IS-28B2 Twin Lark - Service Life Extension Program

[Pat McCartan]

Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

[Kent Leyde]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 7:44:11 AM UTC-7, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 7:44:11 AM UTC-7, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Last year

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 7:44:11 AM UTC-7, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

After seeing Steve Rander's name in a Soaring (Feb 2010) article about the Lark safe life issue, I traded some correspondence with him on the topic. (Steve, are you out there?)

During our correspondence, Steve decided to get in touch with the factory again. At that time (June 2011) he received a very hopeful sounding reply, something to the effect that the factory was only waiting on some local "airframe health reports" that would serve as a basis for life extension before submitting to EASA ...it all sounded very imminent. Steve was intending to share this with SSA for publishing; I don't recall if the info was published or not.

I touched base with Steve again last month; he indicated that the factory had become silent...sounds similar to your experience.

[Pat McCartan]

Steve and I are in the same club - Willamette Valley Soaring Club - and are working this project together. True - we received an email from I.C.A. BRASOV's "Head of Commercial Dept." on June 14, 2011 that indicated the factory had collected engineering data for the single seat Lark and was preparing to submit it to EASA for SLEP approval. She further indicated that after gaining SLEP approval for the single seat Lark they would be submitting SLEP engineering data to EASA for the twin Lark. Since that time the factory has neither returned emails nor answered the phone number listed on its web site. And I have gotten up in the middle of several nights to call them!!

So the question is - has anyone had more success with this issue than Steve and I have? Does anyone have I.C.A.-BRASOV contact information that "works"? Any insight would be helpful.

Also, is there anyone on this forum who is a Romanian resident who might be able to provide contact information for I.C.A.-BRASOV?

And, of course, is it possible I.C.A.-BRASOV has gone out of business?

[Kent Leyde]

Well, that explains the similar experiences...doh! Say "hi" to Steve for me, he has been very helpful and informative.

I believe Rollin Hasness in Spokane is also actively working on this issue.

[stephanevdv]

On Apr 20, 6:28 pm, Pat McCartan <lak12...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> And, of course, is it possible I.C.A.-BRASOV has gone out of business?

They are still in business, but...

But they have taken quite some losses in the past few years (more than
2 million Lei last year alone, for a turnover of just above 400 000
Lei...), and the business needs urgent restructuring. The company's
bank accounts have been blocked since the end of 2010 due to a court
decision concerning unpaid wages in 2009, and their activity in 2012
has been mostly selling of existing spare parts. They are in fact
insolvent at the moment. On their website, they just published a
report (http://www.icabv.ro/images/file/Rap%20Curent%202_2012.pdf),
dated April 4th, 2012, about the next general assembly of shareholders
that should implement drastic restructuration measures.

The future looks grim.

[Matt Michael]

On Apr 19, 9:44 am, Pat McCartan <lak12...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life.  About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA.  We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails.  Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.?  We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

It has always been my understanding that if you don't comply with the
life limit extension requirements or exceed the times you can convert
to experimental certificate (in the US) and keep on flying. This
would render the glider useless for commercial operations but
otherwise it would be airworthy.

[rdunni...@gmail.com]

Our club considered buying one a couple years ago. I asked our FSDO if we could convert it to experimental. He refused on the grounds that to convert the airworthiness cert to experimental for the sole purpose of circumventing a manufacturer's lifetime restriction of an airframe was not a valid reason.

[Kent Leyde]

Was able to learn a little bit more about the situation via a friend-of-friend who spoke to someone at the ICA BV factory.

Indication is that there will be an associates meeting tomorrow, likely outcome (95%) is to close the company. He also says that "the activity will be transferred to a nearby company IAR Brasov. However, he supposed that 1 to 2 months will be needed for complete technological transfer."

I've sent a follow-up to see if a contact person at IAR Brasov can be identified.

[row...@gmail.com]

On Friday, April 20, 2012 12:28:37 PM UTC-4, Pat McCartan wrote:
>is there anyone on this forum who is a Romanian resident who might be able to provide contact information for I.C.A.-BRASOV?

I believe there are folks with Romanian I.C.A.-BRASOV connections working at Seminole Lake Glider Port in Florida. off...@soarfl.com

[Pat McCartan]

Kent, Thanks for continuing to work this issue. I suspect there are quite a number of Lark owners who are in the same situation our club is in. Our Lark has exceeded its 35 year life limit and is now stored in a warehouse awaiting any possibility of a type certificate holder-approved Service Life Extension Program. Perhaps if we all keep sharing information we can put our much loved Larks back into our fleets.

