Applies To Certain PA-18 And PA-19 Model Airplanes
The FAA has posted a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for an airworthiness concern involving some Piper PA-18 and PA-19 airplanes. The affected aircraft have magneto toggle switches located on the left cabin panel. The FAA has found that the magneto toggle switches can be inadvertently turned off when operating nearby controls and cause a loss of power during takeoff and landing. This SAIB also provides guidance on where to locate and/or replace the magneto toggle switches to reduce the likelihood of their inadvertent shutoff in flight.
The FAA has received reports of pilots inadvertently shutting of magnetos in flight. In August 2011, the inadvertent shutoff of magneto toggle switches during a takeoff resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. In September 2011, the inadvertent shutoff of magneto toggle switches during landing resulted in serious personal injury and substantial airplane damage. In each incident, the inadvertent shutoff of the magneto toggle switches was attributed to the operation of the nearby trim control – located just beneath the magneto toggle switches on the left cabin panel.
To reduce the possibility of inadvertent shutoff of magnetos in flight, the FAA recommends that Piper PA-18 and PA-19 Model airplanes have the magneto toggle switches located on the left cabin panel relocated and/or replaced as follows:
Relocate the magneto toggle switches from the left cabin panel to the airplane’s wing root or instrument panel, not near the fuel primer. As an option, the relocated toggle switches can be replaced with a keyed or non-keyed rotary magneto switch.
If the magneto toggle switches are not relocated, replace the magneto toggle switches on the left cabin panel with a non-keyed rotary magneto switch. Because of the protruding key, a keyed rotary switch is not recommended in this location. After magneto toggle switch relocation and/or replacement, we recommend performing an engine run to verify proper engine operation, and then after allowing the engine to reach operating temperatures, perform a normal magneto check.
The FAA says that the condition does not currently warrant the issuance of an AD.
Aero Linx: International Flying Farmers IFF is a not-for-profit organization started in 1944 by farmers who were also private pilots. We have members all across the United States a>[...]
From 2017 (YouTube Version): Remembrances Of An Israeli Air Force Test Pilot Early in 2016, ANN contributor Maxine Scheer traveled to Israel, where she had the opportunity to sit d>[...]
"We renegotiated what our debt restructuring is on a lot of our debts, mostly with the family. Those debts are going to be converted into equity..." Source: Excerpts from a short v>[...]
Also: B-29 Superfortress Reunion, FAA Wants Controllers, Spirit Airlines Pulls Back, Gogo Galileo Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganiz>[...]
Chart Supplement US A flight information publication designed for use with appropriate IFR or VFR charts which contains data on all airports, seaplane bases, and heliports open to >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.15.24)
See All