Jps19602002@mac.com
Filing Flight Plan
I recently purchased a 1974 fixed gear PA-32. I have been really pleased for the most part but after about 40 hours with me and 2110 TT, I have been experiencing a couple of problems with the gear. First, intermittently, the starboard landing strut will remain in a depressed position about 5 inches lower than normal. This occurs sometimes when I land and make a left exit onto a taxiway or even when I climb onto the wing to enter the plane (yes, I am about 250 lbs). I can get the gear to return to the normal position by lifting up on the wing tip until the gear drops. That's why I don't think it's the gas cylinder pressure. I would expect that the gear would remain down if the gas pressure was too low. When I asked my A&P, he suggested that he would have to take the gear apart to see what's causing it to stick or bind. I would like some advice before going for that expense.
On a related matter, does anyone have advice about what to do with the top cuff of the main gear wheel pants. On the same gear as issue above, the inside joint above where the pants are bolted together has come apart. It appears that the air flow past the pants causes the top to spread open enough to cause the top to open. My first concern is the risk of the pants eventually becoming weakened enough to fail in flight and possibly damage the gear or impede a safe landing. I also worry about the aerodynamic effects that could affect aircraft performance. Could I just create a way to fasten the cuff in the proper position or would that cause other issues? Thoughts?
On a related matter, does anyone have advice about what to do with the top cuff of the main gear wheel pants. On the same gear as issue above, the inside joint above where the pants are bolted together has come apart. It appears that the air flow past the pants causes the top to spread open enough to cause the top to open. My first concern is the risk of the pants eventually becoming weakened enough to fail in flight and possibly damage the gear or impede a safe landing. I also worry about the aerodynamic effects that could affect aircraft performance. Could I just create a way to fasten the cuff in the proper position or would that cause other issues? Thoughts?