[stel...@gmail.com]

There will be a buletin coming out this year and this will resolve the problem.
I

[stel...@gmail.com]

On Friday, April 27, 2012 10:14:23 AM UTC-7, stel...@gmail.com wrote:
> There will be a buletin coming out this year and this will resolve the problem.
> I

After my discussions with Catalin P. Seems that they are moving the IAR Glider section to a factory in Craiova, where hopefully they will continue the maintenance and parts production. W

[Pat McCartan]

Stephan - You seem to have a pipeline into the Lark powers that be. Great!! Would you mind sharing your sources and contact information - just in case you aren't on this forum when the Service Life Extension Program is published - and the rest of us need an avenue to the "source" in order to return our ships to airworthy condition?

[galeb777]

Hello, and sorry for being little off topic, but I really don't know
where else to ask this question about IS28B2. My club recently bought
IS28B2 in very good condition and "only" 20 years old, but we cannot
seem to find original Service Bulletin IS28B2 / EO-26 text (issued in
2004.). Our CAA requires this SB in order to register the glider. We
would be very grateful if someone could help.
If you have this SB please contact me or just send it to:
galeb777(AT)net.hr

Thank you in advance!

p.s.
Nice to hear there is good chance for service life extension after 35
years.




--
galeb777

[greg...@charter.net]

Can anyone tell me more about the life limits and any required inspections if the glider is already certified as experimental and is older than 35 years old? Is anyone operating a IS28B2 under these circumstances?

[evamd...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, May 23, 2012 10:56:53 AM UTC-4, greg...@charter.net wrote:
> Can anyone tell me more about the life limits and any required inspections if the glider is already certified as experimental and is older than 35 years old? Is anyone operating a IS28B2 under these circumstances?

My recently dissolved club in Canada has two IS28B2's. 4 members purchased one and have transferred into "owner maintained" status which is similar to the US experimental category. Once an aircraft goes into this category it cannot be taken out or owned by a commercial operation. The second still has 2 years left on the life and I am hoping the issues with the 35 year extension will be resolved. I too received promising emails from the company last year but that email address no longer functions.

[Peter Whitehead]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:44:11 PM UTC+1, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Hi, my name is Pete Whitehead. I own an IS29D and also two IS-28B2's ( Twin Larks) in the UK.
MY friend has just received his Service Bulletin for his IS-29D, glider serial no. specific, from the Type Cert. Holders S.C. Constructii etc. He had to pay 1150 Euro for this bit of paper, but he will be flying again soon. I have been in touch, paid my 1150 Euro , and should receive the S.B for my own IS-29D in the next 7 days. The life extension is indefinite, subject to the inspection programme etc.
We have contacts with the Type Cert. Holder. I shall be next pursuing the provision of S.B's for my two IS-28B2's.

I am willing to negotiate ( on a voluntary basis) the S.B's for all IS-28B2 owners, provided you give me the info. re Type, Serial No., Date of manufacture, and also the number and date on your Service/maintenance manual for the glider. Clearly the Type Cert Holders are going to demand money per glider but we can see what we can do. Our contact is English speaking and now answers emails quickly, so there is some hope in the situation now.

Pete Whitehead .

[Tony]

On Sunday, March 17, 2013 4:44:02 PM UTC-5, Peter Whitehead wrote:
> On Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:44:11 PM UTC+1, Pat McCartan wrote: > Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service. Hi, my name is Pete Whitehead. I own an IS29D and also two IS-28B2's ( Twin Larks) in the UK. MY friend has just received his Service Bulletin for his IS-29D, glider serial no. specific, from the Type Cert. Holders S.C. Constructii etc. He had to pay 1150 Euro for this bit of paper, but he will be flying again soon. I have been in touch, paid my 1150 Euro , and should receive the S.B for my own IS-29D in the next 7 days. The life extension is indefinite, subject to the inspection programme etc. We have contacts with the Type Cert. Holder. I shall be next pursuing the provision of S.B's for my two IS-28B2's. I am willing to negotiate ( on a voluntary basis) the S.B's for all IS-28B2 owners, provided you give me the info. re Type, Serial No., Date of manufacture, and also the number and date on your Service/maintenance manual for the glider. Clearly the Type Cert Holders are going to demand money per glider but we can see what we can do. Our contact is English speaking and now answers emails quickly, so there is some hope in the situation now. Pete Whitehead .

thats great news that the factory is actually talking. great news that the Lark's will be able to keep flying too.

