Complete Replacement Not Needed For AD Compliance

The FAA has granted an STC to Harrison Aero for the Commander 112 and 114 elevator spar cracking issue that prompted Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-07-13. The AD entails inspection of the elevator spars at the outboard hinge fittings and requires the entire elevator spar to be replaced if cracks are found. The Harrison Aero STC has been FAA approved as an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) to the AD and allows the fleet of Commander owners the option of repairing rather than replacing their spars. In addition, Harrison Aero’s STC reinforces the spar near the hinge area to prevent future cracks.

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer another option for complying with the AD. Our fix is lightweight, easy to install, and a common-sense solution that saves Commander owners time and money so that they can get their planes back in the air and keep them flying," said Joa Harrison, President, Harrison Aero, LLC. "The AD identified the cracking problem and offers a short term fix, but unfortunately replacing spars isn’t necessarily the most cost effective option for owners. Plus, whenever you have to replace such a major structural part of an assembly you risk further damage and may end up with alignment or trim issues. What we’ve come up with lets owners simply remove the cracked end of the spar, splice new material into the existing structure, and most importantly add reinforcement to prevent cracks down the road. We’ve kept the price down to about half of currently available options.”

Harrison said his company is looking forward to the move into the next phase of aircraft services by offering completed STC-PMA products. "Traditionally we’ve helped others certify their planes and products, and of course still do, but now we’ve demonstrated our ability to design, certify, and manufacture turn-key aircraft solutions in-house," he said. "This Commander fix is just the start, we’re looking for more fun projects that make aircraft safer and perform better.”

FMI: www.harrisonaero.com