Decathlon 150 c/s

M

mpm2433

New member
Hello to all,

I'm looking at a 150 hp c/s decathlon in the Houston/Katy area. How concerned should I be about the wing spar and the 25 hour inspections. I have the oil changed in my Baron every 25 hours. I'm sure I can have the mechanic do the inspection/oil change at the same time. I would think that the inspection would be fairly in incidental (or not).

What I'm looking for is comments on the spar inspection and how others handle it. Buying a newer metal spar is not an option.

Thanks in advance for you comments.
 
Does this particular decathalon fall in the serial number range listed in the rib flange AD? (74-23-04). If not, All you have is the wood spar AD, wich is each annual or 500hrs and they are either good or bad. if the wood is not rotted or cracked anywhere, u should be ok. The rib flange AD is much easier to inspect, and should by no problem unless there are cracked ribs or loose rivets of course. The last wood spar inspection I did on a 7ECA took about an hour per wing, maybe less.
 
It is affected by 74-23-04, the notes reference "Bellanca Kit No. 243" if the plane was redone/recovered by "screaming eagle" in 94, would they have likely installed this kit?

I will check the log. I hate to buy anything that has a 25 hour recurring ad.
 
I think kit 243 refers to a steel add on which joins stut to spar as a strengthener; not sure when it came out, but pre 94 I think; it is not expensive. The condition check of spar and ribs is independent of this kit.
I have a 77 wood spar 8KCAB, which has the spar/strut kit fitted. We check everything at 100 hours/annual, not at 25.

JK
 
Thanks,

The rib flange AD covers 71-74 models. Given this I am looking at planes build after 1974. I can deal with annual or 100 hour ad's, but not 25 hour inspections.

This unless, the owner is will to discount the 74.

mpm
 
You are right in looking for something after 74. I have a 73 and the 25 AD does apply. The inspection is not difficult but a bit of a pain. The kit you mention, 243, I also believe is a doubler for the rib flanges. I have spoken to ACA about this kit with the intention of installing at recover of the wings and have not been given a lot of engouraging feed back. I am beginning to believe the kit is not longer available and the only fix is to buy there new wings or a set of new ribs. In the mean time I will continue to inspect.
 
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