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"Peter" news:kkl19tsko97irkg1grn9nd9ekek4bvluod@4ax.com... > > This is interesting. For example, I have questioned the reason why the > PA38 has such a useless elevator trim - it is a crude spring pushing > against the elevator control, and is little better than useless. I was > told that no mods can be done to an a/c - all you can do is replace > something with the same design. > Dont know what country youre writing from, but most countries have rules that distinguish between "minor" and "major" modifications. Check with your local licensed mechanic or government office to get the details in your area. In general, minor mods are mods that do not affect primary flight controls, structures, crew access/ingress, or essential systems. These can usually be done by a licensed mechanic or shop, as long as the work is performed within certain guidelines. See my old buddy AC43-13, for instance. Avionics are not my specialty, but I suspect the extra jack for a hand held mentioned by an earlier post would be a minor mod, if done properly. Major mods are subject to the same approval process as the original aircraft went through. This means (in general) submitting test and analysis results to a government office or an airworthiness engineer delegated by your government, followed perhaps by testing. This might mean getting an experimental flight permit for the modified aircraft. You have to love paperwork. An elevator trim system is very much a major mod. Dont mess with this, unless you have some knowledge in the area, or a death wish. Now, it helps to be an experienced manufacturer or modification business when you apply for a major modification approval, but in theory anybody can do it (God, the government guys are going to hate me when they read that). Check the home pages of your local FAA, TC, CAA or whatever. Be prepared to fill out everything in triplicate :). BW |
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