PA-30: one or two flap springs per side?

by **Frank** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:49 pm

Just noticed (after owning my PA-30 for 25 years) that the manual calls for two flap retract springs per side (on serial numbers above a certain number, which mine is). There is only one per side, and no obvious way to attach two. Having had problems with stuck flaps (asymmetric retraction), I wonder if this is an issue.

Any feedback or ideas?

by **N3322G** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:18 pm

Frank,

Have also had a stuck flap - on my multi check ride in 1971 - felt just like an engine failure. The nylon flap rollers do not get grease - well, they'd been greased and in December in Chicago, they stuck. The check ride instructor was surprised too.

I can't speak to the two springs - think my 39 only has one - hopefully someone else will chime in on that aspect. They've been replaced also.

In terms of avoiding the assym flaps again - suggest checking the flap tracks for wear (have had both the outboards replaced on my twin) Webco has them and make sure the tracks are clean and greased at annual - or just cleaned depending upon your twin's rollers.

Hope this helps.

P.S. I send notes to the folks doing the annual not to grease the rollers but still have had to stop a wonderful mechanic who had already greased one roller - who had not gotten the word.

by **Kristin Winter** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:52 pm

You both have two springs on each side. One is attached to the butt rib and is easy to see in the wheel well. The other in under an access panel underneath the wing, aft and outboard of the engine nacelle. Seek and yee shall find.

by **N3322G** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:57 pm

Ah yes, well - it is the seeking part I haven't done myself - bet I have a picture though as I once photographed the contents of all inspection panels when they were off.

Thanks Kristin!

by **MULEFLY** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 10:50 am

Altho not mandatory, a SB recommends that both be replaced every 3 years or 500 hours (IIRC)

Jim

by **Frank** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:06 pm

Kristin -

The book actually shows two springs mounted together, like two hot dogs in a bun, in the access panel you mention... in addition to the one in the wheel well. So, I should have said two or THREE springs! Any thoughts on that?

Frank

by **Kristin Winter** » Thu Sep 20, 2012 3:40 am

That is true except for the very early twins. I spaced it out.

by **Frank** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 6:56 pm

I understand there's a Service Letter 395 which addresses flap springs. Does anyone have a copy of this... if so, could I get a copy??

by **Zach Grant L1011jock** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:27 pm

All the SL and SBs are on the Piper website under support tab.
Zach

by **Frank** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:33 am

Not that one. But I got it from another source. Seems it applies only to PA-24's, though.

by **Don Nelson** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:33 pm

All,
For SL 395, go to the Piper website, support, pub's, etc, etc, and finally to the ...."178 publications currently available for download".
http://www.piper.com/Company/Publications/SL%200395.pdf
It does only reference 250's with electric flaps "up to serial #24-3444, inclusive."
Best, Don

PA-30: one or two flap springs per side?

PA-30: one or two flap springs per side?

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