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Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
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m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:03 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

To all Listers
Francis Donaldson, Chief Engineer of the UK Popular Flying Association has asked me to give maximum publicity to the attached leaflet for Mod 73 covering tailplane retention. It will be available on the PFA website tomorrow, and copies have been put in the post today to all UK owners of flying aircraft, together with a covering letter and revised FSB 006 at issue 3.
The good news is that compliance (for UK owners) is required within the next ten flying hours or before the next permit renewal, whichever is earlier, rather than "before next flight".
There are three steps:
<![if !supportLists]>1. <![endif]>Elongation of the pip-pin holes in the torque tube.
<![if !supportLists]>2. <![endif]>Modification of the underside of the tailplane by constructing a reinforced pip-pin recess, except for tailplanes that are pre-moulded or fitted with Europa Club Standard Mod 10672. Note that 10672 is not capable of being retrofitted.
<![if !supportLists]>3. <![endif]>Placards on the top surface of each tailplane warning of the need to ensure correct engagement of both tab drive pin and pip pin before flight, and on the route grip of each tailplane to certify that Mod 73 has been complied with.
Fly safely

Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer


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mikenjulie.parkin(at)btin
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:33 pm    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Mike,

Would it not be better for the club to obtain 3 or 4 torque tubes from the factory (could be just stock tube). We could then do the layups on the tailplanes in the temperature and humidity controlled comfort of the workshop.
Is there still a Mod to the wing rear attachment point to come??

regards,

Mike Parkin
[quote] ---


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m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:03 pm    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Mike,

You are quite right in realising that Mod 73 does not need to be done on an aeroplane if you have a tube or bar of the correct diameter to fit inside TP 6 while the lay up is being done. This could be an uninstalled torque tube or some other material that is a proper fit. A note of caution: I believe early and late torque tubes were supplied with slightly differing diameters.

The Europa Club Committee have been considering setting up Mod centres where the necessary materials and expertise will be available, together with an inspector to sign off the work, although details have yet to be worked out.

I understand the PFA are considering a separate modification to the wing rear attachment point.

Regards

Mike


From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Mike Parkin
Sent: 12 July 2007 22:31
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73


Mike,



Would it not be better for the club to obtain 3 or 4 torque tubes from the factory (could be just stock tube). We could then do the layups on the tailplanes in the temperature and humidity controlled comfort of the workshop.

Is there still a Mod to the wing rear attachment point to come??



regards,



Mike Parkin


[quote]
---


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carl(at)flyers.freeserve.
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 12:12 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Does anybody know the exact diameter of the tailplane torque tube (ours is circa 1994 - Kit 49).

In the absence of a torque tube I would have thought a piece of Jewsons drainpipe built up (to the correct diameter) with electricians tape would do the job.

With hindsight we could have done Mod 62 and Mod 73 at the same time while the tube was out of the tailplane.

Carl Pattinson

G-LABS
[quote] ---


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Brian Davies



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Location: uk

PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:25 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Carl,

I am not sure about the early kits but I have just measured my tube (mine was kit 454) at 1.499 inches (1.5 to most of us!). I am just off to my local steel merchant to see if he has any old 1.5 inch pipe left in stock. I have a short piece of old imperial plastic waste pipe that is exactly the right size - but not long enough.

Brian Davies

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Carl Pattinson
Sent: 13 July 2007 09:11
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73

Does anybody know the exact diameter of the tailplane torque tube (ours is circa 1994 - Kit 49).

In the absence of a torque tube I would have thought a piece of Jewsons drainpipe built up (to the correct diameter) with electricians tape would do the job.

With hindsight we could have done Mod 62 and Mod 73 at the same time while the tube was out of the tailplane.

Carl Pattinson

G-LABS
[quote] ---


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pete(at)lawless.info
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:29 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Hi Mike

Do you know from the PFA if carrying out Mod 73 will remove the requirement for the recurring 10 hour inspection of the tail end?

