Piper Comanche & Twin Comanche UPN

[Stache]

No.: 2008-S20070083021
Date: March 27, 2008

http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/programs/sups/upn
AFFECTED PRODUCTS
Piper Comanche aircraft (all models) and Twin Comanche aircraft (all models) fuel selector valves, landing gear transmissions, flap transmissions, landing gear motors and armatures, flap motors and armatures, heater regulator valves, Delco generators, Weldon boost pumps, and Airborne fuel selector valve/filter assembly (part number 1H7-x).

PURPOSE
This notification advises all aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors regarding aircraft parts sold, repaired, or overhauled by Robert A. Weber and/or Johnathan F. Regier, d.b.a. Webco Aircraft Company.

BACKGROUND
Information received during an FAA suspected unapproved parts investigation revealed that Robert A. Weber, and/or Johnathan F. Regier d.b.a. Webco Aircraft Company, located at 1134 North Oliver Road, Hangar G, Newton, Kansas 67114, maintained and altered Piper Comanche aircraft (all models) and Twin Comanche aircraft (all models) landing gear transmissions, flap transmissions, landing gear motors or armatures, flap motors or armatures, heater regulator valves, Weldon boost pumps, and Airborne fuel selector valve/filter assembly (part number 1H7-x) contrary to the regulations. Webco Aircraft is a noncertificated repair facility. Robert A. Weber and Johnathan F. Regier both hold mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant ratings. The FAA has not been able to determine the number of affected parts or the exact time span the improper maintenance occurred.

Discrepancies include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Approving for return to service parts described as having been repaired and altered without using methods techniques and practices acceptable to the Administrator.
2. Plating and approving for return to service corroded and worn parts without using data approved by the Administrator.
3. Altering and/or modifying landing gear and flap motor armatures without using approved data.
4. Installing unapproved, “off the shelf” bearings and roller balls in landing gear and flap transmissions as well as Weldon boost pumps.
5. Using Cessna flap transmissions used parts with no traceability in the repair of Piper flap transmissions.
6. Using parts with no traceability in the repairs; and 7. Failing to use proper test equipment in making airworthiness determinations for return to service of the listed products.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Regulations require that type-certificated products conform to their type design. We encourage aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors to inspect their aircraft, aircraft records and/or aircraft parts inventory for the referenced parts which may have been sold, repaired or altered by Webco Aircraft Company, Robert A. Weber and/or Johnathan F. Regier. If you find any of these affected parts installed on any aircraft, you should take appropriate action. If you find any referenced parts in existing inventory, we recommend quarantine to prevent installation until each part’s eligibility for installation is determined. Attached is a partial list of parts approved for return to service by Robert A. Weber and/or Johnathan F. Regier d.b.a. Webco Aircraft Company.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information concerning this investigation can be obtained from the FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO) given below. In addition to the above recommendations, the FAA would appreciate any information concerning the discovery of the referenced parts from any source, the means used to identify the source, and the actions taken to remove the parts from aircraft and/or parts inventories.

This notice originated from the FAA Wichita, Kansas FSDO, 1801 Airport Road, Suite 300, Wichita, Kansas 67209, telephone (316) 941-1240, fax (316) 941-1276.

Partial List of Parts

Description Part Number Serial Number
Landing Gear Actuator and Transmission 25720-00 Multiple / Unknown
Landing Gear Actuator and Transmission 25720-02 Multiple / Unknown
Landing Gear Actuator and Transmission 25720-03 Multiple / Unknown
Flap Actuator and Transmission 23013-00 Multiple / Unknown
Flap Actuator and Transmission 25720-04 Multiple / Unknown
Landing Gear Motor 21286-00 Multiple / Unknown
Flap Motor 475 192 Multiple / Unknown
Fuel Selector Valve 492 136 (1H7-7) Multiple / Unknown
Fuel Selector Valve 492 137 (1H7-8) Multiple / Unknown
Airborne Fuel Selector Valve 1H7-? Multiple / Unknown
Heater Regulator Valve 492-228 Multiple / Unknown
Weldon Boost Pumps Unknown Multiple / Unknown

 

[flyersfan31]

Wow. Shows how risky it is to try and save a buck with Brand X parts.

 

[PROPMAN13]

Is the 1H7-7 Fuel Valve a problem for anyone? How often have you replaced them and how much can I expect to pay?

 

[Trapper John]

This seems strange to me. My understanding of Webco is that they have been Comanche specialists for many years and have been well respected in that role.

I can't help but wonder if there isn't something deeper to this, like a pi**ing match or an overzealous FAA inspector, etc.


Trapper John

 

[RotorAndWing]

This seems strange to me. My understanding of Webco is that they have been Comanche specialists for many years and have been well respected in that role.

I can't help but wonder if there isn't something deeper to this, like a pi**ing match or an overzealous FAA inspector, etc.


Trapper John

More than likely a disgruntled aircraft owner with a "I'll show you!" attitude going to the Feds.

 

[Stache]

This seems strange to me. My understanding of Webco is that they have been Comanche specialists for many years and have been well respected in that role.

I can't help but wonder if there isn't something deeper to this, like a pi**ing match or an overzealous FAA inspector, etc.


I can assure you this is not a case of an overzealous FAA Inspector. Its for real that raised the problem to the surface. The UPN is a issued before an AD is issued to notify the public.

 

[wabower]

FWIW, a Comanche owner on another forum said this is old news, happened last spring and long-since resolved. Reportedly it was just a paperwork snafu between Webco and the FAA. Time will tell.

This seems strange to me. My understanding of Webco is that they have been Comanche specialists for many years and have been well respected in that role.

I can't help but wonder if there isn't something deeper to this, like a pi**ing match or an overzealous FAA inspector, etc.


I can assure you this is not a case of an overzealous FAA Inspector. Its for real that raised the problem to the surface. The UPN is a issued before an AD is issued to notify the public.

 

[PROPMAN13]

Piper PA30 Twin Comanche​

Replace Your Old Cadmium Plated Valves with a Factory New Stainless Steel Design​

1H7-7 & 1H7-8​

FUEL SELECTOR VALVE​

FAA 8130-3 Tag Supplied​

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE​

Contact:​

George J. Canale
Turbine Aircraft Support Group, Inc.
Authorized Commercial Representative
Parker Aerospace Customer Support
direct (813) 633-2223
cell (813) 951-7878
fax (813) 633-2320
gcanale@tasgi.com​

 

[flyingcheesehead]

FWIW, a Comanche owner on another forum said this is old news, happened last spring and long-since resolved. Reportedly it was just a paperwork snafu between Webco and the FAA. Time will tell.

No, not resolved - Last I heard, Bob Weber had to sell his airplane to pay for the legal fight against the FAA, and most Comanche owners are solidly behind him and respect the quality of his work.

 

[weilke]

ICS continues to solicit contributions to his legal defense fund. So I don't think its quite over yet.