sdennison wrote:
Holedigger wrote:
I recall reading that the Rousch were being built BETTER than new. Using new technology and materials, so actually upgrading parts....carefully, so as not to draw the ire of the FAA
So does Jack PMA everything he makes for the engines? Where's the fine line?
Careful making statements like this as this might draw undeserved attention from the FAA.
After installing 2 Roush overhauled Merlins and visiting his facility and hangar you will see that your comment isn't right and ought to be edited out.
He operates the only FAA Repair Station for the repair and overhaul of the Merlin in the World. Being a repair station he has developed procedures by using the original overhaul and repair manual and his own methods which have to be approved by the FAA. His shop and customer engine holding area are secured as required by the FAA regs.
He has a DAR on staff in addition to all the technical people in other parts of his organization. The equipment used in state of the art and the people using them are well trained.
Every modern designed part is PMAed. There isn't a fine line. It is either an original or a new part. If it is new he gets a PMA for it. He also has many advanced repair methods that are approved. I've seen where he has welded up crank cases where a chunk was knocked out by a rod. The heads in our last rebuild had around 40 weld repairs made. His pistons and rings are used by other engine builders. He won't install parts that require a 337 as a 1 time field approval.
When you receive an engine you get a notebook an inch thick with reports and docs on every piece in the engine. You know who did what and the dimensions of critical parts. There isn't any hiding of anything and nothing I can find should promote the Ire of anyone, FAA or other.
Any problems have been taken care of at the time and expense of Roush. His guys have traveled at a moments notice to take care of other engines other than Roush as well.
He uses his own aircraft as a test bed in developing parts and repair methods.
Supervisor of the shop, Big Jim has taken time to answer and research many of my questions, even if it related to someone else's engine.
Just realize on the Internet big brother is watching and comments made could unjustly cause misery.
Rich