Aztec Flap Tube AD and related Service Bulletin

On Sat, 30 Oct 2004 12:15:31 -0500, "Jim Burns"
wrote:

I've found it almost impossible to find Piper's SB's online.

At least it isn't me....Not sure why they don't just put them on the
website like I've seen others do.

When we bought our Aztec, the AD had been complied with by replacing the
torque tube. I'll look through our logs in the next day or two to see if
there is a copy of the SB.

Thanks, but don't go through too much trouble. You pretty much
answered the initial question I had below.

If I recall correctly, the AD calls for inspections every 500(?) hours to
check for cracks in the ends of the tubes. I also believe it calls for
replacing the wooden plugs in the ends of the tubes with plastic plugs.
You are correct. I found this in the AD.

It
requires removing the tube from the aircraft no matter if you inspect it or
replace it, however, if you go the replacement route, you can save
time/labor on the removal process with help from a sawzall.
This is the info I was looking for. I didn't know if you could do the
inspection with the tube in the airplane.

Since you need to pull the tube for inspection it almost makes sense
to just replace it. You'll save some on labor, and never have to do
it again (in theory).

I've had quotes
of around $2000 including labor to replace the tube.

Ouch! The AD says $480.00 for labor and $572 for parts. I know those
numbers are bogus, but I didn't know they were at a 50% discount!

There is another local Aztec owner who is also an A&P / AI, I'm sure he'll
have a copy of the SB, it's just tough getting in touch with him.

Jim

Thank you very much for the reply. You got me started in the right
direction. If you do find the SB great; if not I'll keep digging.

Thanks again for the help.

z