Dear Ben Thanks for the extra information. Here are just a few thoughts. If the task fell me I would proceed first by working out where I could access the aileron pushrod support positions in the wings for inspection using my boroscope (a GFA type HSW "Econoscope") and in a way that minimised the rectification work re the holes introduced. It may be that one can access the pushrods from some suitable positions near the pushrod supports which may lessen the rectification effort re closing over boroscope inspection holes.
Looking at my copy of the Puchacz drawing 503.10.00.00L of the whole port wing, and working along and perpendicular to the leading edge starting at the wing root leading edge as the zero point, the three pushrod supports as shown are at 1380 mm spanwise & 740 mm chordwise, 2790 mm spanwise & 630 mm chordwise, and 4180 mm spanwise & 540 mm chordwise from LE. Of course actual production may not match the drawing! Furthermore the drawing does not show which wing shell, upper or lower, the supports are bonded to. And the drawing does not show the construction of the support(s) which may be the same or different from the Jantar design. The middle support may be accessible via a hole in the airbrake box shear web, where the rectification of the hole may be simpler by way of a number of plies laid on the well sanded surrounds of the airbrake box wall, rather than repairing a hole through wing sandwich structure. It may be that an inspection at this location, if it is made the first inspection point before other holes are made, would serve to provide enough of a view of the pushrod at this support to enable one to decide whether the other further access holes are needed at this time. Then again a small neat boroscope access hole through the wing skin may not need repair, if the foam of the sandwich is dug away and the hole edge foam replaced with reinforcement like is done when introducing inspection windows to wing skins. After fixing the hole/foam edge, cover with a cicle of white vinyl. That then leaves a boroscope inspection opening for the future. Hopefully the Puchacz has a stiffer wing than the Jantar , and your Puchacz hasn't been thrashed in aerobating it, so that the aileron pushrod issue you had with the Jantar doesn't happen. I just checked the BGA website because they list Airworthiness Directives and isnpection issues for the Puchacz, as well as having a significant number of Puchacz gliders in the UK. There was no mention of any particular issue with the aileron puhrods in the wing other than the matter of corrosion at swaged ends which we already have noted in GFA AD's. Anyway, just a few thoughts for you. Cheers Roger Druce -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Coleman, Ben (RTCA) Sent: Friday, 5 May 2006 9:10 AM To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. Subject: RE: [Aus-soaring] Puchacz Wing Inspection The glider is at around 3000 hrs and we believe an inspection of the pushrods is prudent both for corrosion around the swaged ends (unlikely) and wear at the pushrod supports (our Jantar has been through a set of pushrods in less than 3000hrs). I believe there is also some play developing at the ailerons however this is most likely hinge wear. Regards, Ben Coleman -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Roger Druce Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 4:48 PM To: 'Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.' Subject: RE: [Aus-soaring] Puchacz Wing Inspection Ben What is driving the necessity to inspect the aileron pushrods in the wings at this time? Roger Druce VMFG From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Coleman, Ben (RTCA) Sent: Thursday, 4 May 2006 2:03 PM To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. Subject: [Aus-soaring] Puchacz Wing Inspection G'day all, Our club (Hunter Valley) is having its Puchacz aileron pushrods inspected in a few months. This involves opening the wings, inspecting, (fixing?) and repairing the hole. Have others here had the procedure done to their Puchacz? Were any repairs or replacements required? Thanks, Ben Coleman _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