Regards

Pete
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topglock(at)cox.net
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:44 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Carl,

A055, circa 1998 measures exactly 1.50"...

Jeff - Baby Blue

Carl Pattinson wrote: [quote] v\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } o\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } w\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } .shape { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } <![endif]--> st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } <![endif]--> <![endif]--> <![endif]--> Does anybody know the exact diameter of the tailplane torque tube (ours is circa 1994 - Kit 49).

In the absence of a torque tube I would have thought a piece of Jewsons drainpipe built up (to the correct diameter) with electricians tape would do the job.

With hindsight we could have done Mod 62 and Mod 73 at the same time while the tube was out of the tailplane.

Carl Pattinson

G-LABS
Quote:
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Gregory (m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com)
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com (europa-list(at)matronics.com)
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 1:03 AM
Subject: RE: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73



Mike,

You are quite right in realising that Mod 73 does not need to be done on an aeroplane if you have a tube or bar of the correct diameter to fit inside TP 6 while the lay up is being done. This could be an uninstalled torque tube or some other material that is a proper fit. A note of caution: I believe early and late torque tubes were supplied with slightly differing diameters.

The Europa Club Committee have been considering setting up Mod centres where the necessary materials and expertise will be available, together with an inspector to sign off the work, although details have yet to be worked out.

I understand the PFA are considering a separate modification to the wing rear attachment point.

Regards

Mike


From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com) [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of Mike Parkin
Sent: 12 July 2007 22:31
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com (europa-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73


Mike,



Would it not be better for the club to obtain 3 or 4 torque tubes from the factory (could be just stock tube). We could then do the layups on the tailplanes in the temperature and humidity controlled comfort of the workshop.

Is there still a Mod to the wing rear attachment point to come??



regards,



Mike Parkin


Quote:

----- Original Message -----

From: Mike Gregory (m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com)

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com (europa-list(at)matronics.com)

Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:01 PM

Subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73



To all Listers
Francis Donaldson, Chief Engineer of the UK Popular Flying Association has asked me to give maximum publicity to the attached leaflet for Mod 73 covering tailplane retention. It will be available on the PFA website tomorrow, and copies have been put in the post today to all UK owners of flying aircraft, together with a covering letter and revised FSB 006 at issue 3.
The good news is that compliance (for UK owners) is required within the next ten flying hours or before the next permit renewal, whichever is earlier, rather than "before next flight".
There are three steps:
1.Elongation of the pip-pin holes in the torque tube.
2.Modification of the underside of the tailplane by constructing a reinforced pip-pin recess, except for tailplanes that are pre-moulded or fitted with Europa Club Standard Mod 10672. Note that 10672 is not capable of being retrofitted.
3.Placards on the top surface of each tailplane warning of the need to ensure correct engagement of both tab drive pin and pip pin before flight, and on the root rib of each tailplane to certify that Mod 73 has been complied with.
Fly safely

Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer


href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com




[b]


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m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:35 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Pete/All

I understand from Francis Donaldson that the incorporation of Mod 73 will not remove the requirement for the recurring inspection of the tail called for in Flight Safety Bulletin FSB-006. He has sent me a copy of issue 3; I have converted this to PDF format which has brought it down to 387 kB, which should come through as an attachment on the List. I apologise to those with dial-up, but I believe this is important because I also understand from Francis that FSB-006 Issue 3 will not now be posted on the PFA website until next week.

I'm awaiting an amended copy of the covering letter sent out by the PFA, which I will also post on this List, which should make it clear that further inspection of the rear wing attachment is not required if it passed the criteria set out in FSB-007. This applies to classic Europas only, and Andy will be carrying out a trial modification to install a longer pin together with a washer and nut outboard of the root rib which will allow the aircraft that failed 007 to fly, and also improve the integrity of the attachment for all classic aircraft. The PFA anxious not to compromise the integrity of the root rib in this area, so a hole will have to be cut in the lower skin surface to incorporate this mod.

