Prop ADs and SBs

miyu1975 · #1 06-03-2011, 04:06 PM

Hello again All...wanted to pick your brain again. I know this discussion as been discussed a few time in the forums, but I didn't find in the searches this question and thought some of the prop experts here may know.

I am considering buying a local prop, HC-C2YK-1b/7666 A-2. It was overhauled 10 years and has not flown since. The prop is covered in a hangar. The person that oh'd it bought a new prop instead. The prop as I understand is subject to the 100 ECI AD. I have been reading the ADs and SBs on the prop, and I am trying to find out how or if these ADs and SBs apply to the experimental cat.?? I am also researching this extensively so I can determine how to offer $$ (prop shops have said they would looking at 1500 to 2500).

As I understand it ADs, even the exp cat, are to be adhered to. But what about the SBs? In this case part of the SB, HC-SB-61-227, says that at the next OH or 72 months the hub is to be replaced. If that is the case then I would have to replace this hub with a B hub....probably a deal killer for me.

If I end up buying this prop, I would have it resealed and ECI'd prior to flying = 800$., since its been sitting for 10years

Mel · #2 06-03-2011, 04:28 PM

Service bulletins are NOT mandatory for experimental OR certificated aircraft.

miyu1975 · #3 06-03-2011, 07:33 PM

got it thanks

DaAV8R · #4 06-04-2011, 12:22 AM

I don't have the AD in front of me so I'm reaching a little. I seem to recall that the AD prohibits the install of the affected props on planes that are not covered by the AD. Additionally, I'm thinking the AD also prohibits installation on aerobatic aircraft. I might be mistaken on the above points. I guess my question is are we sure these props are legal to install on the RV's? I have one also, but I haven't had time to research.

Is this AD even applicable to experimentals? I've been getting mixed signals on AD compliance in the experimental world. Mel, what say you?

Mel · #5 06-04-2011, 06:05 AM

You will find conflicting opinions everywhere on whether ADs apply to experimental category aircraft. And both sides can point to evidence confirming their side. FAA says that ADs do apply regardless of what aircraft the product is installed. EAA says that they don't apply.

Bottom line is, when an inspector signs off on a condition inspection, he is stating that the aircraft is "in a condition for safe operation." In case of an accident, how would that inspector explain to a judge & jury that the aircraft was in a condition for safe operation knowing that an outstanding AD was not complied with?

miyu1975 · #6 06-04-2011, 06:13 AM

I have been reading the AD and SB and recall the same language, but the part talking about not putting the affect hubs and different planes is on the SB, which Mel said does not apply to exp.

Although the most current AD I have found and been reading is AD 2009-22-03 dated Nov 2009. It does not have the same language but does list Vans Aircraft under applicability.

link to AD http://tinyurl.com/3n2msr5
link to sb http://tinyurl.com/3g6eofx

ON SB..A propeller hub from an aircraft that is affected by this Service Bulletin
is not to be removed and reused on another aircraft application
that does not have such inspection requirements. Such hub
interchangeability is no longer authorized for the applications listed
in Effectivity paragraph 1.A.(1).

I question to whether ADs apply to exp or not?

robertahegy · #7 06-04-2011, 06:23 AM

Consider the price you will pay for the used prop and what it will cost to make it right and safe to operate. A new prop from Van's may be just as cost effective and you will have a new prop with no issues and a warranty. Ask why the owner opted to abandon repairing this prop, bought a new one, and what would it's condition be after sitting for 10 years. Ignoring ADs and SBs is not conducive to safe flying.

JMHO

Roberta

Mel · #8 06-04-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miyu1975

...the part talking about not putting the affect hubs and different planes is on the SB, which Mel said does not apply to exp.

I did not say that service bulletins "do not apply" to experimentals. I said that they are not mandatory, even for certificated aircraft.

mv031161 · #9 06-04-2011, 07:01 AM

Original ad. 1990. Issued due to crack found in piper. 2 more found. 50 hr eci was extended in 2001 to 100 hr eci. How many more hubs were found cracked? None! Unfortunatelly, it affected all other aircraft using same prop hub. Aerobatics? Ask me. my a hub on my pitts flew for over 1300 hrs! Before and after the ad! Lots and lots of gyroscopics every flight since thats what the pitts is designed for......

Alan Carroll · #10 06-04-2011, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miyu1975

Although the most current AD I have found and been reading is AD 2009-22-03 dated Nov 2009. It does not have the same language but does list Vans Aircraft under applicability.

link to AD http://tinyurl.com/3n2msr5

This is the first time I've seen Van's aircraft listed on an AD; apparently the FAA does believe that AD compliance is mandatory for experimental aircraft if they are specifically listed. However, it only lists three aircraft models (RV6, 7, 8) and one specific engine (IO-360-M1B). Does this mean that other combinations not specifically listed are not required to comply? I'm not sure.

Whether non-compliance is a good idea is of course a different question (for me the answer is "no").