Tripod
04-03-2009, 01:35 PM
My Tripacer was signed off yesterday after a five month, one week annual. My son made a special trip to California to give me a BFR, which we also completed yesterday. It was a fine day for me.
In 2003 I became heavily burdened with domestic things, so basically gave up flying for almost 6 years. So, everything was due; medical, annual and BFR. Now it's all done. The old TP seemed so comfortable and familiar and everything worked perfectly. Love that airplane!
BTW, we did end up replacing the rear lift struts even though they passed the punch test. As I mentioned in previous posts, my mechanic saw some rust in the lower area when he did the borescope inspection, so he condemned the struts despite the fact they passed the punch testing. My A & P son called the FAA and spoke to the actual person who wrote the lift strut AD and after a day or so of contemplation agreed that the struts should be replaced. I have to admit that the new sealed rear struts look beefy (same chord as the front struts) and those 5/8" forks are impressive. The front struts checked out fine, but I think I will replace them in 24 months when the AD comes up again.
-dave (back in the saddle) :D
In 2003 I became heavily burdened with domestic things, so basically gave up flying for almost 6 years. So, everything was due; medical, annual and BFR. Now it's all done. The old TP seemed so comfortable and familiar and everything worked perfectly. Love that airplane!
BTW, we did end up replacing the rear lift struts even though they passed the punch test. As I mentioned in previous posts, my mechanic saw some rust in the lower area when he did the borescope inspection, so he condemned the struts despite the fact they passed the punch testing. My A & P son called the FAA and spoke to the actual person who wrote the lift strut AD and after a day or so of contemplation agreed that the struts should be replaced. I have to admit that the new sealed rear struts look beefy (same chord as the front struts) and those 5/8" forks are impressive. The front struts checked out fine, but I think I will replace them in 24 months when the AD comes up again.
-dave (back in the saddle) :D