Welcome! Becoming a registered user of ShortWingPipers.Org is free and easy! Click the "Register" link found in the upper right hand corner of this screen. It's easy and you can then join the fun posting and learning about Short Wing Pipers!
Got my marching order from the FAA. Need as many examples of PA15
Gross weight increases, I have 3 now, N4669H, N4534H, and C-FINC.
Gilbert, does yours have any documentation?
Anybody have "the letter" from Wes Holmes, Service Manager, Piper Aircraft,
Lock Haven, PA approving the increase?
Dave
Dave,
Unfortunately the only documentation I have is a log book entry in 1950 that they installed dual controls with Piper parts. That would be consistent with the TCDS item. It was still listed as a PA-15 until January of 54.
In 1951 relicense it was a PA15. No entries in 52 or 53.
In January 54 is a 337 to rebuild the airplane. The 337 lists it as a PA17 for the first time and FAA Relicense form of the same date lists it as a PA17. The relicense form lists the gross wt. as 1150 lbs. I have the FAA CD that does not help much. N4331H
Dave,
The guy I bought my PA-17 from (actually I got if from the insurance company wrecked but) , also had a beautiful -15 with colt wings, 36 gal fuel, full IFR panel, leather interior, and from what I could see, if he actually sat in it, it was over gross. He was a real big guy. I think to stay legal he could have about five gal of fuel on board. Beautiful though.
Jim
Well good news thanks to Gilbert.
Looks like a Model change is a lot easier than the dreaded gross weight increase.
My FAA guy (bless his heart) found a pre 1955, 337 for a model change to a PA17.
Working on the Field Approval/337 now for the sex change from PA15 to PA17 and the resulting gross weight increase.
Dave
Last edited by d.grimm; 02-17-2012 at 08:21 AM.
Reason: opps! sent to wrong place
"I am looking for a Piper Letter dated 11-15-67"
Not the same date but seems to say the right thing. (Check Attachments)
Ran across this doing a record check on a Vag that Dave Grimm talked with owner about the GW increase.
I got the CD from FAA on this airplane and letter did not accompany the 337.
Originally Posted by d.grimm
Since Piper was so happy to send me a e-mail about the support they can offer/sell I thought I would give them a try
Dear Sir:
We have searched our archives and Piper Service Memos, Bulletins,
Letters and Service Spares Letters and are unable to find such a letter
or approval from Piper with any reference to increasing the gross weigh
on the Piper PA15. Piper is unable to find or recreate a letter written
in 1967 on this subject. We have researched the FAA TCDS (please copies
attached above) and noted that item # 211 on the PA15 TCDS # A-800
refers to installation of two shock struts per Piper installation
drawing # 11550 (copy of drawing attached above) but there is no
reference to this installation increasing the gross weight in our
records and reports or in the FAA TCDS.
Because of our company's history and the number of years since the
letter was written, Piper is unable to substantiate such a letter and
the details involved for a gross weight increase. In order to accomplish
an increase you would need some type of approval form the FAA in the
form of a STC or 337 field approvals. Piper would unable to participate
in this type of approval.
Regards,
Customer Services
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 2:52 PM
To: airframe
Subject: PA15 gross weight
I am looking for a Piper Letter dated 11-15-67 stating that the PA15
with the PA 17 shock cord gear system allows a 1150 lb gross weight. I
have Field Approvals from two different aircraft referencing this letter
for the PA17 gross weight when equipped with the shock strut landing
gear.
Could you give me cost and availability?
Thank You,
David Grimm
P.S. I wouldn't normally bother, however I did just receive a e-mail
about product support and engineering.