Hangar Debrief
An email newsletter for builders, pilots and maintainers of experimental, light-sport and general aviation aircraft.
Sign-up opens soon.
3 articles tagged Safety

Tips & Tools
AC 43.13-1B, paragraphs 7-122 to 7-126: safety wire, and the rules common to every installation
The FAA's AC 43.13-1B gives the rules for safety wire: 0.032-inch minimum for the double-twist method on most parts, wire installed so it pulls in the tightening direction, taut but never overstressed, four to six turns left at the end, and ends bent under. A nut is never loosened or overtorqued to line up a hole.
11 Oct 2026

Directives & Bulletins
Van's SB-00079: an emergency egress hammer recommended for all RV aircraft
Van's Aircraft Service Bulletin SB-00079, issued March 20, 2026, applies to all RV aircraft and recommends carrying an emergency egress hammer made for aircraft. Van's notes that automotive hammers with a spring-loaded plunger are not effective on the plexiglass of aircraft windows and canopies.
11 Oct 2026

Directives & Bulletins
AD 2026-04-11: Lycoming connecting-rod bushing inspection, and whether it applies to amateur-built aircraft
AD 2026-04-11 expands the Lycoming connecting-rod bushing directive to engines assembled through September 2021. Its wording reaches only engines in type-certificated aircraft, so it doesn't legally bind an amateur-built. The FAA cites connecting-rod failures that led to uncontained engine failures and in-flight shutdowns; the first required step is an oil-filter inspection at each oil change.
11 Oct 2026