14 Hantone HillI think many Europa builders realised the stainless steel
rings would cause a problem sooner or later and took steps to mitigate
the problem (such as mod 10672).
I scored each ring (TP6 sleeve) with a hacksaw at 45 degrees around the
circumference and am pretty confident it is secure. There is also a flox
ring surrounding the outside of the stainless steel ring which is bonded
to the plywood sheet and I also have photos to prove it. Problem is it
is bonded to the inboard surface of the plywood insert which under
extreme loads could break away.
Unfortunately the PFA have to assume the worst posible standard of build
and come up with a failsafe remedy.
Personally I think Mod 73 is a somewhat inelegant solution to the
problem and we may yet see further amendments to this design. For my
money I feel its weakness is that it relies on a relatively shallow lip
to prevent a disbonded TP6 sleeve working its way inboard of the
tailplane.
I note from my own photos of the finished layups that about 8-10mm of
TP6 protrudes beyond the outboard end of the plywood insert. Since major
invasive surgery has been deemed necessary it might have been better to
cut an aperture in the underside of the tailplane, cut away the
surrounding foam from the outboard end of the TP6 sleeve and redux a
retaining ring or plate onto the protruding end of the sleeve. Even then
it would be impossible to guarantee the integrity of such a bond.
At least Mod 73 should bring some of the poorer installations up to an
acceptable and safe standard.
Its a pity the original design couldnt have been better but then we all
know hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Carl Pattinson
G-LABS
----- Original Message -----
From: Nigel Graham
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2007 9:59 AM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
John,
It's dead easy to tell.
Peer into the open end of the tailplane (you may need a
torch/flashlight). If all you can see down the bore between TP5 and TP6
is blue foam - the mod has NOT been carried out.
If you can see an unbroken lining of composite laminate - the mod HAS
been carried out.
The paperwork should record this.
Contrary to Mike's memo, this mod is capable of being retro fitted
(and would be the only solution I would trust) - but it would take a lot
of careful work by a very competent composite craftsman.
Might be a good time to start snapping up all those unstarted "Kit One
- Tailplane kits" that are often advertised.
Nigel
Credibility Qualifyer: I'm the bloke that thought-up mod 10672!
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of John Price
Sent: 14 July 2007 08:29
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
Since I bought my Europa classic already flying can anyone advise if
there is a quick way of finding out if Mod 10672 has been incorporated.
This may save a lot of problems.
John Price.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Gregory
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 3:33 PM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
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 will
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
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
To: europa-list@matronics.com
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
To: europa-list@matronics.com
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
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