[Frank Whiteley]

FYI

The FAA has not received an application for the IS29D2 life extension project to be validated in the US, though approved by EASA. FAA continues to work the life extension issues for both gliders with EASA.

Frank Whiteley

[Tom K (ES)]

Frank

Does this mean that the FAA will allow it if the EASA approves it or will the FAA have it's own process for approving the extension?

Thanks for your help!

Tom

[Pat McCartan]

Pete,

I'd like to actively work with you on this project. Our club owns a grounded IS-28B2. Would you mind giving me you direct contact information? I am lak1...@gmail.com. Phone 503-454-0640. I will be happy to call you at an appropriate time. Or you are welcome to call me. I am Pacific Daylight Time - UTC -7.

Pat McCartan
Willamette Valley Soaring Club
Portland, Oregon

[Frank Whiteley]

I doubt the FAA will approve without working with both the factory and EASA.

Frank

[macquistan]

Is the IS-30 subject to the same 35 year service life restriction as the IS-28B2?
Thanks much..

[Luis Barrera]

Hi, some know if the life extension is abiable for IS-28 B2 and IS-28M2???
I´m from Argentina.
Best Regards.
Luis.

[cga...@gmail.com]

Do you mind if I ask the price of one of these larks? Approximately? I am looking at an IS-30 (as far as I have read, minor upgraded IS-28 with metal over the metal frame) but I have no comparables for price. Thanks!

[unlimi...@gmail.com]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:44:11 PM UTC+1, Pat McCartan wrote:

> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Hello there!

I am a romanian pilot, studying in the UK, I heard that you had one of 'our' gliders and would very much enjoy to get in contact with you, maybe even have a flight in it, if at all possible. I am at Silver 'C' and pretty much have flown the IS 28 B2 and IS 29D for more than 100 hours. Let me know what has happened with it, I realise the post was back in 2012.

Kind Regards,
Alex EPARU

[Rafael]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 9:44:11 AM UTC-5, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Were you able to get an answer? I am not so sure this life limit applies to United States Issued Type Certificates.

[erich.s...@gmail.com]

Hi, I'm reading your info now.

I'm trying to extend my IS-29's lifetime. Any info you have gleaned in the meanwhile would be great.

Thanks,
Erich

[erich.s...@gmail.com]

Good day,

I'm reading your post now about the SB for an IS29.
I own and IS29-D2 myself, and someone at my club has an IS28.

According to an email from EASA, IAR is official bankrupt, and they will most likely issue a Special Airworthiness Specification.

I intend to get that from them, and then carry the SB and submit that to my CAA as 'alternate means of compliance'.

Would you be able to assist me with English version of the SB?

Kind regards,

Erich

[Pat McCartan]

Hi Eric,

Did you ever receive the service SB you referred to. We own a life-limited IS-28B2 and would like to join you in any project to extend the life of this aircraft.

[brett...@hotmail.com]

Pete Whitehead, if you're still around and in contact with the person you discuss here, can you let me know ? The @rdslink.ro email address I was given (which may have been 10th hand after your post here) is reporting full, and I suspect may no longer be actively read nor involved in these life extensions.

Failing that, does anyone know what the current state of the life extension program is, whether there are any open avenues remaining?

[Peter Whitehead]

Posted by Pete Whitehead on 3rd Sept 2015
AT last some good news. I have received an email on 2nd Sept 2015 from the Rumanian Aeroclub, an excerpt is as follows..
"Dear sir/madame,

The Romanian Aeroclub would like to inform you that has requested and obtained the EASA approval for an STC which replaces the lifetime limitation of 35 calendar years by periodical inspection (structural health control) on every 2 years for IS-28B2 gliders.
Romanian Aeroclub will apply this STC for its own gliders and plans to apply it to the IS-28B2 gliders which are under private property. Please inform us if you are interested in respect with this particular STC and if so, communicate us how many gliders are in this situation...."

