Cracked ribs

Piper has a new service bulletin, SB1161 that calls for inspection of
the rib just inboard of the landing gear and aft of the main spar.

As 04T is in for the annual, we figured it was a good time to have the
SB performed. It turns out we have cracks on both sides of the rib and
they're bad enough that the repair kit announced in the SB can't be
used. Solution: two new ribs. Cost for parts: 1.1 AMU. Labor is
unknown at the moment but the shop is putting together an estimate.

Augh! That really, really sucks, Jack.

Two good things:

1. It sounds like the kind of thing that only gets worse over time.
You are wise to get it over and done with now.

2. You caught it far enough before OSH as to not interfere with your
trip. (Well, unless your shop REALLY sucks.) THAT could have ruined
your whole summer.

I'll bet this problem is going to rival the Lycoming crankshaft AD by
the time all is said and done. There are a LOT of Piper retracts out
there.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"