Regards

Mike will

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete Lawless
Sent: 13 July 2007 10:28
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73


Hi Mike

Do you know from the PFA if carrying out Mod 73 will remove the requirement for the recurring 10 hour inspection of the tail end?

Regards

Pete
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EUROPA_PFA_FSB-006_issue_3.pdf
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m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:05 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

All

Further to my earlier message, here is Francis Donaldson's covering memo that was sent out with Mod 73 to all UK flying owners.

The PFA is very conscious of the restriction imposed by the continuing need for ten-hourly inspections, even after Mod 73 is incorporated, and are working closely with the CAA to get the requirement extended and in due course eliminated. The PFA does not have the authority to change the 10 hour requirement, which is mandated for UK owners by the CAA, who are continuing to discuss the matter with the AAIB investigators as a matter of urgency.

Meanwhile, Francis advises that any Europa owner who faces particular problems (such as a plan to go touring or remoteness from an inspector) as a result of the continuing 10-hour inspection requirement should contact PFA Engineering for assistance. It may be possible to authorise them as a temporary inspector in respect of FSB-006 to carry out the subsequent checks themselves.

Regards

Mike


From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Mike Gregory
Sent: 13 July 2007 15:33
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73


Pete/All

I understand from Francis Donaldson that the incorporation of Mod 73 will not remove the requirement for the recurring inspection of the tail called for in Flight Safety Bulletin FSB-006. He has sent me a copy of issue 3; I have converted this to PDF format which has brought it down to 387 kB, which should come through as an attachment on the List. I apologise to those with dial-up, but I believe this is important because I also understand from Francis that FSB-006 Issue 3 will not now be posted on the PFA website until next week.

I'm awaiting an amended copy of the covering letter sent out by the PFA, which I will also post on this List, which should make it clear that further inspection of the rear wing attachment is not required if it passed the criteria set out in FSB-007. This applies to classic Europas only, and Andy will be carrying out a trial modification to install a longer pin together with a washer and nut outboard of the root rib which will allow the aircraft that failed 007 to fly, and also improve the integrity of the attachment for all classic aircraft. The PFA anxious not to compromise the integrity of the root rib in this area, so a hole will have to be cut in the lower skin surface to incorporate this mod.

Regards

Mike

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete Lawless
Sent: 13 July 2007 10:28
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73


Hi Mike

Do you know from the PFA if carrying out Mod 73 will remove the requirement for the recurring 10 hour inspection of the tail end?

Regards

Pete
--


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willie.harrison(at)tinyon
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:14 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Thanks, Mike. As you will have seen from my earlier posting, Roger thought otherwise (although it's obviously Francis, not Roger who makes the rules). Do you know if the PFA are proposing the 10 hour inspection, by an inspector, as an indefinite requirement? If so, it would limit the appeal of the Europa as a touring aircraft. Can we collectively pool our thoughts to counter propose a more practical inspection regime? 
Thanks for all your good work.

Willie


On 13 Jul 2007, at 15:33, Mike Gregory wrote:
[quote]
Pete/All
 
I understand from Francis Donaldson that the incorporation of Mod 73 will not remove the requirement for the recurring inspection of the tail called for in Flight Safety Bulletin FSB-006.  He has sent me a copy of issue 3; I have converted this to PDF format which has brought it down to 387 kB, which should come through as an attachment on the List.  I apologise to those with dial-up, but I believe this is important because I also understand from Francis that FSB-006 Issue 3 will not now be posted on the PFA website until next week.
 
I'm awaiting an amended copy of the covering letter sent out by the PFA, which I will also post on this List, which should make it clear that further inspection of the rear wing attachment is not required if it passed the criteria set out in FSB-007.  This applies to classic Europas only, and Andy will be carrying out a trial modification to install a longer pin together with a washer and nut outboard of the root rib which will allow the aircraft that failed 007 to fly, and also improve the integrity of the attachment for all classic aircraft.  The PFA anxious not to compromise the integrity of the root rib in this area, so a hole will have to be cut in the lower skin surface to incorporate this mod.
 
