Wed, Jul 20, 2005
Wing Inspections Proceeding on the T-6/SNJ Fleet
The North American T-6/SNJ fleet is complying with Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2005-12-51, which requires that paint be removed and
a fluorescent dye penetrant be used to look for defects in the
aircraft's wing attach angles. The FAA has also approved an
alternative means of compliance (AMOC) allowing eddy current
inspection for defects. Each of these methods has its good and bad
points.
"Regarding the fluorescent dye penetrant method," said a
statement from the EAA Warbirds Division. "Certainly attacking our
aircraft with stripper is never a good idea. However, a stripping
product that has come to our attention, RemovALL SV35PMA, by Napier
Environmental, British Columbia, Canada (www.biowash.com), is
an environmentally friendly product made specifically for the
aircraft industry. It is available from Aircraft Spruce &
Specialty and Wicks Aircraft Supply."
The eddy current method of inspection is much less invasive to
the structure, however it is very operator-dependant for the
correct results, the statement said. "We have had reports of NDT
level 2 inspectors finding defects that turned out to be inspection
stamps or scratches in the attach angle, but not a crack. Once a
defect is found only a NDT level 3 inspector can change the
findings."
Whatever method you use to comply with the AD, EAA warns you
should make sure that method is properly completed. "If you do find
cracks or corrosion," the statement concluded, "please make the
time to take a digital or film photograph and send it to NATA or
EAA Warbirds of America."
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