Possible Otter AD's

[PLF 0]

FYI.you - From the AOPA web

Not sure if this is the right forum....

Aircraft are only as old as they feel
By AOPA ePublishing staff

When it comes to addressing corrosion or other maintenance issues in aging aircraft, AOPA wants to make sure the corrective measures are based on maintenance and usage, not solely on age.

That’s why the association is opposing a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for de Havilland Twin Otters (DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, and DHC-6-300). Viking Air now holds the type certificate for the airplanes.

The AD would require aircraft owners to create a schedule for initial and recurrent corrosion inspections based on Bombardier’s Corrosion Prevention and Control program, and then complete all of the inspections.

Even though the FAA hasn’t presented any evidence of an existing problem in the fleet, the proposed AD says, “Service experience indicates that as aircraft become older, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion.”

“Unfortunately, the general premise of this proposed AD is true for any vehicle or structure made of metal,” wrote Leisha Bell, AOPA manager of regulatory affairs, in formal comments to the FAA. “Because of this AOPA feels the proposed AD is too broad and should be limited to aircraft within the DHC-6 fleet that have other factors that could induce the growth of corrosion and have a defined history of corrosion that has negatively affected the safety of flight.”

AOPA also reminded the FAA of its efforts to educate aircraft owners and operators of the structural concerns associated with aging aircraft and the measure that can be taken to mitigate them. In October 2007, AOPA released the online course, Aging Aircraft. So far, more than 14,000 people have completed the course.

May 1, 2008

[tombuch 0]

Another excellent reason to join AOPA!

For those of you who do not know about AOPA...

This is the organization that defends general aviation. It is mostly composed of pilots and aircraft owners, but it really represents all of GA, including those of us in the skydiving world. AOPA has been working closely with USPA, but I think both organizations recognize that the more skydivers join AOPA, the more attention AOPA will pay to our interests. That is especially important when we have airspace or airport conflicts between jumpers and pilots.

Obviously it is important to have AOPA and their more than 400,000 members in our corner when it comes to keeping costs down for the maintenance of older aircraft, but they far more than that. There is another thread about user fees, something both USPA and AOPA have been working hard to keep at bay. AOPA has been especially successful in keeping these fees out of legislation approved by Congress, but now faces a veto unless Congress caves in to pressure from the airlines and the President. If you are flying in an old Cessna that uses regular car gas rather than the more expensive Avgas, AOPA has been working to keep this product available. See the full range of work they are doing as listed on their web site under Government Advocacy.

In any event, check out their web site at http://www.aopa.org/. Click on the Membership services link to join, or call them at 800-872-2672. Membership is an amazing bargain at just $39.00

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[DougH 270]

I am joining this evening, thanks for the information and the push in the right direction.

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[bfilarsky 0]

Quote

Another excellent reason to join AOPA!

For those of you who do not know about AOPA...

This is the organization that defends general aviation. It is mostly composed of pilots and aircraft owners, but it really represents all of GA, including those of us in the skydiving world. AOPA has been working closely with USPA, but I think both organizations recognize that the more skydivers join AOPA, the more attention AOPA will pay to our interests. That is especially important when we have airspace or airport conflicts between jumpers and pilots.

Obviously it is important to have AOPA and their more than 400,000 members in our corner when it comes to keeping costs down for the maintenance of older aircraft, but they far more than that. There is another thread about user fees, something both USPA and AOPA have been working hard to keep at bay. AOPA has been especially successful in keeping these fees out of legislation approved by Congress, but now faces a veto unless Congress caves in to pressure from the airlines and the President. If you are flying in an old Cessna that uses regular car gas rather than the more expensive Avgas, AOPA has been working to keep this product available. See the full range of work they are doing as listed on their web site under Government Advocacy.

In any event, check out their web site at http://www.aopa.org/. Click on the Membership services link to join, or call them at 800-872-2672. Membership is an amazing bargain at just $39.00

What with being more a pilot than a skydiver, I've been a member for about 3 years. Great organization, and a great idea for skydivers to join as well. Skydiving aircraft are General aviation aircraft, whether you are getting a ride in a C-172 or a DC-10.

Blue Skies!