T3 Tailwheel Suspension

[G-MDAY]

Hi all,

Just a quick question about the T3.. I’ve just purchased one from Alaska Gear with the STC as it’s the certified one and sold specifically by them as such. Quite expensive when you take into account all the additional costs for me here in the UK at £1300 or dollars $1646 I asked Gabe at Alaska Gear to give me a quote weeks ago …. Nothing came so I purchased through their website. I’ve just received his quote and they are charging me an additional $100 for an 8130 for a new piece of equipment sold specifically for a certified aircraft (170B) that surly cannot be right I’d of thought that the 8130 should accompany any new certified piece of equipment sold.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

It seems to be common practice to charge extra for an 8130 here in the US as having one is not required here for most operations including part 91 and an extra burden of paperwork on the manufacturer.

[GAHorn]

The Official term for it is “Scalping”.

(note: the previous comment in this post about “cost of 8130” was not mine and I did not post it…. I suspect an inadvertent software-quote-error placed it here, so I removed it. IN my opinion it is gouging for a mfr’r/STC-holder to charge addt’l for documentation of their original-owner’s-purchased-product. An administration charge for a subsequent owner who requires documentation is understandable, however. An example of such might be if an airframe changes registration number or if a damaged/salvage airframe is used to source an stc’d product and transferred to a different airframe.)

[G-MDAY]

We have an equivalent here in the UK it’s a Form 1 they come with all certified new parts ….. no additional charge new certified parts are expected to be shipped with one. Hence my question I still think perhaps being scalped is apt
If requested that Alaska Gear send me one via email …. I can print it this end and put it in my records …. We’ll see how that all transpires, I have the STC at least I’ll not have to do a MODIFICATION application … think that’s like your 337.

[cessnut]

You should read the U.S.-U.K. IPA before assuming that you can install that without STC validation.
Last I knew, Airframes Alaska was the distributor, not the manufacturer of the T3 tailwheel system. Did that change? If not that would explain the extra fee.

[G-MDAY]

You should read the U.S.-U.K. IPA before assuming that you can install that without STC validation

Please tell me more about this

[c170b53]

We use the form one as well (ICAO). It’s the same thing as a 8130 all of which, are really just elaborate part tags. It can be used for new, used or repaired parts. Sounds like G-M has the STC issued for his part which allows him to install the part (unless I’ve read this wrong) so he should be good to go. If he has proof of purchase of the part from the manufacturer (likely it would have s/n of the part on it) it should suffice for his records.
I don’t collect 8130’s unless they are free. As a non commercial airplane no one really cares and if they do I can prove with purchase paperwork, the origin of my parts which is really the purpose of a form one. Commercial airplanes are another story.
Recently a question as to whether a engine conversion STC issued in the US could be installed on a Canadian plane. In my opinion as per the bilateral agreement we have with the US it should be a slam dunk. Problem that the installer had was the fuel pump in the STC was not approved by itself in Canada. In my opinion if the parts list in the STC, listed the said pump it by way of the STC was approved in that installation only. I could not convince the installer, so don’t know where this ended up. Which in the end sums this up, its up to the installer as to what he needs to have to feel comfortable with the work.

[G-MDAY]

Aghhh I see thank you for clarification so I need not worry too much ….. I have received a reply from Alaska Gear stipulating that they will only provide 8130 prior to the equipment leaving the factory …. Ie last week when that posted it to me ….. so I can’t get one anyway now ….. wish I had known that before I purchased it I do now and perhaps that may help others in a similar position thanks all for your help

[cessnut]

The Canada-US bilateral used to be a slam dunk. Transport Canada has required validation of US STCs in the last couple years.
Form One/8130 can be helpful for customs. Last I checked the UK would accept FAA 8130s through December 2024. That may have been extended.
I suggested that you read the bilateral because the UKCAA may not have validated the STC for the T3. See what your STC paperwork says when it arrives. Did they issue a permission letter for a "G" registered aircraft?

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I have received a reply from Alaska Gear stipulating that they will only provide 8130 prior to the equipment leaving the factory

This is because once the article leaves the hands of the manufacturer, by regulation, a 8130-3 can not be issued for it. Alaska Gear is not making this decision, it has been made for them.

[c170b53]

I have run into this as well and the only thing you can do is ship the item back to the manufacturer and then get the docs and your part shipped out again.

[G-MDAY]

As it’s Non part 21 I think all will be well with the invoice and STC ……. Fingers crossed