WIX Archives
Texas Raiders
Posted by Alan Brooks on Mon Mar 15, 2004 01:59:33 PM
In reply top Re: Chuckie posted by Blake on Mon Mar 15, 2004 09:33:40 AM
I spoke with Ken English and Barbara Johnston of the Gulf Coast Wing just recently. The work on TR was not just the wing spar AD, but the actual wing attach points at the fuselage, which have been the major cause and headache. The wing spar AD was easily done, but no one else has had to address the wing attach point issue. This required FAA approval and for a short time(as I was told), there was a possiblity that a plan of corrective action would not be approved. Working from memory on this part, I believe it is Rick Sharpe and his company that has worked hand in hand with the FAA to draw up (engineer/manufacture/implement) an approved plan of corrective action. Another obstabcle was the metal involved with the attach points. An extensive and exhaustive search did manage to locate billets of the original alloy, but the decision was made to go with a newer alloy. Availability, traceability, cost, machining, not sure of the exact reason. However those parts are/have been made. The target has been set to have the 17 back in the air by late summer, in time for the Sept and Oct airshows... maybe sooner... there is much more on this subject, ie.. the pin heads on the fuselage attach bolts...etc.. Hopefully on their website, they will eventually post the story and detail the scope and complexity of this problem.... Alan