So the paperwork is now there, and I hope we can look forwards to getting our IS28's (Twin Larks) back in the air soon. Pete Whitehead

[brett...@hotmail.com]

Awesome news. Any chance there's details of IS-29's ? And if not, any chance you can ask if they're included, excluded, not yet considered?

[Peter Whitehead]

Brett, our IS29's, that's 2 of them, which I own,in the UK ( single seat Larks) have been flying for over 1 year now. I sent my SB (Service Bulletin) to the USA and as far as far as I know they have used my glider-specific SB to be used for all IS29 gliders there.
Where are you located? If you contact me directly I can always arrange for you to have a copy. Pete

[Kurt]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 9:44:11 AM UTC-5, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Do you have an e mail address for the Romanian Aero Club, or a way to contact them? we have a Lark IS28 we would like to get back in service. Thanks!

[zuni....@gmail.com]

I was in Hawaii and found out that a Lark was flying there. As I was told, if you have a Standard category aircraft the service limit does not apply in the US. One of our club members took up the effort with the FAA and ours is under going annual so that we can begin flying again.

[jpba...@gmail.com]

Please sent me both Service life Extension programms for IS28 and IS29 if they are available
jpba...@gmail.com

Thank you very much!

[fcvit...@gmail.com]

Are there also news for the IS28M2? Any contact details for obtaining a SB for them?
We have a IS28M2 in rather good condition and it will be a pitty not to be able to extend its life.

[johnm...@shaw.ca]

Our club has two -28's, one with significant damage after a hangar collapse. Can you provide contact info to obtain the STC allowing life extension please?

Thanks,

John

[brett...@hotmail.com]

Hi Peter, I own an IS29D2 in Australia. Can't get your email address extracted from this reader - any chance you can ping me? My email is brett_pound (at) Hotmail.com.

[jeffsp...@gmail.com]

On Friday, September 4, 2015 at 1:10:42 PM UTC-7, zuni....@gmail.com wrote:
> I was in Hawaii and found out that a Lark was flying there. As I was told, if you have a Standard category aircraft the service limit does not apply in the US. One of our club members took up the effort with the FAA and ours is under going annual so that we can begin flying again.

Are you flying again?

[jeffsp...@gmail.com]

Robert Dunning on 4/21/12 says it all.Would love to hear that Hawaii got the Lark into the air.Please let us know.

[Stephen Damon]

There are a lot of LarksTwins flying... Texas, 3 that I know of.

[jeffsp...@gmail.com]

On Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 6:08:05 PM UTC-8, Stephen Damon wrote:
> There are a lot of LarksTwins flying... Texas, 3 that I know of.

are they younger than 35 yrs?

[Hans Knupp,,,,,knupph@yahoo,com]

Am Donnerstag, 19. April 2012 15:44:11 UTC+1 schrieb Pat McCartan:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Am Donnerstag, 19. April 2012 15:44:11 UTC+1 schrieb Pat McCartan:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

Hi I am from Namibia and we have got a very neat plane in our club and would like to get it flying again,can anyone please help on what to do, my mail adress is knupph@yahoo,com Thanks Hans Knupp

[mmask...@gmail.com]

On Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 4:44:02 PM UTC-5, Peter Whitehead wrote:
> On Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:44:11 PM UTC+1, Pat McCartan wrote:

> > Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.
>

> Hi, my name is Pete Whitehead. I own an IS29D and also two IS-28B2's ( Twin Larks) in the UK.
> MY friend has just received his Service Bulletin for his IS-29D, glider serial no. specific, from the Type Cert. Holders S.C. Constructii etc. He had to pay 1150 Euro for this bit of paper, but he will be flying again soon. I have been in touch, paid my 1150 Euro , and should receive the S.B for my own IS-29D in the next 7 days. The life extension is indefinite, subject to the inspection programme etc.
> We have contacts with the Type Cert. Holder. I shall be next pursuing the provision of S.B's for my two IS-28B2's.
>
> I am willing to negotiate ( on a voluntary basis) the S.B's for all IS-28B2 owners, provided you give me the info. re Type, Serial No., Date of manufacture, and also the number and date on your Service/maintenance manual for the glider. Clearly the Type Cert Holders are going to demand money per glider but we can see what we can do. Our contact is English speaking and now answers emails quickly, so there is some hope in the situation now.
>
> Pete Whitehead .

