Today, while checking all the paperwork on a new customer’s 160 HP 2-Seater, I found a problem with the installation of the SA2477SW STC. Seems item number 6 (of the mandatory changes that goes with the STC, not just the bigger engine, but the oil cooler, relays, etc) was not done. This is the installation of the Tiger front strut, P/N 702054-507 (and that means accept no substitutes.) This plane still had the original strut in, and was lacking adequate propeller clearance. Now they will have at least 11 inches.

Every new plane must be checked like this so as to further cloud an illegal installation. In the FAA world of today, they won’t go after the guy who did this (13 years ago), instead me, for signing it off now and not checking.

Moral is, if you have STCs on your plane, work with your mechanic and make sure each and everyone was done right so you are truly legal. Part of the Pilot in Command thing. Sad, that this customer will now have to buy a new front strut, hoping now, that Fletchair will have one on the shelf. Price last time I checked (last year), $1,450.00 plus freight.

Blue Skies,

Roscoe
Yankee-Aviation.com
513-519-7008