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SERVICE BULLETIN No. 0 0 0 3

Piper PA-18 Super Cub · Service Bulletins

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Overview

This Service Bulletin No. 0003 addresses safety concerns for all Piper PA-18 Super Cub aircraft equipped with 24-gallon fuel tanks installed under STC #SA02171AK by Cub Crafters, Inc. The bulletin is particularly relevant for tanks manufactured prior to June 2003, as these have been reported to develop leaks and cracks, posing a risk of in-flight fires. Compliance with the bulletin is mandatory and should be carried out immediately to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The document provides instructions for inspection and potential removal of the affected fuel tanks, as well as contact information for assistance with the process.

  • Affected aircraft: All PA-18 series with STC #SA02171AK installed by Cub Crafters, Inc.
  • Immediate compliance is mandatory to prevent leaks and in-flight fires.
  • Inspect for fuel leaks before each flight, especially near fuel tank drains.
  • Tanks manufactured prior to June 2003 must be removed and returned for re-welding.
  • No charge for re-welding by Dakota Cub; Cub Crafters will assist with tank removal and reinstallation at no charge.

Document

Source

Originally published by cubcrafters.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type
Service Bulletins
Year
2004
Pages
1
File size
45 KB
Publisher
cubcrafters.com
How rare is it?
8Piper PA-18 Super Cub registered worldwide · 1 active

Common. Rarer than 8% of the aircraft models we track.

Documentation completeness
6/7

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In this document

Purpose

The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to prevent fuel tanks from developing leaks and to mitigate the risk of in-flight fires. Immediate compliance is required.

Instructions

Pilots and maintenance personnel are instructed to inspect the bottom of the wing near the fuel tank drains for signs of fuel leaks before each flight. If the tanks were manufactured prior to June 2003, they must be removed and returned to Dakota Cub for re-welding.

Compliance Time

Compliance with this Service Bulletin is required immediately, prior to the next flight.

Discussion

Numerous reports of fuel leaks and cracking in the welded seams of the tanks have been documented. These issues can lead to significant fuel loss and potential fire hazards.

Cost

There is no charge for the re-welding of the tanks by Dakota Cub. Cub Crafters will also remove and reinstall the tanks at no charge if the work is performed at their facility.

Safety notes

  • Inspect fuel tanks regularly for leaks to prevent in-flight fires.
  • Compliance with this bulletin is mandatory for safety.

Full document text

SERVICE BULLETIN No. 0 0 0 3 Subject: PA 18 aircraft with 24-gallon fuel tanks installed IAW STC #SA02171AK Models Affected: All PA18 series aircraft with STC #SA02171AK installed by Cub Crafters, Inc. Only those aircraft with fuel tanks manufactured prior to June 2003 are affected. These 24- gallon tanks were manufactured by Dakota Cub, and installed both in Top Cubs manufactured by Cub Crafters Inc, and Piper Super Cubs rebuilt or modified by Cub Crafters, Inc. Compliance Time : Immediately Purpose: 1. To prevent tanks from developing leaks. 2. To prevent in- flight fires. Instructions: Prior to the next flight and before each flight: Look for signs of fuel leaks by inspecting the bottom of the wing near the fuel tank drains. If tanks are determined to be manufactured prior to June of 2003, remove the tanks and return them to Dakota Cub for re-welding. At next scheduled maintenance: Determine whether your tanks were manufactured prior to June of 2003. Call Cub Crafters or Dakota Cub for help in making the determination prior to removing tanks. If necessary remove fuel tanks and return them to Dakota Cub or to Cub Crafters for exchange or re-welding. Effective Date: This Service Bulletin is effective September 20, 2004 Summary: Please contact Cub Crafters, Inc. or Dakota Cub at (605) 757-6628 for assistance in determining the manufacture date and shipping arrangements for these tanks. Discussion: Numerous instances of fuel leaks and tanks cracking have been reported primarily in the welded seams in these tanks. The tanks can crack and lose a significant amount of fuel in a short amount of time. Dakota Cub will re-weld the tanks using a new weld spec. that strengthens the welded seams. Cost: There is no charge for the re-welding of these tanks by Dakota Cub. Cub Crafters will remove and re- install the tanks at no charge if the work is done in our facility. Please call ahead for scheduling considerations. NOTE: If you are no longer in possession of this aircraft, please forward this information to the present owner/operator and notify Cub Crafters, Inc. of the address and ownership corrections. Changes may be directed to Cub Crafters, Inc. PO Box 9823, Yakima, WA 98909 and should include the aircraft registration number, aircraft serial number, current name and address of owner/operator. Cub Crafters, Inc. Considers Compliance Mandatory September 20, 2004