Hello Pete, I am involved with a Canadian registered IS29D2 that is at the end of the service life. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in order that we have something to present to Transport Canada that might allow a permanent resolve to the Canadian airworthiness Directive. Thanks in advance, mike

[mmask...@gmail.com]

[mmask...@gmail.com]

Hello Did you ever receive anything regarding your request for the Service life extension on the Lark gliders? I am working with an owner here in Canada to get approval for his IS29D2 but have had no success.
Anything you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Mike
mmas...@shaw.ca

[JS]

I just saw this posted by Mandy Temple, President of the Gliding Federation of Australia.
This approval may just be for operation in Australia, but even if so is a start.
Jim


IS28 Life Extension
There is now a simple method to extend the life of IS28 gliders beyond 35 years. Rob Hanbury, with help from a young pilot Bogdan Hiticas, has set up a system piggybacking off the Romanian EASA approval. For more information contact Rob Hanbury Airworthiness Department Chair
CAD at glidingaustralia dot org

[mmask...@gmail.com]

Thanks Jim. I have sent an email to Rob. Also waiting to hear from Peter Whitehead.

[alin...@gmail.com]

HELLO ALL

At this time there is a Supplemental Type Certificate issued no. 10054289

http://easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/STC_WebList_20151208.pdf

I own a IS28B2 as as we speak I am apllying the life extension.

For more informations you cand get in touch with the Romanina Airclub

ca...@aeroclubulromaniei.ro

They are the holder of this suplement and there might in the future get to be the holders of all the IS 28 and 29 type certificates.

Regards Alin from ROmania

[Peter Whitehead]

Hi, Pete ("edenpete") from UK here. Good news.I have been invited to apply to the Rumanian Aeroclub for the package related to their STC to extend the life of my IS-28B2("Lark" 2-seater). This will cost 500 Euro (glider specific, based on serial number). This will be necessary for all EASA gliders, it will be up to your own country's technical organisation to decide what steps it wishes to take regarding this, if outside EASA.
Good luck. Pete

[mmask...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 1:09:23 AM UTC-6, Peter Whitehead wrote:
> Hi, Pete ("edenpete") from UK here. Good news.I have been invited to apply to the Rumanian Aeroclub for the package related to their STC to extend the life of my IS-28B2("Lark" 2-seater). This will cost 500 Euro (glider specific, based on serial number). This will be necessary for all EASA gliders, it will be up to your own country's technical organisation to decide what steps it wishes to take regarding this, if outside EASA.
> Good luck. Pete

Hello Pete, thanks for the update. I am wondering if there is a chance of obtaining a copy of the IS29D2 Service Bulletin that you received from the Romanian Aeroclub for our review and presentation to Transport Canada in defense of a privately owned IS29D2 that has now been grounded. Thanks, Mike

[Peter Whitehead]

Mike, I shall send some photocopies (re IS29 SB) by post if you give me your address. I have emailed you direct. Pete

[IA DPE]

Any word if the U.S. FAA is working to accept the Romanian Service Bulletin extending the Service Life?

[alin....@city-events.ro]

Job DONE

My IS 28B2 sn 229 flyes again.

Cost:
500 euro - the pice of paper that is S/N specific
640 euro - structure and corrosion control.

Please be advised that at the joint of the vertical stabilizer many IS 28B2 gliders were found to have a crack after 35 years of service. Inspection and action is to be taken for obvious safety reasons.

Mine was exported in Hungary and there there was a program to reinforce that specific joint on all Hungarian IS 28B2 imported so all is ok, but the ones that were not reinforced need to be inspected.

Living in Romania I performed the initial mandatory 2 year inspection with the Romanina Airclub and got a clean bill of health.

Now I can fly it again safely and legally.

[kaide...@gmail.com]

Hello Gentlemen.

I write You from Estonia. Our club owns IS30 manufactured 1985 year.
Does anyone knows contacts where to ask about Life Extension program?
Is there program for IS30 glider at all?

Waiting Your response!

Best regards!

[grze...@gmail.com]

> Please be advised that at the joint of the vertical stabilizer many IS 28B2 gliders were found to have a crack after 35 years of service. Inspection and action is to be taken for obvious safety reasons.
>
> Mine was exported in Hungary and there there was a program to reinforce that specific joint on all Hungarian IS 28B2 imported so all is ok, but the ones that were not reinforced need to be inspected.
>
> Living in Romania I performed the initial mandatory 2 year inspection with the Romanina Airclub and got a clean bill of health.
>
> Now I can fly it again safely and legally.

