First, a bit of background - we use a twinky for flight training at the school (Lachute Aviation). Last January, we had a LHS MLG torque link go south during a flight. Needless to say, the strut overextended, the wheel got stuck in the wheel well, then finally came out but with the wheel at a 90 degree angle from normal. Furthermore, the gear conduit (cables) rod ends got bent. The partially extended gear unlocked the other two gears once the aircraft touched the ground, which resulted in a rather spectacular (and very expensive) very short field landing at night.
Now the plane's almost ready to be put back in service, except for the gear conduits. I've looked in all the usual places (Webco, Piper, etc.) and haven't found anything. It appears I missed getting the last Piper conduit by a hair (we got one only - we're missing the second one). Webco says they'll have some, but in "2-3 months".
The only other solution we have at the moment would be to install a used conduit, which I think everyone will agree is not the best choice.
Does anyone know of existing stock, or have uninstalled cables we could borrow or purchase and replace (plus additional expenses) so we could get our twinky back up again ASAP?
ANY assistance with this problem would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
François