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Permalink Reply by Jim and Amelia Isaacs on July 8, 2023 at 7:24pm

Hey Corbin.  The good news is this isn't as bad as it may look to you.  I recommend you send these pictures to Roger Dubbert at Zenith (roger@zenithair.com) late tomorrow afternoon then call Zenith first thing Monday when they open and ask to speak to Roger about this. Have you signed the Zenith transfer of ownership form for your kit? If not let them know you need to do that as well.  My personal opinion, FWIW, is you could splice repair those two bent aft longerons following AC 43-13.1b para 4 guidance, but me, I would just replace them. Your kit is at the build stage that it won’t be difficult to do, and you won’t have to worry about looking at a repair job for the rest of the time you own the plane.  Plus you’ll get good at drilling out rivets and using a strap duplicator to install the replacements.  You’ll need those skills anyway. The thin bent sheet skin metal, if those aren’t sharp creases you may be able to carefully straighten and reuse that metal.  You’ll have to inspect it for any cracks after you’ve straightened it. If none, and you’re satisfied with the cosmetics, keep it and move on. Anyway talk to Roger and go by his recommendation. Good luck, and Fly Army!

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Permalink Reply by Corbin Black on July 9, 2023 at 9:02pm

I really appreciate the feedback, I have read through AC-43 and have sent Roger an email. I will give them a call tomorrow. I do still need to do the transfer of ownership form so thanks for the reminder!

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