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Acceptable rudder repair

topcubs365

Registered User
My PA18 project has a bent rudder and my question is, is it acceptable to repair the vertical tube on a rudder? It had a significant bend which we were able to straighten. That left us with a kink which, if anywhere else, would be fixed with an internal splice and rosette welds. Legal or not on a rudder?
 
There is an NPRM for an AD on Piper rudders. Who knows where it will end up. Many of the comments are asking for it to be withdrawn as FAA didn’t do their homework. If it goes through then you will need to replace the rudder with one made from 4130. Roll the dice and decide to repair or replace.
 
I'd just buy a new one. Most of the cost to replace mine was labor, prep and paint. The actual rudder was a fraction. I assume you will have to fix the fabric and paint.
 
Look at 43.13, it shows the acceptable repair method. I have seen people jig the rudder and replace the whole tube.
 
Verify what material the existing rudder post is by the rudder part number, numbers that may be on the tube itself once the paint is removed, or by test.

if it is 4130, an internal splice per AC43.13 would be acceptable.

If the existing tube is 1025, replace the whole tube, so you'll be in compliance with the Service Bulletin and the eventual AD.

It's time consuming to replace the tube, but not that difficult and can be done on a flat table.
 
It's time consuming to replace the tube, but not that difficult and can be done on a flat table.
If you do, make certain the rudder horn is perpendicular to the center line of the rudder. You won't want to find you have more rudder travel in one direction than the other.
 
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