Jimboscr
Well Known Member
Had this e-mail from SafeAir1 today. Thought it might be good to put this on the Forum for those owners who are not contactable by the manufacturer.
Cheers
Jim
October 06, 2011
REF: Cracks in SafeAir1 Pitot Mast
Dear SafeAir1 Customer,
Our records indicate you may have purchased a GOLD Anodized Aluminum Pitot Mast from SafeAir1. Over the course of the past 6 months, we?ve had half a dozen returned with cracks along the weld. We recommend the immediate inspection of your Pitot Mast for cracks. This can be accomplished with simple hand tools, a flashlight, and inspection mirror.
Be sure to examine the weld area closely. Apply a ?side load? to the mast (in all directions) while visually inspecting the weld area. The side load will help open up any hairline fractures that may be present.
Weld inspections (engine mount, torque tubes, pitot mast, etc.) should be part of your annual condition inspection, whenever components are accessible, or on a frequency basis as determined by the owner/operator
We have had NO reports of cracked steel pitot masts. A simple magnet will confirm whether your Pitot Mast is steel or aluminum.
Third Generation Pitot Mast (Blue Anodized) ? Our current offering.
As a result of the cracks, we?ve done a few things to reduce this potential in future products.
Here?s what?s new about the current offering:
? Slightly thicker base plate. (new base plate is .070?, previously .063?)
? Welding is now done in a close tolerance jig with copper plates that absorb heat from the base plate during the weld. This allows for more heat in the weld.
? More heat allows the use of more filler rod and better penetration, resulting in a better bead and stronger weld.
If you have a SafeAir1 Pitot Mast that is cracked, please return it to SafeAir1 for a replacement. Be sure to include your shipping address in the parcel. (Replacements available November 01, 2011)
If your Pitot Mast is not cracked but you?d prefer the newest offering, return the old one to SafeAir1 and we?ll exchange it for the latest offering. Be sure to include your shipping address in the parcel. (Replacements available November 01, 2011)
DO NOT RETURN Pitot Masts to Avery Tools. Send them to the address listed below.
If you have sold your aircraft or project, please forward this to the new owner, if possible. Please feel free to disseminate this letter to anyone who may have an interest in obtaining this information.
Regards,
Tony Munday
SafeAir1
1540 Keller Pkwy
Ste 108-144
Keller, TX 76248 USA
[email protected]
Cheers
Jim
October 06, 2011
REF: Cracks in SafeAir1 Pitot Mast
Dear SafeAir1 Customer,
Our records indicate you may have purchased a GOLD Anodized Aluminum Pitot Mast from SafeAir1. Over the course of the past 6 months, we?ve had half a dozen returned with cracks along the weld. We recommend the immediate inspection of your Pitot Mast for cracks. This can be accomplished with simple hand tools, a flashlight, and inspection mirror.
Be sure to examine the weld area closely. Apply a ?side load? to the mast (in all directions) while visually inspecting the weld area. The side load will help open up any hairline fractures that may be present.
Weld inspections (engine mount, torque tubes, pitot mast, etc.) should be part of your annual condition inspection, whenever components are accessible, or on a frequency basis as determined by the owner/operator
We have had NO reports of cracked steel pitot masts. A simple magnet will confirm whether your Pitot Mast is steel or aluminum.
Third Generation Pitot Mast (Blue Anodized) ? Our current offering.
As a result of the cracks, we?ve done a few things to reduce this potential in future products.
Here?s what?s new about the current offering:
? Slightly thicker base plate. (new base plate is .070?, previously .063?)
? Welding is now done in a close tolerance jig with copper plates that absorb heat from the base plate during the weld. This allows for more heat in the weld.
? More heat allows the use of more filler rod and better penetration, resulting in a better bead and stronger weld.
If you have a SafeAir1 Pitot Mast that is cracked, please return it to SafeAir1 for a replacement. Be sure to include your shipping address in the parcel. (Replacements available November 01, 2011)
If your Pitot Mast is not cracked but you?d prefer the newest offering, return the old one to SafeAir1 and we?ll exchange it for the latest offering. Be sure to include your shipping address in the parcel. (Replacements available November 01, 2011)
DO NOT RETURN Pitot Masts to Avery Tools. Send them to the address listed below.
If you have sold your aircraft or project, please forward this to the new owner, if possible. Please feel free to disseminate this letter to anyone who may have an interest in obtaining this information.
Regards,
Tony Munday
SafeAir1
1540 Keller Pkwy
Ste 108-144
Keller, TX 76248 USA
[email protected]
