bob turner
Registered User
I am about to have two field approval requests turned down. One of them is dirt-simple; I found a Piper PA-18 kit for Clevelands on a J-5 (they have been there for over a third of a century, with a 337 approved by an IA).
The inspector is saying I have not fully described the installation. He has indicated that I may have to get an STC.
The other request is more complicated, so I can understand his reticence - it is a hydraulic disc brake conversion for a CAR4a aircraft. It is almost identical to two other field approvals I hold for Aeronca conversions, and I used pretty much the same wording, only with a lot more drawings and TSO wheels and brakes. As far as I can tell, CAR4a aircraft only need brakes if they are transports!
I believe this is the same ASI who was going to violate me for installing non-TSO Com radios. I got the distinct feeling that he still wants my IA, and is looking for an excuse.
I am going to ask him for a formal rejection letter. Once he does that, am I dead in the water, or is there a process to get a second opinion?
These are not my aircraft - I shouldn't care whether the owners ever get approved. I just thought it best that their aircraft be legal and safe. All of my Cubs have field-approved discs and reservoir masters, so I am personally ok.
I should note that I hold well over a dozen field approvals, including disc brake conversions as well as engine and fuel systems alterations. I am stumped with this really easy attempt.
The inspector is saying I have not fully described the installation. He has indicated that I may have to get an STC.
The other request is more complicated, so I can understand his reticence - it is a hydraulic disc brake conversion for a CAR4a aircraft. It is almost identical to two other field approvals I hold for Aeronca conversions, and I used pretty much the same wording, only with a lot more drawings and TSO wheels and brakes. As far as I can tell, CAR4a aircraft only need brakes if they are transports!
I believe this is the same ASI who was going to violate me for installing non-TSO Com radios. I got the distinct feeling that he still wants my IA, and is looking for an excuse.
I am going to ask him for a formal rejection letter. Once he does that, am I dead in the water, or is there a process to get a second opinion?
These are not my aircraft - I shouldn't care whether the owners ever get approved. I just thought it best that their aircraft be legal and safe. All of my Cubs have field-approved discs and reservoir masters, so I am personally ok.
I should note that I hold well over a dozen field approvals, including disc brake conversions as well as engine and fuel systems alterations. I am stumped with this really easy attempt.