Willie,
We have now spoken on the phone - your message crossed with my posting
explaining that it is not within the gift of the PFA to extend or eliminate
the 10-hour inspection, but requires action by the CAA, who are not moving
on this at the current stage of the AAIB investigation. I'm putting this
message on the List so that others may share a more optimistic outlook about
the way ahead.
You are not the only one to express concern regarding the severity of the
10-hour restriction, on touring operations particularly. We are all hoping
that the inspection intervals can be extended to 25 or 50 hours, or
(preferably) eliminated. However, as the PFA receive reports from
inspectors on the results of the 10-hourly inspections, they should soon
learn whether there are many instances of aircraft passing one inspection
and failing the next: if not, they should be able to use this evidence to
recommend to the CAA that the intervals can be extended. Otherwise, they
will certainly want to consider further measures to improve the integrity of
the system so that frequent inspections are no longer needed.
Best regards
Mike
will
_____
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of William
Harrison
Sent: 13 July 2007 18:14
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
Thanks, Mike. As you will have seen from my earlier posting, Roger thought
otherwise (although it's obviously Francis, not Roger who makes the rules).
Do you know if the PFA are proposing the 10 hour inspection, by an
inspector, as an indefinite requirement? If so, it would limit the appeal of
the Europa as a touring aircraft. Can we collectively pool our thoughts to
counter propose a more practical inspection regime?
Thanks for all your good work.
Willie
On 13 Jul 2007, at 15:33, Mike Gregory wrote:
Pete/All
I understand from Francis Donaldson that the incorporation of Mod 73 will
not remove the requirement for the recurring inspection of the tail called
for in Flight Safety Bulletin FSB-006. He has sent me a copy of issue 3; I
have converted this to PDF format which has brought it down to 387 kB, which
should come through as an attachment on the List. I apologise to those with
dial-up, but I believe this is important because I also understand from
Francis that FSB-006 Issue 3 will not now be posted on the PFA website until
next week.
I'm awaiting an amended copy of the covering letter sent out by the PFA,
which I will also post on this List, which should make it clear that further
inspection of the rear wing attachment is not required if it passed the
criteria set out in FSB-007. This applies to classic Europas only, and Andy
will be carrying out a trial modification to install a longer pin together
with a washer and nut outboard of the root rib which will allow the aircraft
that failed 007 to fly, and also improve the integrity of the attachment for
all classic aircraft. The PFA anxious not to compromise the integrity of the
root rib in this area, so a hole will have to be cut in the lower skin
surface to incorporate this mod.
Regards
Mike
_____
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete Lawless
Sent: 13 July 2007 10:28
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
Hi Mike
Do you know from the PFA if carrying out Mod 73 will remove the requirement
for the recurring 10 hour inspection of the tail end?
Regards
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Mike Gregory
Sent: 12 July 2007 19:01
Subject: Europa-List: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
To all Listers
Francis Donaldson, Chief Engineer of the UK Popular Flying Association has
asked me to give maximum publicity to the attached leaflet for Mod 73
covering tailplane retention. It will be available on the PFA website
tomorrow, and copies have been put in the post today to all UK owners of
flying aircraft, together with a covering letter and revised FSB 006 at
issue 3.
The good news is that compliance (for UK owners) is required within the next
ten flying hours or before the next permit renewal, whichever is earlier,
rather than "before next flight".
There are three steps:
1. Elongation of the pip-pin holes in the torque tube.
2. Modification of the underside of the tailplane by constructing a
reinforced pip-pin recess, except for tailplanes that are pre-moulded or
fitted with Europa Club Standard Mod 10672. Note that 10672 is not capable
of being retrofitted.
3. Placards on the top surface of each tailplane warning of the need to
ensure correct engagement of both tab drive pin and pip pin before flight,
and on the root rib of each tailplane to certify that Mod 73 has been
complied with.
Fly safely
Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer
<EUROPA PFA FSB-006 issue 3.pdf>
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