Sanded Rivets

[Mark Lund]

I am interested in a 1960 PA24- 250. It is located in California and the owner decided to put a coat of paint on the upper wings and tail surface 10 years ago. He took a sander to it and went over the Rivets cutting them down some. Then painted it. This airplane then went successfully thru a annual inspection. That was 10 years ago. It has been flying regularly over the last 10 years without a annual inspection. A Farmer. A very sad case. I am wondering if there is any hope for this airplane.

[LeWayne Garrison]

It would depend on the degree the rivets have been sanded off. If the dimple is still discernible, the rivet is fine. Even if no dimple it might be ok but no way to tell without inspection. The fact that it did pass an annual and has flown with no problems for 10 years is encouraging. Good luck.