, span, etc., and paint. ”

To me, that means that stop drilling a crack lessens the structural integrity of the rudder.

I hope this is sufficient.

Steve

[James Grahn]

James Grahn on November 7, 2024 at 4:28 am #22839

Thank you!

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 6, 2024 at 10:45 pm #22835

Hi James,
I have been looking for documentation about repairs on control surfaces–I’ve seen it in the past but can’t seem to find it now. 

I don’t see any Piper service information granting permission to install “inny” skins in place of “outy” skins. 

Steve

[James Grahn]

James Grahn on November 6, 2024 at 3:25 am #22834

Thanks again Steve!
I wonder if Piper would let someone change those out if needed.
I can’t find where it says that stop drilling is illegal on the control surfaces. I’ll have to go with my IA’s advice.
Thanks

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 5, 2024 at 10:14 pm #22833

Hi James;
 A little bit of research indicates that the convex (pooching out for the surface) stiffeners were installed on the 1961 through 1964 PA 28-180s ending with serial number 1980. 
All the rest had concave stiffeners in the rudder skins.

Steve

[James Grahn]

James Grahn on November 5, 2024 at 3:46 am #22832

SN is 870. But before you do, I have to admit that I’m an idiot. My “beading” is all out. The skin I received is correct.
Interesting question though. When and why did Piper reverse the beading/corregation?

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 4, 2024 at 10:23 pm #22831

Hi James, 
Thanks for asking about the requirement to replace your stop drilled rudder. 

I am willing to dig down and get you an answer, but it definitely speed things along if I have your airplane serial number or N number.

Steve

[James Grahn]

James Grahn on November 4, 2024 at 4:02 am #22830

Hi all,
I have a 1962 PA28-180. The rudder skin developed cracks at the aft end of the stiffener beads.  I’m not sure that is the correct term. I’m referring to the longitudinal furrows in the skin.  Anyway, they are stop drilled.  My IA says that is illegal. I’m still trying to verify that.  I ordered a new skin anyway.  The one I ordered has these beads protruding out of the skin.  The ones on my rudder are indentations.
Question, what year did Piper change from the innie to an outie?
The parts manual has different part numbers.  I ordered the one for my year.  It appears that KCAC sent one for a different year.  Is that acceptable?
Thanks
Jim