Piper auto gear Removal 765-303

[Tan]

Hi everyone,

I found the kits online for $1600. Anyone know the cost or hours in labor to have it removed?

 

[Magman]

Some years back I looked at the Instructions. It seemed quite a bit

more involved than my guess that “Removal Only” would entail.

Is it possible to just disable the function; legally?

 

[Jim K]

I have never seen the kit instructions, but on my Lance, they removed & patched the pitot hole, removed the lines to the diaphragm, and removed the linkage between the diaphragm and the Hoof valve. The valve obviously stays in place. Add a couple placards, paint the patch, and that's it. 2 hours tops imo including r&r the interior and paint touch up. