Champ Wing rib repair

E

Eric Brown

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Joined
Apr 7, 2021
Messages
165
Location
Belle Plaine, Mn
I am in the process of repairing some of my .020" thick wing ribs. I have not been able to locate any rib repair schemes in the Aeronca - ACA manuals or the or L-16 structural repair manual. I also do not find any reference in any of these manuals to use CAM-18 or AC43.13 for general repairs. The only thing that is even close is Aeronca Hint #17 for nose rib splice repair. Does anyone know of published data for wing rib repairs ?
 
You would think this has been addressed somewhere. By definition a wing rib repair is major, so you need "approved data." Check with Rainbow Ron or ACA Chad.
 
You know, if Aeronca, Champion, or ACA would have made a reference in their maintenance manuals to use CAM-18 or AC43.13 to perform repairs not listed in their manuals, I would not have this question. Other manufacture's maintenance manuals have made this reference. AC43.13-1B &- 2B can be used as approved the data when needed.
 
According to AC 43.13-1B preface:

The repair data may also be used as approved data, and the AC chapter, page, and paragraph listed in block 8 of FAA form 337 when:

a. the user has determined that it is appropriate to the product being repaired;

b. it is directly applicable to the repair being made; and

c. it is not contrary to manufacturer’s data.
 
Also, if you look at Appendix A to Part 43, not all rib repairs are major:

"(xxv) The repair of three or more adjacent wing or control surface ribs or the leading edge of wings and control surfaces, between such adjacent ribs."
 
Maybe I was thinking of alterations. We have to make changes to the butt ribs to accommodate radios in the Cubs. And I had to get a field approval for a simple upper door latch.

Some of us hope that butt ribs are not technically wing ribs.
 
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