Flap used as a step or not?

[Randy Johnson]

I have been stepping on the right flap to get onboard since I purchased my Comanche 250. It has black non skid on it. I recently took a friend flying who weighs 270 lbs and when he stepped off the flap both flaps shifted downward about two inches. I cycled them and they worked fine. Had a mechanic look at them and said they were ok. Flew home and they worked fine. Obviously I wont ever step on the flap again. Did I do any damage? The flap indicator did seem to initially show a few degrees down when they were in the up position. After a few cycles the indicator now reflects the old correct position. Any thoughts?

[Randy Johnson]

As a follow up, the aircraft is 1962 vintage with electric flaps. I was told by a former Piper rep who was working for piper when the aircraft was built that stepping on the flap was ok when I purchased the airplane. Obviously everything has limits.

[N3322G]

Randy,

I use the Twin's flap all the time and I believe there is an adjustment for tension as ours was loose once after paint. Might be something in the Service manuals under the Tech tab on this website.

[Randy Johnson]

Thanks Pat

[SLIMDREDGER]

Even though my PA30 came from the factory with non slip coating on the flap that invited standing on it while boarding, when I had the airplane painted I did not reinstall the non slip surface to discourage anyone from standing on it. I just don't like the idea that boarding person could step on the aft edge of the flap and induce a very high loading on the flap structure.

So far, I have found every one has been able to step up and put their foot on the non slip surface of the wing. I don't recall anyone trying to board by standing on the flap.

Al Powers ICS 2978

[Randy Johnson]

Thats a good idea.