rear spar repair

[MooneyMitch]

I had the top spar cap replaced on my F model many years ago.  Some furry little creatures had set up home [and bathroom!] in the lower left corner of the cabin.  All this was not discovered during my pre-buy [shame on the pre-buy mechanic and shame on me!]. 

Regardless, the mechanic who discovered the issue was very clever.  Intead of removing the wing, he removed the right side fuselage skin below the rear windows and pulled the spar cap out that way.  Installation was just the reverse.  All was well with the repair as I flew the plane another 20 years.  It can be done! 

[jetmech1972]

Case in point in aircraft repair: Do you all remember the UAL 747 cargo door that depressurized and ripped the side of the aircraft off in 1988 in hawaii.  That aircraft was repaired, ferried to sfo at a none pressurized altitude, then fully repaired and had a long service life after that.  By the way it was not classified as a major repair.  Cracks are found in all major support structures i.e ribs, stingers, and yes spars.  A repair is drawn up by the engineers based on the location and types of stresses.  A mechanic performs the repair per the engineering document, inspected by QA or an IA, and then is released for service.  I agree with the other folks,  if the repair is done per the engineering document and drawings, verified on aircraft, and properly documented in the logbooks, this should be a non-issue. 

[N9937c]

Allsmiles

Are you aware that the mooney spars are spliced from the factory?

In the parting of a 231 the wings were removed as to veiw the fuel tank bays. There were more than several misdriven

rivets along the top and bottom spar caps.

I bring this up as my theory is as follows

In an aircraft factory you have some workers that work for quiting time and you have some that take pride in their work.

Some of the workers in plants are only there until other work can be had. There will not be one of them that will sign your new aircraft logbook as they had installed the main spar in your new plane.

Take the case of the rear spar replacement. If the work was done properly An AI will return the aircraft to service. He will normally have many years of repair experiance behind him and is responsible for the airworthiness of the repair. This could be the same guy that signs your engine O/H and your annuals.

If you have an IA that is trusted and the repair completed properly the aircraft will be stonger than from the factory.

My thoughts

larry