Re: Wing inspections

[John Ellis]

'I am interested in how you I A's are doing the wing inspection on the PT
wings. Looking for new idea's, most of these wing are really getting old.

Thanks,

John Ellis'

[Michael Denest]

'John,
First, I check for compliance with the recurring wing
and center section AD's. Basically I look at general
condition, looking for any deterioration, especially
in the low areas of the wings. A wing will pick up
moisture at the access panel to the aileron bellcrank.
Look for any deterioration, delamination or
discoloration of the plywood spar face. I also tap
the spar with a very light ball peen hammer to check
for any separation of the plywood skin that is glued
to the spar. I also look at the contition of the
aileron and flap wells. That's about it. The best
way to keep a PT wing in shape is to keep the airplane
clean and don't leave them outside for a long period
of time. I once looked at a PT-26 that had sat on a
ramp for a year and a half. I buried half of my Swiss
Army knife blade into the underside of the right rear
wing spar! All the wood in the aircraft was bad from
exposure.

Mike Denest


--- John Ellis wrote:

> I am interested in how you I A's are doing the wing
> inspection on the PT
> wings. Looking for new idea's, most of these wing
> are really getting old.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Ellis
>
>
>

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