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Podcast Episode 007
January 1, 2016
Do you own a Piper Cherokee, or some other Piper model? Are you considering buying one? If your answer is yes, then you might want to listen to this episode!
One item that tends to be overlooked on Piper airplanes, is Service Bulletin 1006. It is an inspection to be done each 7 years and requires removing the fuel tanks from the wings to perform it.
Removing the fuel tanks makes it possible to inspect critical areas on the wing spars for corrosion, something you want to find out about before you buy an airplane, not after. (The corrosion in this picture is what led to changing the left wing on a Piper PA 28-140.)
Even though compliance with service bulletins may not be absolutely required like AD’s, this one is certainly worth doing.
Listen to today’s episode, and hear how this very service bulletin has had a direct impact on three specific airplanes.
Please… leave me a comment. What question would you like answered on a future episode of this podcast? It can be any question related to piston-powered airplane maintenance.
Thank You!
Just stumbled across your website and listened to your podcast. Some good insight here, especially on using a rivet gun with a Philips head to remove the tank screws! Thanks.
Thanks Jeff! I really appreciate that. The rivet gun tool was revolutionary years ago. Before that I remember using a chisel and hammer to try to remove straight slotted screws… not a very good method!
Dean,
Great Information on the prebuy issues on a Cherokee PA-28 .
I am looking at a Cherokee in Louisville, KY as my first purchase and after hearing your podcast I am desperately looking for a good prebuy firm near there.
Trying to fine an honest service is almost as hard as trying to find a good plane!
Thanks Michael. I’d suggest you contact “The Prebuy Guys,” Don Sebastian and Adam Sipe. Go to airplaneprebuy.com and click the “contact us” tab at the top right. From there you can either leave them a message, or call one of them… both of their phone numbers are there. I wish you well in your airplane purchase!
This might be a dumb question, but can I as the pilot/owner do this or does it need to be done by an certified A&P?
You can certainly help with the process, but this task will need to be supervised and signed off by an A&P. It’s a good experience, to be a part of it.
Hey! Any tips on removing the fuel tank? We’ve gotten the right tank off but the left tank just won’t budge…
thanks
Sometimes they can be difficult, for sure! Remove the fuel cap and use the opening to try to pull the tank forward. If this does not work, you might try placing the end of a piece of 2×4 wood on the back edge of the tank, and hit the other end of the 2×4 with a rubber mallet to try to dislodge the tank. Do this in multiple locations on both the top and bottom, and hopefully the tank will come loose. Hope that helps.