Episode 65 – Piper Bolt Holes AD Findings and Best Practices

Mandated inspections are being performed on Piper PA28 aircraft based on airworthiness directive AD 2020-26-16. The Flight Safety Detectives update progress. Listen for what to do and what not to do for affected aircraft.

Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, returns to share preliminary data collected. The cracking issue that prompted the AD is present in about 5% of airplanes inspected so far.

Good news for aircraft owners is that the inspection cost is down to about $700. Bad news is that several mechanics seem to be ignoring the proper procedures for inspections and fixes.

They cover a range of questions and reports from the field including:

• An alternate means of compliance (AMOC) that seems ill-advised
• Importance of using the proper hardware as outlined in the AD
• Simple process for conducting proper inspection

They discuss the possibility that the FAA may include more planes in the AD once data is collected.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!