Goodyear Innertube Guidance

[MARZ]

This just in from the FAA - looks specific to one size but might merit investigation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBJ:

 

 

Landing Gear, Tire Tube. Goodyear Aviation Tires, Flight Mate Butyl SAIB:

CE-11-47R1

Inner Tube, 7.00-8.00-6.

 

 

Date:

January 30, 2012

This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts operators, pilots, and aircraft manufacturers of

possible inner tube failures made from butyl rubber by

 

 

Goodyear Aviation Tires, (Goodyear)

.

At this time, the failure of the inner tubes is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness

directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

The SAIB has been revised to incorporate updated information from Goodyear and highlight inner

tube failures are not limited to only cold weather operations.

Background

There have been several reports of Goodyear inner tubes failures during cold weather operations. The

failures were reported following short flights or following ground operations. Goodyear is aware of these

failures and has made several attempts to improve the cold weather performance of its inner tubes. In

November 2008, Goodyear incorporated a change to its compound for their butyl rubber inner tubes.

Since then, the reliability of the inner tubes had increased, but cold weather failures were still reported.

Therefore, Goodyear has started to test another improvement to their butyl rubber inner tubes made from

an updated compound. Following successful field testing, Goodyear will make the improved inner tubes

available.

Goodyear inner tube failures are not limited to only cold weather operations, additional failures have been

reported. Goodyear is aware of the issues from the field and began an improvement program to

investigate and improve the inner tubes. A flex crack was occasionally observed on the natural fold from

the extrusion process during manufacturing. The compound was modified to reduce the impact of

extrusion, optimize splicing pressure and improve flex which should improve crack resistance.

Additionally cold temperature properties of the tube were improved to further enhance performance for

cold temperature operations. Inner tubes were produced with the improved compound and field tested

with positive results. As of August 15, 2011 the production has been changed over to the modified

compound for 5.00-5 inner tubes.

Recommendations

The FAA recommends you provide special attention during pre-flight to airplane tires with Goodyear

butyl rubber inner tubes by:

Checking to ensure that all tires are properly inflated and are holding pressure;

Being prepared to compensate for a flat tire during landing as this might pull the airplane to the

affected side; and

Providing extra awareness during cross wind landing conditions on narrow and on short runways.

[MooneyMitch]

Interesting information and thank you for putting this up.  I've been running these tubes for 3 years now with no issues or air leakage.  I like it!

[Rustler]

We just had an incidence of Goodyear innertube failure here last weekend. A fellow in a Saratoga taxied out for takeoff and noticed he had a flat main tire after runup. He had to replace it with a borrowed one of appropriate size before departure. Examination of the tube showed no puncture.

I've used the Michelin "no-leak" tubes very successfully for a number of years.

 

[pjsny78]

Is there someone that can please help me. I am getting very frustrated with this AC. As soon as I received it I sent a  Goodyear mgr. an e-mail about this, along  with  a copy of receipt to show what I have. They told me to contact the FAA without even telling me anything more. The bulletin clearly states to contact Goodyear.

 Goodyear’s customer service sucks!

 I am not an A&P can someone please tell me if this applies to what I have and if so what I have to do since Goodyear is not taking any responsibility.

I have:

 06-05300-1 G/Y FLT MT BT TUBE G15/6.00-6

This was taken off my receipt from aircraft spruce.

purchase date: 11/28/11

I would appreciate any help.

[MooneyMitch]

Hi Patrick.

Take a look at CE-11-47R1.  Reading the SAIB may give you some relief at this point.  Goodyear is certainly aware and appears to be attempting to make an effort of investigation and some positive action.

As I stated previously, I have not had an issue with the tubes.  Possibly, others, besides the one report above, can chime in if they have had a problem with the tubes.

 

 

[pjsny78]

Quote: Mitch

Hi Patrick.

Take a look at CE-11-47R1.  Reading the SAIB may give you some relief at this point.  Goodyear is certainly aware and appears to be attempting to make an effort of investigation and some positive action.

As I stated previously, I have not had an issue with the tubes.  Possibly, others, besides the one report above, can chime in if they have had a problem with the tubes.