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That depends!

Today, I share a story about a pair of ailerons that were damaged when a Piper Cherokee was backed into the T-hangar a picayune too far.  We talk about the repair options for a scenario like this.

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Here is a Piper Cherokee rudder we removed for repair due to 2 cracks in the trailing edge.

Are any cracks or repairs allowed on Piper flight control surfaces?

What near Cessna?

The answers may surprise you.

Listen to today'south episode to find out about some clear information that airplane owners should know.

Regardless of what kind of airplane yous own, today'south show tin assistance to indicate you in the right direction to go answers for your flight control surface questions.

Don't gamble on a questionable repair… there are also many of them flight around out there.

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These patches may have been considered adequate many years ago, but not today!  Thankfully, this is not a flying aeroplane… it is at present beingness used for A&P training.

Here are a couple other repairs I plant…

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This one is a Cessna 310 that is at present being used for A&P preparation.  These patches were installed on the elevator many years ago.

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And so, after talking most command surfaces, here are a few things yous might want to consider:

  1.  Take a wait at your airplane… practice YOU have any cracks in whatsoever of your flight control surfaces? If so, do whatever needs to be washed per the service manual… after all, even though unlikely, you don't want to get stuck because an FAA inspector has grounded your airplane.
  2. Take a walk effectually your airport and look at all the flight control surfaces… it might surprise you lot how many there are…  if cypher else, it will give y'all an idea of the kinds of cracks that can happen, and the places that tend to crack easily.
  3. Be careful when you do your preflight inspection.  If you hear that "oil canning" outcome when yous move your flight controls, yous are pushing too hard on it… if you lot must move it slightly, do it betwixt the palms of your hands (preferably at a rib if possible), rather than grabbing the trailing edge with your thumb and finger.  (There's skilful reason for that "NO Button" placard.)

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And remember, fifty-fifty if y'all CAN legally repair a flight control surface, information technology must be balanced after the repair and pigment are completed.

If y'all accept whatsoever good stories well-nigh flying control surfaces, delight contact me and allow me know.

deanshow@gmail.com, or utilise the comment push button on this episode, or leave me a voicemail by using the button on the correct side of the page at airplaneownermaintenance.com

Thanks, and if you like this podcast, delight go to iTunes and leave me a rating and review.  I would really appreciate it!