Worlds only USMC Mitchell PBJ-1J Restoration CAF's Semper Fi

[b17engineer]

Dan,

If you consult the FAR 43.13 manual, you will probably find a repair that will work for your cracked spar that will take a minimum of disassembly to accomplish. Other than that, it will probably be a spar replacement.

RICK

[Dan Newcomb]

Rick thanks for the info but apparently that authorized repair can’t be performed in the area inboard of the wing strut. That’s what I’m hearing but I will check with the crew chief when I go down Monday and get an update. I have been told finding an existing wing spar would be just about impossible. God knows how much it would cost to have a new one made.

Dan

[b17engineer]

Is the spar made out of wood? If so, making a new one would be much easier than out of metal. Also, check with High Sky Wing. They have an F24 and might have some parts left over.

RICK

[Dan Newcomb]

Yes it is wood. Thanks we will check with them.

D

[Randy Wilson]

Dan - I don't think we (The High Sky Wing CAF) have any spare wing parts, certainly no spars, but I will check with the maintenance guys. We did have to rebuild a good part of our left wing but I think that was mostly ribs. Unfortunately, the person who knew how to build all this new passed away some time ago. I'll check around and let you know if we have anything or one who can help.

I think there are folks out there that could help rebuild a spar and repair the wing - might be worth while checking in your area who does repairs for insurance companies on high-dollar wood and fabric types such as Staggerwings, etc. You might find someone willing to do it for an affordable price if they have all the right tools and experience.

Another help we have had on some wood work is the local college's aviation maintenance school - you might see if there is one of those near you that might take on a special project, with the right experience in the teachers, etc. Just some thoughts. All the best.

Randy
HSW Ops Officer

[Dan Newcomb]

Thank you so much Randy. Good info. I will pass this on to the Fairchild guys.

Dan

[pbeegle1]

Dan:
The Dixie Wing just finished building new spars for our L-16, give me a call and maybe we can help. PM sent.

[Dan Newcomb]

I have just received word from the Fairchild guys that the wing spar issue has been resolved and that they are prepping for fabric. The existing repair was deemed authorized. Good news for the crew.

Dan

[rwdfresno]

That is excellent news. We had an F-24 stationed at Eagle Field for year and it was a beautiful aircraft.

[b17engineer]

Dan,

Do you know of other parts the Fairchild guys are needing? I just remembered that one of my Foremen (at work) and his father are Fairchild fanatics. They currently fly a PT-19 and F45. They may have some parts for F24's as well.

RICK

[Dan Newcomb]

Rick,

I'll check with them and let you know.

Thanks,

Dan

[Dan Newcomb]

For the first time in over two years she stands on her own two feet! She will be on the ramp for the air show on the 18th and 19th at CMA.

[Alan Brooks]

VROOOM, VROOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Way to go guys....... Looking forward to seeing some ramp pics! Alan

[Dan Newcomb]

I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday. We work all day long. Some work the museum side. Some work the maintenance side. After the work is done and the test and training flights have returned and the tourists leave it’s Miller time….

[Alan Brooks]

Hey Dan-O, is that Minky on the Zero? Re-incarnated again? What a cool way to spend a late afternoon or evening, burgers on the grill, watching some big iron taxi out and adding a little "harmony" to the band! Alan