Regards
 
Mike will

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of Pete Lawless
Sent: 13 July 2007 10:28
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com (europa-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: RE: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73

 
Hi Mike
 
Do you know from the PFA if carrying out Mod 73 will remove the requirement for the recurring 10 hour inspection of the tail end? 
 
Regards
 
Pete
--


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m.j.gregory(at)talk21.com
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:19 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Willie,

We have now spoken on the phone – your message crossed with my posting explaining that it is not within the gift of the PFA to extend or eliminate the 10-hour inspection, but requires action by the CAA, who are not moving on this at the current stage of the AAIB investigation. I'm putting this message on the List so that others may share a more optimistic outlook about the way ahead.

You are not the only one to express concern regarding the severity of the 10-hour restriction, on touring operations particularly. We are all hoping that the inspection intervals can be extended to 25 or 50 hours, or (preferably) eliminated. However, as the PFA receive reports from inspectors on the results of the 10-hourly inspections, they should soon learn whether there are many instances of aircraft passing one inspection and failing the next: if not, they should be able to use this evidence to recommend to the CAA that the intervals can be extended. Otherwise, they will certainly want to consider further measures to improve the integrity of the system so that frequent inspections are no longer needed.

Best regards

Mike
will

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of William Harrison
Sent: 13 July 2007 18:14
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73


Thanks, Mike. As you will have seen from my earlier posting, Roger thought otherwise (although it's obviously Francis, not Roger who makes the rules). Do you know if the PFA are proposing the 10 hour inspection, by an inspector, as an indefinite requirement? If so, it would limit the appeal of the Europa as a touring aircraft. Can we collectively pool our thoughts to counter propose a more practical inspection regime?


Thanks for all your good work.



Willie

On 13 Jul 2007, at 15:33, Mike Gregory wrote:

Pete/All
I understand from Francis Donaldson that the incorporation of Mod 73 will not remove the requirement for the recurring inspection of the tail called for in Flight Safety Bulletin FSB-006. He has sent me a copy of issue 3; I have converted this to PDF format which has brought it down to 387 kB, which should come through as an attachment on the List. I apologise to those with dial-up, but I believe this is important because I also understand from Francis that FSB-006 Issue 3 will not now be posted on the PFA website until next week.
I'm awaiting an amended copy of the covering letter sent out by the PFA, which I will also post on this List, which should make it clear that further inspection of the rear wing attachment is not required if it passed the criteria set out in FSB-007. This applies to classic Europas only, and Andy will be carrying out a trial modification to install a longer pin together with a washer and nut outboard of the root rib which will allow the aircraft that failed 007 to fly, and also improve the integrity of the attachment for all classic aircraft. The PFA anxious not to compromise the integrity of the root rib in this area, so a hole will have to be cut in the lower skin surface to incorporate this mod.
Regards
Mike

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of Pete Lawless
Sent: 13 July 2007 10:28
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com (europa-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: RE: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73

Hi Mike
Do you know from the PFA if carrying out Mod 73 will remove the requirement for the recurring 10 hour inspection of the tail end?
Regards
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of Mike Gregory
Sent: 12 July 2007 19:01
To: europa-list(at)matronics.com (europa-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73
To all Listers
Francis Donaldson, Chief Engineer of the UK Popular Flying Association has asked me to give maximum publicity to the attached leaflet for Mod 73 covering tailplane retention. It will be available on the PFA website tomorrow, and copies have been put in the post today to all UK owners of flying aircraft, together with a covering letter and revised FSB 006 at issue 3.
The good news is that compliance (for UK owners) is required within the next ten flying hours or before the next permit renewal, whichever is earlier, rather than "before next flight".
There are three steps:
1. Elongation of the pip-pin holes in the torque tube.
2. Modification of the underside of the tailplane by constructing a reinforced pip-pin recess, except for tailplanes that are pre-moulded or fitted with Europa Club Standard Mod 10672. Note that 10672 is not capable of being retrofitted.
3. Placards on the top surface of each tailplane warning of the need to ensure correct engagement of both tab drive pin and pip pin before flight, and on the root rib of each tailplane to certify that Mod 73 has been complied with.
Fly safely

