Lawrence Massachu$etts
- Aircraft Year
- 1975
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1226J
- Serial Number
- 226
I just received word that Sterling Aviation Technologies is now shipping a complete elevator spar solution that will serve as a terminating action for AD 2012-02-10. The kit may be ordered now at https://www.sterlingaviationtech.com/product/commander-model-112114-replacement-elevator-spar-kit/
Here's a descriptive write-up from Paul Sterling:
“AD 2012-02-10 requiring periodic inspections of, and potential replacement of the elevator spars on the Commander 112/114 Series airplanes has been a very onerous requirement. Sterling Aviation Technologies has obtained an STC for a design modification that eliminates the inspection requirements of the spars. The FAA has issued a Global AMOC for AD 2012-02-10 approving the design.
The material thickness of the spars have been doubled and detailed fatigue analysis shows that the likelihood of any fatigue cracks in the new spar are unlikely for several lifetimes of the airframe. In addition to the new spar, the outboard elevator hinge brackets have been redesigned to eliminate interaction with the spar, which was the cause of the fatigue cracking in the original design. The hinge bracket also attaches to a redesigned elevator tip rib which transfers some load from the spar into the tip rib. The attaching bolts for the hinge brackets use nut plates which eliminates the need for access to the back side of the spar for installation. The modification kit includes a replacement trailing edge tip rib since the original part may have been damaged as a result of inspection access and elevator bracket removal.
The modification kit consists of left and right spars, tip ribs for both elevators, trailing edge tip ribs for both elevators, and elevator hinge brackets for both elevators. Installation bolts and washers are included as part of the kit.
The price of the complete kit for both elevators is $5000.00 and includes installation instructions and all FAA documentation, including copies of the STC and FAA Form 8130-3 Airworthiness Approval Tag.”
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My review of Paul's work concludes that he's effectively re-engineered the entire elevator spar and hinges and has created a very strong, lifetime replacement which does get rid of the requirement for the recurring inspection and therefore is an effective terminating action for the AD.
I asked Paul for a detailed list of what's included in the kit - attached.
He also has details on his website and purchases may be made there directly.
I wanted to get this out to all members and guests which is why I've posted this in the Announcements Forum. Please direct any comments and discussion up into one of the regular forums.
Finally, I'd like to extend official thanks to Paul for this work on behalf of the fleet. I know this project took years to complete.
Thanks,
Glenn Mores
President, COG
Here's a descriptive write-up from Paul Sterling:
“AD 2012-02-10 requiring periodic inspections of, and potential replacement of the elevator spars on the Commander 112/114 Series airplanes has been a very onerous requirement. Sterling Aviation Technologies has obtained an STC for a design modification that eliminates the inspection requirements of the spars. The FAA has issued a Global AMOC for AD 2012-02-10 approving the design.
The material thickness of the spars have been doubled and detailed fatigue analysis shows that the likelihood of any fatigue cracks in the new spar are unlikely for several lifetimes of the airframe. In addition to the new spar, the outboard elevator hinge brackets have been redesigned to eliminate interaction with the spar, which was the cause of the fatigue cracking in the original design. The hinge bracket also attaches to a redesigned elevator tip rib which transfers some load from the spar into the tip rib. The attaching bolts for the hinge brackets use nut plates which eliminates the need for access to the back side of the spar for installation. The modification kit includes a replacement trailing edge tip rib since the original part may have been damaged as a result of inspection access and elevator bracket removal.
The modification kit consists of left and right spars, tip ribs for both elevators, trailing edge tip ribs for both elevators, and elevator hinge brackets for both elevators. Installation bolts and washers are included as part of the kit.
The price of the complete kit for both elevators is $5000.00 and includes installation instructions and all FAA documentation, including copies of the STC and FAA Form 8130-3 Airworthiness Approval Tag.”
----------------------------------------------------
My review of Paul's work concludes that he's effectively re-engineered the entire elevator spar and hinges and has created a very strong, lifetime replacement which does get rid of the requirement for the recurring inspection and therefore is an effective terminating action for the AD.
I asked Paul for a detailed list of what's included in the kit - attached.
He also has details on his website and purchases may be made there directly.
I wanted to get this out to all members and guests which is why I've posted this in the Announcements Forum. Please direct any comments and discussion up into one of the regular forums.
Finally, I'd like to extend official thanks to Paul for this work on behalf of the fleet. I know this project took years to complete.
Thanks,
Glenn Mores
President, COG
