[Kent Dellenbusch]

Kent Dellenbusch on May 8, 2026 at 4:50 pm #26589

In reply to Kent Dellenbusch (#26575)

Hey Alan –

A note from my friend Tom at Flightline Group.

============

Kent,

I spoke with one of the tech reps at Piper, and we both agree that putting a small 1.5 inch diameter hole in that fiberglass hat shelf insert would do no harm.

However, this is not approval to do it… just information …

A few things to take into consideration.

Make sure the hole isn’t in a radius , too close the edge, clean and smooth the hole so there are no sharp edges.

Make a logbook entry for a minor alteration to be legal.

========================

This said, if you move forward with this project, take a bunch of photos, and even write up a discussion of your experience and why.  Others might find this useful.

Let me know.

Kent

 

[Kent Dellenbusch]

Kent Dellenbusch on May 6, 2026 at 12:47 pm #26575

Hey Alan –

Can you take a photo or two of where you want to make this hole?

Thanks

Kent

[Kent Dellenbusch]

Kent Dellenbusch on May 5, 2026 at 7:23 pm #26574

In reply to STEVE (#26566)

Hey Steve, the ser. number is:    28-7890413.

[STEVE]

STEVE on May 5, 2026 at 3:28 pm #26566

Hi Alan,

I order for me to focus on the possibilities, I need your airplane N number, or your airplane serial number.

Get back to me with either or both, and I’ll start researching here.

FWIW, in my mind, since that fiberglass bulkhead is not a structural member, cutting the 1 1/2 inch access hole is allowable, but I’m going to seek a second opinion.

Where did you come across the “cut an access hole” solution?

Since almost everyone I know now carries a cell phone with a camera, photos of the area and the trim servo installation would also help define the issue.

Steve

[Alan]

Alan on May 4, 2026 at 9:43 pm #26559

PA-28-181

My trim servo is located just behind the baggage compartment (opposite of battery) but under the bulkhead separating the baggage compartment from the rear fuselage.  It was likely moved here when I had an S-TEC autopilot installed 20 years ago. Because the bulkhead “overhangs” the servo with only an inch or so of clearance, removal of the bulkhead is the preferred way to access it I am told.  However, I have also been told that a fairly widely used “alternate” method to access the top of the servo is to cut a 1 & 1/2 inch hole in the fiberglass bulkhead just above the servo to provide tool access to the servo.  The hole would then be closed with a plug (think Wilky button) and provide for future access.  Has anyone heard of this or had similar experience.

Thanks,

Alan

Woodlands, Texas