PA-18 to PA-18S

[bubb2]

In accordance with Type Certificate No. 1A2, 209(b), when 89-2000 EDO floats are attached to a PA-18 they must be installed I/A/W EDO drawing 1490 or 69470. (anyone know if there are other changes to the aircraft noted in these drawings other than the landing gear change?) Below that statement are additional limitations for PA-18S-125's and 135's. The document then references to Section IV for models PA-18S-150 and PA-18AS-150. As most PA-18 do not have data tags that have 18S, is this section legally applicable to a straight PA-18? I believe, technically, changing the landing gear does not change the model, that would require a change to the Airwortiness Certificate. Also, Section 401(q) and (r) describes the required "Interior Equipment" for "landplanes' and "seaplanes". Your PA-18-150 with 2000 floats attached is now definitely a seaplane, has it somehow changed to a PA-18S-150? Does the PA-18S-150 Flight Manual now become required equipment? Should the limitations (airspeed) listed in the PA-18S-150 Flight Manual now become the required markings in your PA-18-150?

 

[dgapilot]

Can’t say for sure, but I would think those airplanes that left Lock Haven either intended for, or equipped with floats were “S” airplanes, all others weren’t “S” airplanes. There is nothing in the TCDS that limit floats to “S” airplanes, and nothing that Nimitz wheels to non “S” airplanes. The big issue is having the appropriate flight manual if you have floats or wheels. No need to change model designation, airworthiness certificate or registration.


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[bubb2]

Can’t say for sure, but I would think those airplanes that left Lock Haven either intended for, or equipped with floats were “S” airplanes, all others weren’t “S” airplanes. There is nothing in the TCDS that limit floats to “S” airplanes, and nothing that Nimitz wheels to non “S” airplanes. The big issue is having the appropriate flight manual if you have floats or wheels. No need to change model designation, airworthiness certificate or registration.


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The only applicable Flight Manual is specific for a PA-18S. Do you know of any other certificated airplane that requires an Approved Flight Manual from another model aircraft? These questions may be addressed in the EDO drawings. How do you legally operate in compliance with another models Flight Manual while the aircraft you're flying has different placarded limitations (airspeed indicator)? Not trying to argue the safety issue, just trying to figure out the technically legal aspect. Should be kind of an IA thing. All other approved floats would be installed I/A/W with an STC and would probably have an approved Flight Manual Supplement specific to a PA-18 (no S) and PA-18S.

 

[wireweinie]

Hey. You were all thinking the same thing.

Web

 

[bubb2]

Nimitz wheels must be for carrier landings. (I hate it when I error typing on my phone and it tries to be smarter than I am) (not hard to do).