Corrosion within the laminate

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CFIDave
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by CFIDave »

The most experienced shop for Diamond composite repairs on the east coast is SouthTec Aviation at KRUQ. They have their own paint shop as well.
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Rich
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by Rich »

I did the coin tap + visual test this morning in all 4 spots and they're all just fine. The plane's been based for 13 years in the Puget Sound area and 5 years here in the Central Oregon high desert.
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Steve
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by Steve »

One thing I have done since the airplane was new was to treat the exposed screws with LPS-3 a couple of times a year. I figure that this is drawn into the joint by capillary action, and may offer some protection. My airplane is away from moisture most of the time, in the hangar, with only occasional visits to the coastal areas.
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astaib
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by astaib »

I’m reading your comments and I start to be afraid!
I will have a look tomorrow and make the tap test in the 4 areas too!
Regarding the look of the screws, what is not a good sign? I’m almost sure that they are not pristine.

I applied some white tape to hide the greyish rubber, so the screws are hidden under the wrapping film.
Either they are in dry condition, either it’s humid...

Will let you know.

Arnaud.
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Tom-B
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by Tom-B »

Thanks for the suggestions on where to have this addressed and a possible mitigation strategy moving forward.
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perossichi
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by perossichi »

Could someone please explain exactly where these “4 areas” are? I assume on the top and bottom of each wing? Are these screws in board or outboard of the rubber “tape” that covers the joint between the wing and the root?

Thx.
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astaib
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by astaib »

perossichi wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 7:55 am Could someone please explain exactly where these “4 areas” are? I assume on the top and bottom of each wing? Are these screws in board or outboard of the rubber “tape” that covers the joint between the wing and the root?

Thx.
You should be able to see them partially under the rubber.
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by Steve »

Here are some photos I took a few Annual Inspections ago:
Lower wing surface
Lower wing surface
Lower wing surface
Lower wing surface
Upper wing surface
Upper wing surface
Upper wing surface
Upper wing surface
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astaib
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by astaib »

Question: my screw are rusted (not as clean as these ones on the picture) but the laminate arounf is very clear and clean.
Tap test doesn't reveal any strange noise.

Shall I change the screws?

Thank you for your advices.

Arnaud.
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Re: Corrosion within the laminate

Post by Steve »

Hi Arnaud:

Hard to know what is the best course. If the corrosion is bad, you might have significant difficulty removing the screws. What would you do if you break one off and then have to extract the remaining portion? What I would propose is that you gently try to back the screws out. If they come out easily, then replace. If you have any difficulty, I would leave them, and simply try to remove as much of the corrosion as possible with the screws in situ.

Steve
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