Concorde Battery - STC?
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
Concorde Battery - STC?
I was looking at the 170 TCDS thinking about batteries. Item 302 under electrical equipment calls out "Battery - 12 volt 24 amp. hr." Seems to me that would include the Concorde batteries. To my simple mind that would mean you don't need the STC. Did I get that one right?
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John Cross - LaPorte, TX (T41)
1952 170B N2363D
1949 Globe Swift N2398B
John Cross - LaPorte, TX (T41)
1952 170B N2363D
1949 Globe Swift N2398B
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
The RG25 and certain other models are FAA-PMA replacements for the original battery. Unfortunately there is great difference of opinion amongst various FAA Inspectors/FSDO's as to whether that is sufficient to allow the direct replacement without the STC paperwork.
The solution is very simple: CYA
The STC is available "free" for the asking. Click on the following link, fill in the information. BE CERTAIN TO PROVIDE YOUR AIRCRAFT MODEL (170, 170A, OR 170B) AND SERIAL NUMBER !
They will kindly email to you the STC specifically assigned to your serial number. Include reference to that paperwork in your aircraft records when you install the battery.
Ta-Daaaa!
Here's the link for the request:
http://www.concordebattery.com/contact.php
Here's a link for specific information about their products versus your aircraft models:
http://www.concordebattery.com/otherpdf/finalfaapma.pdf
The solution is very simple: CYA
The STC is available "free" for the asking. Click on the following link, fill in the information. BE CERTAIN TO PROVIDE YOUR AIRCRAFT MODEL (170, 170A, OR 170B) AND SERIAL NUMBER !
They will kindly email to you the STC specifically assigned to your serial number. Include reference to that paperwork in your aircraft records when you install the battery.
Ta-Daaaa!
Here's the link for the request:
http://www.concordebattery.com/contact.php
Here's a link for specific information about their products versus your aircraft models:
http://www.concordebattery.com/otherpdf/finalfaapma.pdf
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
CYA? With the Feds? Who woulda thunk.......
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John Cross - LaPorte, TX (T41)
1952 170B N2363D
1949 Globe Swift N2398B
John Cross - LaPorte, TX (T41)
1952 170B N2363D
1949 Globe Swift N2398B
- Bruce Fenstermacher
- Posts: 10321
- Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 11:24 am
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
FYI The Condorde sealed batteries receiving FAA-PMA is a recent development in the last few years. They were not always PMA'd. And that is why there was an STC for prior to them receiving the PMA. Confuses a lot of folks and many of them work for a government agency I guess.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
According to Concorde ("Shelly") their PMA approval was predicated upon their STC, therefore some inspectors require the STC.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
I've been through this same ordeal on the Concorde battery, and other similar alterations. The FSDO opinions vary according to past opinions within their own office and they don't want to contradict themselves.
The Concorde battery installation does not meet the definition of a major alteration, and therefore should have never been granted an STC, as is the case with many other minor alterations.
But, George is right. CYA. You never know what a future IA's opinion will be during annual, nor what an FAA ramp check opinion may be. An STC, especially if free, and a 337 form are cheap insurance to protect yourself from others ignorance, and subsequent inconvenience of having to come up with the documentation at a later date.
The Concorde battery installation does not meet the definition of a major alteration, and therefore should have never been granted an STC, as is the case with many other minor alterations.
But, George is right. CYA. You never know what a future IA's opinion will be during annual, nor what an FAA ramp check opinion may be. An STC, especially if free, and a 337 form are cheap insurance to protect yourself from others ignorance, and subsequent inconvenience of having to come up with the documentation at a later date.
Del Lehmann
Mena, Arkansas
Mena, Arkansas
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
This is just one of many examples of over zealous FSDOs that have created the paperwork mess and hassle of maintaining a certified aircraft. I guess this is why more and more people are going the homebuilt route.wingnut wrote: The Concorde battery installation does not meet the definition of a major alteration, and therefore should have never been granted an STC, as is the case with many other minor alterations.
Karl
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
The battery may not meet the def: of a major alteration, but it also does not meet the def: of an approved part.... until the PMA was issued (which was based upon the STC.) Issuance of a PMA based upon an STC seems improper, in my opinion. Therefore if a PMA is improper, then an STC or field approval is the only recourse for the owner.
CYA
CYA
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
- Brad Brady
- Posts: 745
- Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:54 am
Re: Concorde Battery - STC?
Or in my view don't buy a Concord......I have never had one last as long as a Gill....Bradgahorn wrote:CYA