Teleconference Centers On Emergency AD

The EAA Warbirds of America Government Affairs Committee and Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs, hosted a teleconference Friday to talk about Emergency AD 2005-12-51 -- the one covering T-6s. Industry participants included the North American Trainer Association and the Commemorative Air Force. These important discussions centered on the current situation and future actions by the industry groups.

It was noted that many T-6/SNJ/Harvard owners have started the process of inspecting their aircraft per AD2005-12-51. It was also noted that the FAA has accepted several alternate methods of compliance (AMOC) for the inspection procedures. Alternatives include the use of eddy current inspection in place of dye penetrant, which avoids the need to strip paint from the aircraft with the associated corrosion and additional maintenance time associated with dye penetrant inspections. The FAA has also approved the use of smaller nuts on the wing attachment bolts to enable better clearance for tools.

EAA Warbirds of America has posted a survey on its website to gather data on the results of the T-6/SNJ/Harvard inspections. We urge all owners to visit the website and complete the survey as soon as possible. Armed with this data, we will be able to better represent the interests of the owner/member. If owners find failures in the inspections, they are urged to report it to EAA Warbirds of America as soon as possible.

A list of companies that offer inspection products and services or an alternate method of compliance (AMOC) has been compiled. To add a company to this list, simply send an email to Warbirds of America including company name, city, phone, email, and website information. While EAA Warbirds of America, The North American Trainer Association, or The Commemorative Air Force do not endorse any single company, the list is made available as a member service.

FMI: www.warbirds-eaa.org