PA 18 spinner

[skysigns]

Can a spinner with cracks at the mounting holes be repaired

 

[hotrod180]

I did a quick google for spinner repairs, this came up:

https://spinner-repairs.com/

 

[Scott 2020]

Can be repaired yes. Just not supported by acceptable data.

Make two identical doublers (assuming 2 bladed prop) and wet rivet in place. Flush both sides where needed.

Unfortunately there is not a legal repair on certificated aircraft.

 

[skywagon8a]

Unfortunately there is not a legal repair on certificated aircraft.

Why not? Is it expressly prohibited? It would only be considered as a minor repair. Just use common sense in maintaining balance.

 

[Scott 2020]

Spinner manufacturers prohibit repairs.

 

[Southern Aero]

Aero Support Engineering, International, Inc.

FAA Repair Station #XNDR054L



Office: 404-559-1946

FAA Approved Aircraft Spinner Repairs & PMA Parts​

As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, we specialize in fast, high-quality, aluminum aircraft spinner assembly repairs, using FAA approved repair procedures. You will not find anyone else out there like us!

 

[Steve Pierce]

Spinner manufacturers prohibit repairs.

Can you show me where? Univair makes Piper spinners and I cannot find anything on their website.

 

[ATAD]

If you want to fix this once and for all, try a composit spinner. No more cracking. Our fleet leader has passed through 7000 hrs and is still going strong.

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[Scott 2020]

Can you show me where? Univair makes Piper spinners and I cannot find anything on their website.

I didn't know that.
Are they actually manufacturing spinners?
Is there a published repair scheme that can be considered acceptable data?
S

 

[Steve Pierce]

Yes, Univair spin the spinners in house and forms the edges around the prop blades over a wire.

Why couldn't you use the AC 43.13? You said the manufacturers didn't allow repairs so I was looking for that data.

Myself, I just replaced them and make sure there are no misalignments, uneven folds etc.

 

[Scott 2020]

Yes, Univair spin the spinners in house and forms the edges around the prop blades over a wire.

Why couldn't you use the AC 43.13? You said the manufacturers didn't allow repairs so I was looking for that data.

Myself, I just replaced them and make sure there are no misalignments, uneven folds etc.

Does AC43.13 have spinner repair schemes?

I used to repair spinners regularly. Also chrome plate them. Like so much stuff these days, I don't recall the bulletin/directive/publications that caused me to stop doing it and I no longer work on a variety of aircraft.

I know Transport Canada says no without a repair procedure from the manufacturer in part because spinners are considered components.

You'll know more than me re FAA.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Does AC43.13 have spinner repair schemes?

Standard sheet metal repair criteria.

 

[skywagon8a]

Does AC43.13 have spinner repair schemes?

I used to repair spinners regularly. Also chrome plate them. Like so much stuff these days, I don't recall the bulletin/directive/publications that caused me to stop doing it and I no longer work on a variety of aircraft.

I know Transport Canada says no without a repair procedure from the manufacturer in part because spinners are considered components.

You'll know more than me re FAA.

It must be a Canada thing. I've been looking, and as near as I can tell the FAA doesn't care about spinners. I've seen lot's of spinners which have been repaired using basic sheet metal and rivet procedures. None of them had a paperwork trail nor any specified place to make an entry.

 

[Scott 2020]

Here's what Hartzell has published:

Not a standard sheet metal repair as far as at least one manufacturer is concerned.

Not sure that it's even possible to identify the material you're proposing to repair, which is certainly a prerequisite if AC43.13 is the supporting data.

People are clearly doing repairs. That doesn't mean it's good practice or legal.

It's all good until the spinner hits the fan!
S

 

[Southern Aero]

You can't maybe but that repair station can

 

[skywagon8a]

Stop drill holes only work if all the stresses which caused the crack in the first place are removed. If the stresses are not removed, the crack will start again at the stop drilled hole.

 

[Scott 2020]

You can't maybe but that repair station can

I think only if the repaired component is actually under PMA.

 

[Southern Aero]

A PMA'd part would be a new part to replace a manufacturer's part. A repair station doesn't make the parts, just repairs them ...... Hence the name "repair" station, just sayin' ........... Maybe different in CA ............

 

[Scott 2020]

I'm aware.
I wasn't aware that repair stations can certify repairs that are prohibited by the manufacturer.

I have seen remanufactured parts that get around such restrictions under PMA.

 

[Steve Pierce]

A Hartzell spinner is nothing like one of our Piper spinners. Piper spinners are made from soft, relatively thin aluminum, probably 1100 or 3003. I wouldn't have an issue making a small patch for a blown out screw hole out of 2024-T3. I have seen it done, it looks bad so I just replace the spinner. I personally didn't run a spinner on my Borer and now I don't on my Sensenich ground adjustable.

 

[kase]

Carbon Concept spinner .

 

[Steve Pierce]

No rear bulkhead?

 

[kase]

Nope

 

[Steve Pierce]

Doesn't wobble?

 

[kase]

Doesn't seem to. On my buddies exp cub. Super light weight. Has 800+ hours, no issues.