Do you have an amendment number or "more text" about the reinforcement of the joint?

[mik...@gmail.com]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 10:44:11 AM UTC-4, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

As I understand it is an STC and costs 530 euros every 2 years, i was interested in a I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark but not after getting a copy, heck they can and likely will change the price every year or 2, not something i want to buy into. Some have been flying the whole time in the experimental category. With an inexpensive exemption from the EAA you can give flight instruction and be fine in a club setting. We have an experimental glider in our fleet. You can give flight instruction and rent an experimental with the EAA exemption. here is a link to explain. http://www.avweb.com/news/homeblts/182021-1.html

[mmask...@gmail.com]

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 9:44:11 AM UTC-5, Pat McCartan wrote:
> Our club owns an I.C.A.-BRASOV IS-28B2 Twin Lark which is grounded because it has exceeded its 35 year factory maintenance program service life. About a year ago the current type certificate holder, S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A., announced it intended to submit a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to EASA - with follow-on submission to the FAA. We are no longer able to reach S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A. by phone - and they do not respond to emails. Can anyone shed any light on the status of the SLEP or offer any contact information for S.C. Constructii Aeronautice S.A.? We enjoy this ship and would like to return it to service.

There has been some movement from EASA recently of news of a new owner of the Type Certifcate for IS-29D(2)/IS28(B2)(M) gliders. As of October 2016 the new holder of the Type Certificate Type certificate # EASA A.453) is the Aeroclub Romania. I have a copy of this new Type Cert if anyone wishes to have it sent please let me know your email and I will forward it along.

From what I have gathered this new TC along with the latest reference in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual will delete the reference to any life limit in terms of calendar years providing certain inspections are complied with.

[Kurt]

We would like a copy if possible.. stins...@gmail.com

Thanks

Kurt

[michaelm...@gmail.com]

Does anyone have an elevator for sale off a Twin Lark (IS-28B2)? If so please email me at mikem...@gmail.com

[Paul Agnew]

Does Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin HQ-16-14 (March, 2016) resolve this life limit issue? Was the life limit in the original type certificate or was it added later?

Paul Agnew
Treasure Coast Soaring Club

[n61...@gmail.com]

Paul, et al,
You might try speaking with Brian Collins of Eastern Soaring Center, https://www.easternsoaringcenter.com/
based at W99, Petersburg, WV. He runs a winch operation there and trains using a Twin Lark. A group of us were there a few weeks ago working on our winch endorsements, so I know his ship is active and airworthy.

Evan Dosik
Skyline Soaring
edo...@verizon.net

[trea...@sandhillsoaring.org]

Paul, the answer is yes, it does, so long as your Twin Lark (serial number) was sold to you with an original (or subsequent) POH that has no lifetime limitation. Speak to your local FSDO if you want independent confirmation.

Sandhill Soaring Club has a Twin Lark for sale, which does not have a lifetime limitation. The aircraft was flying and them mothballed. We learned of the bulletin less than 6 months ago and did our homework on the matter. If you're interested in buying a ship that can be easily returned to service, please email me directly. Thanks.

Chris Schrader, Treasurer
Sandhill Soaring Club, Inc.

[trea...@sandhillsoaring.org]

Twin Lark for Sale! It was mothballed several years ago and stored in our hangar. It can easily be brought back into service. Original POH. No mention of a Lifetime Limitation in the POH. Will be sold "as is." Our club is consolidating its fleet and is a motivated seller. Please email me directly.

[ericjl...@aol.com]

[ericjl...@aol.com]

[luisq...@mac.com]

Hello,

My father recently passed away and owned a 40 year old Lark Two Place Sailplane Model 1S28B2. It is in desperate need of repair and also the lifetime limitation has expired and cannot be flown. It has been tied down for many years. I believe the repairs will cost at least $12,000-14,000. Does anyone know the refurbished value of the plane? Trying to figure out what to do with it. Sounds like the out of use for life is now in place. I honestly don't know anything about this, so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Birgit Byers

[Bob Kuykendall]

On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 3:13:18 PM UTC-7, luisq...@mac.com wrote:
>
> My father recently passed away and owned a 40 year old Lark Two Place Sailplane Model 1S28B2...