Mike

Europa Club Safety Officer


<EUROPA PFA FSB-006 issue 3.pdf>



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carl(at)flyers.freeserve.
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:50 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

I have one little niggle with the Mod73 as currently published. I was under the impression that layups around 90 degree corners was to be avoided. Glass cloth dosent like being bent around acute bends and usually results in the glass cloth lifting and causing an air pocket. I am referring to the glass cloth that is stippled to the sanded surface of the tailplane.
Surely a stronger and cosmetically preferable solution would be to make a flox corner around the underside of the tailplane surface where it joins the top of the underside recess (or bottom if we are talking underside - it would be at the top when being worked on). By the time one has incorporated two layers of bid around the periphery of the recess and then glassed over it again the surface is certain to stand proud of the rest of the tailplane and leave an unsightly lump.
If I have the choice I would prefer to prepare flox corners where the recess meets the tailplane surface and let the excess glass poke out of the recess till hardened. Then slice the excess glass away with a sharp knife till level with the tailplane surface. When the recess is finally filled with a lump of foam and glassed over, a further flox corner could be incorporated on the inside of the cavity (where it meets the surface).
BTW a much more effective and simpler means of tailplane retention could have been achieved by drilling a hole through the tailplane from top to bottom through the root closeouts and dropping a 9" x 1/4" steel pin behind the torque drive plates (ie through the top skin, behind the drive plate either in front or behind the torque tube - or both and then through the bottom skin). Alternately a hole through the centre of the torque tube though this could have structural implications. A split pin or ring through the underside would be needed to secure it. Washers reduxed to the insides of the closeouts would ensure extra strength and prevent the pin from pulling through the tailplane surface. This would eliminate any possibility of the tailplane moving outboard during flight.
Still, I guess its too late to consider that suggestion.

Carl Pattinson
G-LABS



To all Listers<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />
<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />Francis Donaldson, Chief Engineer of the UK Popular Flying Association has asked me to give maximum publicity to the attached leaflet for Mod 73 covering tailplane retention. It will be available on the PFA website tomorrow, and copies have been put in the post today to all UK owners of flying aircraft, together with a covering letter and revised FSB 006 at issue 3.
The good news is that compliance (for UK owners) is required within the next ten flying hours or before the next permit renewal, whichever is earlier, rather than "before next flight".
There are three steps:
1. Elongation of the pip-pin holes in the torque tube.
2. Modification of the underside of the tailplane by constructing a reinforced pip-pin recess, except for tailplanes that are pre-moulded or fitted with Europa Club Standard Mod 10672. Note that 10672 is not capable of being retrofitted.
3. Placards on the top surface of each tailplane warning of the need to ensure correct engagement of both tab drive pin and pip pin before flight, and on the root rib of each tailplane to certify that Mod 73 has been complied with. Fly safely

Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer

<EUROPA PFA FSB-006 issue 3.pdf>


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nicolaprice(at)tiscali.co
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 11:31 pm    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Since I bought my Europa classic already flying can anyone advise if there is a quick way of finding out if Mod 10672 has been incorporated.
This may save a lot of problems.

John Price.
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josok-e(at)ukolo.fi
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:13 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Hi John,

Whether mod 10672 has been incorporated should become clear from the paperwork.
Mechanically you could try to pierce the foam between TP5&6 with a long pin. If there is glass instead of foam, you will probably be fine.
Then the question remains who will sign it of.

