[STEVE]

STEVE on February 19, 2023 at 2:59 pm #21844

Hi Todd;
Sorry I didn’t ask earlier but how was the the hole in the tubes repaired?? Weld then ream back to size??
Thanks,
Steve

[STEVE]

STEVE on February 19, 2023 at 1:07 pm #21842

Hi Todd,
Thanks for getting back to me. 
When you say a shop is repairing it; do you mean by welding it back to the original size?
I appreciate the feedback.
Steve

[todd m cotter]

todd m cotter on February 16, 2023 at 1:29 pm #21834

Thanks Steve for your research on this matter. We decided to remove the effected part and have it repaired.
Hopefully someone with more time and energy than I have (McFarlane) is chiming in and looks at securing a STC to use a tapered ream and tapered pin as in the Piper yokes use. That would be a easy fix without removing the rudder bar assembly and IMO a better solution for securing the system together. I did talk to a local FAA ASI about doing so under a field approval and being that its part of the flight control system that would be a longer road than what the customer wanted to wait for.
Anyways Steve thanks the support.

[STEVE]

STEVE on February 16, 2023 at 1:13 pm #21833

Hi Todd;
Piper tech support doesn’t have a repair scheme for this problem. 
In the past Piper has had an engineer (that had to be paid for) to provide solutions for out of the ordinary problems, but apparently he is not taking new challenges now.
The Piper Tech suggested you contact a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) and recommended Jon Moore at http://www.jbaerostructures.com.

His email is moore.jon.b@gmail.com

I have no idea what he charges, or how long it will take him to provide a solution.

I am also going to contact him to see if I can learn more.

Please keep me in the loop on what you’re doing.

Steve.
 

[STEVE]

STEVE on February 16, 2023 at 8:18 am #21832

Hi Todd;
Based on your question, I did some research in Part 43 Appendix A and the following sentence under major repairs answered your question: “(xx) Parts of the control system such as control columns, pedals, shafts, brackets, or horns.”

I’m going to Piper to see if I can get an answer to your question.

I’ll get back to you as soon as I get an answer.

Steve

[todd m cotter]

todd m cotter on February 16, 2023 at 4:20 am #21831

Hi Steve, thanks for replying.
What data did you reference stating that you can drill one size over going from a -4 bolt to a -5 bolt? I know we do that on sheet metal repairs all the time but I never have read that can be done on flight control tube’s ect. Thanks in advance Steve, I appreciate it. That would be the easiest fix besides using a tapered pin like the yokes use IMO.

Todd

[STEVE]

STEVE on February 15, 2023 at 8:02 am #21826

Hi Todd;
I’ve checked Piper SB and can’t find one that addresses this issue. But in my opinion-I’m an A & P with IA-you have two options. Both involve removing the rudder bar assemblies. 
You can drill one size over size. According to the parts manuals I have that bolt is either an AN4-13A bolt or a close tolerance version of the same bolt (AN174-13A)
The diameter tolerances of the AN 4 bolt are .246-.249. 
The diameter tolerances of the AN 174 bolt are .2487-.2492.
As you can see there’s not much difference–one bolt is called out for a serial number range, the other for other serial number PA 28s.
If you drilled up a size the AN 4 diameter tolerances are .309-.312; the 174 tolerances are .3112-.3117. 
Your mechanic will need to determine is there’s enough edge distance for this operation. 
The second option is to weld up the holes, smooth the welds and then drill to size. This would require a good welder and would necessitate cleaning up the inner surface of the outer tube to allow the inner tube to be slid into position.
In my mind, the installing the next size larger bolt is the best option. 
Also in my mind, drilllng the hole one size larger and installing the same part number bolt would constitute a minor repair.
But that’s the call for your mechanic. Some A & Ps are hesitant to OK a minor repair like this. 
Good luck, sorry it took a while to get you my answer. 
Please let me know what you (and your mechanic) decide.
Best,
Steve

[todd m cotter]

todd m cotter on February 13, 2023 at 11:03 am #21825

The rudder pedals have play between the pilots and co-pilots rudder foot pedals. It is between the inner and outer shafts on the left side of the center support. Basically the copilots rudder pedal tube bolt hole is elongated where it hooks to the pilots side rudder pedal tube. Is there a fix to this as in an oversized bolt? or even better yet a tapered pin would be the prefect permeant fix. 
 
 

Attachments:

• RudderPedalElongatedbolthole.pdf