New AD for wings.

[WebMaster]

Thank you for keeping us apprised, Dennis.

[hharney]

This notice of Final Ruling on the Modified wing AD recommends inspection of those aircraft with the winglets in suit with the procedures outlined for wing extension modified aircraft.

During my next annual I will be looking very seriously at the identified locations per the AD. I will be at the second year anniversary with the winglets installed and I have had one flight with severe turbulence. I looked at the wings very close last year when the SAIB came out and did not find any concerns. When I installed the winglets I planned on following the suggested installation instructions but from the suggestion of the paint shop I used rivnuts were installed on all fasteners instead of using sheet metal screws. I will keep the message board updated with the inspection results.


http://www.regulations.gov/contentSt...ontentType=pdf

[Gord Tessier]

Hi Larry, do you know how I can get in touch with N5ZX?

Of interest is a colleague of mine had similar damage and AE covered 2/3s of the repair.

[WebMaster]

Originally Posted by Gord Tessier

Hi Larry, do you know how I can get in touch with N5ZX?

Of interest is a colleague of mine had similar damage and AE covered 2/3s of the repair.

Follow this link.
http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...highlight=n5zx
Then, click on the user, N5ZX, and you will have the ability to send a PM (not recommended, because the last login was some time ago), or an email, through the message board.

[Ernie Martin]

Hello, Jerry, good to hear from you again.

As one of the Webmasters for this page, I would like to say that Aviation Enterprises' absence from our list of web sites has less to do with the quality of their work and more to do with the fact that AE's owner, Owen Bell, did not emphasize their web site. Although it's better now, AE's website of years past was below average -- often just pages with pictures and bullets, with negligible design. Had Owen asked for us to include AE in our list of websites, we would have done it.

The question of quality is, of course, on everyone's mind. But, as a mechanical engineer like you, I think it's more about pushing the envelope. You push here, and something gives elsewhere. It's often hard to anticipate all the areas that need to be examined when you are modifying a complex item like an aircraft. Or maybe some corners were cut, like a test that wasn't performed or one where the test conditions didn't fully simulate reality. Hopefully, time will tell where the mistakes were made.

Ernie

[WebMaster]

Without going into details, AE's website was removed after some issues were raised.

[Jerry De Santis]

Thank you Ernie, nice to her from you again. And, thank you Larry for your wise response.

Larry, you are correct not to get into details nor will I. However Ernie, Just to set the record straight, you reasoning why AE is not listed on the web site listing page is in error. It predates many of the people that now enjoy this site today and even predates Larry as the webmaster. But enough of that.

For the sake of all you good readers on this web site, when it comes to after market changes to our aircraft, soundly check the vendor out completely. BBB, FAA record etc. Don't jist take other peoples opinion of the vendor. They may not have all the facts. Remember, when you and your loved ones are flying in the plane, the vendor is not with you. There are some very good after market vendors out there and likewise some not so good!

Jerry

[rhurt]

Originally Posted by Jerry De Santis

Thank you Ernie, nice to her from you again. And, thank you Larry for your wise response.

Larry, you are correct not to get into details nor will I. However Ernie, Just to set the record straight, you reasoning why AE is not listed on the web site listing page is in error. It predates many of the people that now enjoy this site today and even predates Larry as the webmaster. But enough of that.

For the sake of all you good readers on this web site, when it comes to after market changes to our aircraft, soundly check the vendor out completely. BBB, FAA record etc. Don't jist take other peoples opinion of the vendor. They may not have all the facts. Remember, when you and your loved ones are flying in the plane, the vendor is not with you. There are some very good after market vendors out there and likewise some not so good!

Jerry

Thank you guys for putting up this website. I appreciate the posting of information about the old aircraft we fly and maintain. With all due respect though: This information is absolutely useless.

My 337C is currently in Owen Bell's hangar getting air conditioning, a rear engine cooling mod, and a cargo pod installed. Should I abort the project or not? Is there another source for Skymaster A/C or rear engine cooling mod?

Is there a way to search the FAA record for actions against companies or individuals? Are there any against Aviation Enterprises or Owen? What exactly is the concern with AE? Fill us in. Is it bad tip tanks? Aren't the Flint tanks subject to similar speed limitations? What about the O-2 at Avon Park? Maybe Cessna made a mistake.

Did you pay too much for something? Did you buy a used engine part and then he didn't warranty the entire engine when the used part damaged it? Would you pay for all the repairs to an airplane's wings when you had no way of knowing if the Va limitations were followed?

Until I have more information I will continue to use my own observations to formulate how I regard Owen: A guy who loves Skymasters and is willing to put a large amount of his energy and resources into making them better and keeping them flying.

Randy Hurt