Regards,

Jos Okhuijsen
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org


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carl(at)flyers.freeserve.
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:52 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Look down inside each tailplane where the torque tube goes (using a torch). If you can see foam it hasnt been done. If not sure use a sharp implement to check.

It should be annotated in the airframe logbook anyway.


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nigel_graham(at)btclick.c
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:59 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

John,

It's dead easy to tell.
Peer into the open end of the tailplane (you may need a torch/flashlight). If all you can see down the bore between TP5 and TP6 is blue foam - the mod has NOT been carried out.
If you can see an unbroken lining of composite laminate - the mod HAS been carried out.

The paperwork should record this.

Contrary to Mike's memo, this mod is capable of being retro fitted (and would be the only solution I would trust) - but it would take a lot of careful work by a very competent composite craftsman.
Might be a good time to start snapping up all those unstarted "Kit One - Tailplane kits" that are often advertised.

Nigel

Credibility Qualifyer: I'm the bloke that thought-up mod 10672!
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josok-e(at)ukolo.fi
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 3:03 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Hi Nigel,
It's a seldom opportonity to be able to thank the right person for a great idea! So: Thanks, ever so happy that i don't have to worry about loose bushes!
Smile

Regards,

Jos Okhuijsen
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org


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jan.de.jong(at)xs4all.nl
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 3:39 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

I am glad to second that. Thank you very much indeed!
Regards,
Jan de Jong

josok wrote:
Quote:


Hi Nigel,
It's a seldom opportonity to be able to thank the right person for a great idea! So: Thanks, ever so happy that i don't have to worry about loose bushes!
Smile

Regards,

Jos Okhuijsen
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org





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nigel_graham(at)btconnect
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:01 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

Hartstikke bedankt heren, tot u dienst.

What really saddens me is that I wrote to Europa Aviation in the late '90s
highlighting the potential problem with the tailplane and proposing that the
tailplane mod be adopted as the standard build procedure. It would have cost
nothing - no extra parts, just a change to build instructions the manual.
In my mail to them, I even predicted a sequence of events that could lead to
a tailplane becoming detached and the resulting in-flight break-up of the
aircraft.
No interest was shown whatsoever and I never heard back from them.
When I learned of the in-flight break-up of William's plane, I had a
sickening feeling that I knew what might have happened. The full AAIB report
will confirm (or otherwise) if I was correct but the fact that the
authorities are looking closely at this component leads me to believe I'm on
the money.

m.v.g.

Nigel

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carl(at)flyers.freeserve.
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:04 am    Post subject: Europa Tailplane - Mod 73 Reply with quote

I think many Europa builders realised the stainless steel rings would cause a problem sooner or later and took steps to mitigate the problem (such as mod 10672).

I scored each ring (TP6 sleeve) with a hacksaw at 45 degrees around the circumference and am pretty confident it is secure. There is also a flox ring surrounding the outside of the stainless steel ring which is bonded to the plywood sheet and I also have photos to prove it. Problem is it is bonded to the inboard surface of the plywood insert which under extreme loads could break away.

Unfortunately the PFA have to assume the worst posible standard of build and come up with a failsafe remedy.

Personally I think Mod 73 is a somewhat inelegant solution to the problem and we may yet see further amendments to this design. For my money I feel its weakness is that it relies on a relatively shallow lip to prevent a disbonded TP6 sleeve working its way inboard of the tailplane.

I note from my own photos of the finished layups that about 8-10mm of TP6 protrudes beyond the outboard end of the plywood insert. Since major invasive surgery has been deemed necessary it might have been better to cut an aperture in the underside of the tailplane, cut away the surrounding foam from the outboard end of the TP6 sleeve and redux a retaining ring or plate onto the protruding end of the sleeve. Even then it would be impossible to guarantee the integrity of such a bond.

At least Mod 73 should bring some of the poorer installations up to an acceptable and safe standard.

Its a pity the original design couldnt have been better but then we all know hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Carl Pattinson
G-LABS



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