It is likely that an experienced glider person could invest in repairs and refurbishment for a glider of that type and make some money on it. However, there is a considerable risk that further inspection will reveal deterioration or damage that would cost more to address than the aircraft is worth, and your investment in refurbishment would be lost.

My advice would be, unless someone in your family has the experience to thoroughly assess the glider, sell it as-is and where-is. Get what you can and move along. Don't drag it out. Honor your father's memory, not his relics.

--Bob K.

[Peter Whitehead]

Perhaps my own experience may be of help. I own a Twin Lark IS28b2 in the UK. I am now flying it again after 6 years downtime because of the 35 yrs. life limit was imposed by the manufacturer ( who subsequently went bust) and EASA ( a bit like your FAA.) The Rumanian Aeroclub took over as Type Certificate Holder because of vested interest, and have EASA approval for selling to owners an inspection programme. This I purchased for about 500 Euro, and I performed the required inspection with my BGA approved engineer.
I was also given a scrap Twin Lark with an old trailer I bought and have kept some parts. The scrappage was on account of corrosion of the mainspar near the airbrake slots in the wings. The glider had been kept outside,tied down for many years. It was 'beyond economic repair'.
Whilst UK weather may be different to yours there is still the possibility of water ingress and local conditions in the wing which would promote similar corrosion.
Unless you hope to retain and fly it I would agree that the best course of action is to sell the glider 'as is' to an interested person who would inspect with 'fingers crossed'. I suspect that unless your Twin Lark has been tied down in desert conditions it may well have similar corrosion and be suitable for spare parts use only. The other alternative is to arrange for the critical mainspar ( and tail boom )inspection as per airworthiness directives and take a gamble with the money this would cost.
I would add to the sensible advice, on balance, to sell 'as is' and move on.
Best wishes. Pete

[Tom BravoMike]

I personally would consider donating it to the National Soaring Museum

https://www.soaringmuseum.org/

Provided, of course, they are interested.

[jedri...@gmail.com]

Hey Brigitte,
I'm interest for IS-28b2
Send me your price!
Thx!
Dragan Stancic

[milosma...@gmail.com]

Hi Birgit i am sorry for your loss, is your father glider still available for sale i interested to buy and if you can pls send me much as you can pics of glider?
Tnx in forward

[Florin Botezatu]

Hi Dragan,
Are you Still interested in purchasing the IS-28B2?

[Stuart Reynolds]

Hi Pete,

Could you please email me a copy of this SB also ? I cannot get aeroclub romaniei to respond to my request to supply the complete SB.
I can see first 5 pages but the cover page shows There are 47 pages in total.

They have only replied to my request for manuals and quoted me 200 euro for MM
400 euro for repair manual
100 euro for the IPC

I have all these manuals presently but they have not clarified if the manuals they sell are updated or needed to remove the life limitation
per SB-IS-29-AR-01

Thank you very much,

Stuart

[M Gr]

Hello everybody, IS-30 might be a little off-topic but i will ask anyway: does anyone have copy of Repair Manual? We have our club IS-30 going through life time cancellation SB and maintenance manual mentions this document exists, we would like to make some repairs on cracked seat bottom/floor plate.
Quote from latest revision maintenance manual:
"the overhaul consists of all the 100 and 200 hours operations and also those mentioned in the
adjacent table. Details regarding remediation of damages are specified in the glider „Repair Manual” "

It might be common manual for IS gliders since mo document number or anything ele mentioned just „Repair Manual”
With best regards
Marko

[M Gr]

beec...@gmail.com kirjutas Kolmapäev, 6. oktoober 2021 kl 03:25:57 UTC+3:

HI Dear Mr. Stuart, i noticed your e-mail about having IS repair manual. I have IS-30 and it had done 1000h overhaul+lifelimit cancellation SB. But i might get in trouble with earlier repair done by replacing aft cocpit floor paned that our CAA did not like at latest visit although it was pfmd by prof. ac sheetmetal worker. So some references to repair doc would be helping me out. Can you be so kind and share it if possible?
Many thanks in advance!!!
Marko

[Robert Francis]

Hello I recently purchased IS28B2 SN 209. I have repair manual for this aircraft and spar parts manual. I need information on how to comply with SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, we find cracks in tail and need to make the repair. Any advice or help ?