T-34 question
Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:02 pm
I am working on a T-34 and it is a B model that had magnesium elevators and rudder. Does anyone know where I can find new ones? Also, Do we have to use magnesium in the restoration? What are the rules in using aluminum in it's place. Would that be airworthy? Thanks in advance.
Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:31 pm
if it is type certificated, you have to use what came off, or if Beech has approved aluminum replacments.
Since it is a Beechcraft, start at your local dealer. Or contact Charley Nogal, the T-34 guru
Since it is a Beechcraft, start at your local dealer. Or contact Charley Nogal, the T-34 guru
Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:46 pm
There is an STC for AL skins for all of the other Bonanza's so I am sure that there is one for the T-34 as well. You might want to check with the American Bonanza Society.
Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:40 pm
Parks Industries, Amarillo,TX, (806) 622-0602, has the STC for remanufacturing with aluminum skins. Earl Parks has passed on but the company is still doing the surfaces. Bring a checkbook ! 
Tue Jun 30, 2009 11:58 pm
Yes, Parks Industries has done many Aluminum tail surfaces. Give them a call.
Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:25 am
As others have noted, yes. Alloy surfaces are certainly airworthy etc etc.
Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:45 am
The only surfaces that HAVE to be magnesium are the old Bonanza 35 series V-tail Ruddervators. Obviously that is not a concern for you with the T-34.
The FAA turned down several PMA/STC projects to reskin the Ruddervators with Aluminum due to the lighter weight of the Magnesium skins, there have been too many Tail flutter problems with V tails for them to feel comfortable with reskinning with something new (and heavier).
If anything has changed on that please post and let us know.
Good luck with that ugly Bonanza wannabe, chris. Tell the owner to buy a CJ-6.
The FAA turned down several PMA/STC projects to reskin the Ruddervators with Aluminum due to the lighter weight of the Magnesium skins, there have been too many Tail flutter problems with V tails for them to feel comfortable with reskinning with something new (and heavier).
If anything has changed on that please post and let us know.
Good luck with that ugly Bonanza wannabe, chris. Tell the owner to buy a CJ-6.
Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:37 pm
Good luck with the T-34B resto, Chris! Post photos when you can. 
My first warbird ride was in the back seat of T-34B N99257 with the late Col. Gordon Hargis (USAF, Ret.) at the controls. Some of you probably knew him; he was one of the pilots of AHM's Super Connie and P-51D Straw Boss 2. The Mentor was assigned to the NAS Dallas flying club at that time and was later sold. Last time I saw her, she was sitting covered with dust and engine-less in a hangar at Northwest Regional, but that was MANY years ago.
Cheers,
My first warbird ride was in the back seat of T-34B N99257 with the late Col. Gordon Hargis (USAF, Ret.) at the controls. Some of you probably knew him; he was one of the pilots of AHM's Super Connie and P-51D Straw Boss 2. The Mentor was assigned to the NAS Dallas flying club at that time and was later sold. Last time I saw her, she was sitting covered with dust and engine-less in a hangar at Northwest Regional, but that was MANY years ago.
Cheers,
Wed Jul 01, 2009 7:09 pm
I will get some pics. It is a project but moving along really well. She is going to be a flyer. The wings are finished, and fuselage going through resto now.
Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:20 am
Has it had the spars done? That has been the biggest source of discussion amongst the Mentor crowd lately.