Well, this really puts the cat amongst the pigeons.
I have just spent a day upgrading the pins in the tailplane torque so I
could continue flying. Not the nicest job in the world (unless you are a
midget)
The revised bulletin effectively grounds me.
My pip pin hole is circular as are many (its easier to make a cover for
them). Since a circular hole is more "efficient" circumference wise (as
opposed to a rectangle) the circumference of mine aint big enough.
PFA have advised not to modify them to meet the criteria but to wait for
the revised design - oh and most importantly "Do not fly the aircraft".
For those that may have a similar problem the formula is Circumference
is 3.142 x diameter. Area is 3.142 x radius squared.
Limits are
Base of recess must be more than 170 sq mm
Circumference of recess must be more than 125mm
Also recess must have at least 2 layers of bid and must have flox
corners at the join with the tailplane skin.
A one inch (25mm) diameter pip pin recess fails the above criteria -
Area 490sq mm - Circumference only 78mm.
What a bummer.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Gregory
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 4:58 PM
Subject: Europa-List: RE: EUROPA PIP-PIN RECESS
To all Listers
Please see the updated safety bulletin on the PFA web site - see link
below.
Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer
EUROPA SAFETY ALERT UPDATE!
EUROPA SAFETY BULLETIN RAISED TO ISSUE 2 TO INCLUDE FURTHER GUIDANCE
ON ACCEPTANCE DESIGNS OF PIP-PIN RECESSES IN TAILPLANES.
Europa Flight Safety Bulletin 006
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