Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 17; Flight Crew Total 3800; Flight Crew Type 10
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During a flight for personal enjoyment in above listed aircraft; a failure of the rear seat control stick attachment point was experienced. The aircraft was kept in positive control throughout the flight and safely landed by the front seat pilot at the departure airport. At a later date; it became apparent via studying the regulations that this failure should have required an immediate notification under 49 CFR 830.5. Unfortunately; this was realized too late to comply with the regulation. Immediately upon recognizing the mistake; I placed a call to the NTSB ROC and reported the incident.This error was due to a lack of use of this particular regulation. I have immediately begun to study and review all aviation related regulations and guidelines provided in the FAR/AIM. Additionally; I have initiated an on-going personal study program to make sure that I maintain the highest level of knowledge and professionalism as it relates to federal regulations; regardless of the frequency of their application.
The pilot of the Aeronca 7AC had the rear seat control stick attachment fail; but the pilot in the front seat was able to land safely.