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T-34 MENTOR SPAR AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AD 2001-13-18 calls out the continuous eddy current inspection of all T-34 aircraft wing spars at 80 hour intervals with additional flight restrictions. This is a very invasive inspection each time and can eventually destroy the spars. We are installing two Alternative Methods Of Compliance (AMOC) to this wing spar AD on both the T-34A and T-34B model aircraft. These AMOC’s eliminate the continued eddy current inspections and will return the T-34 to its original unrestricted flight envelope.The two options include the installation of new Raytheon common spars in your T-34 Mentor, or installation of the reinforcement “Doubler” plate on your existing spars. Both of these AMOC’s are STC’d FAA approved procedures. New Raytheon Common Spars AMOC 
The installation of new spars in the wings of the T-34 will provide an additional 25,000 hours life to the wings as well as a substantial increase in strength to the aircraft. As can be seen the new spar is a solid web out to the wing tip and the wing attach fittings are much larger. This is the same spar installed in new Raytheon, Bonanza and Baron aircraft. Cost for the new spars is currently $10,000 each plus installation as of May 2003. This installation also provides the ability to inspect areas inside the wing structure and repair any corrosion or hidden damage. It also is a convenient time to install new wiring and paint wheel wells. Raytheon is currently manufacturing spars for new production piston powered aircraft and in support of the T-34 AMOC. Total time for Blackwell Aviation to complete this AMOC is running between 6 and 8 weeks from the time the plane is dropped off to the point of pick-up. T-34 Spar Corp. Doubler Plate AMOC 
We are also performing the installation of the spar reinforcement plate or “Doubler Plate” as it is commonly referred to. This AMOC involves the eddy current inspection of the spar followed by the installation of a high strength machined aluminum plate on to the spar web in the inner wheel well area. The plate can be seen installed on the spar, in the photo to the left. This area has been identified as requiring additional strengthening for continued safe operation of the aircraft. Installation of the doubler plate will provide an additional 7,500 hours of service for the original spars. Costs are between $13k and $14k as of May 2003. Total time for installation is approximately 2 weeks.
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T-34 Mentor 
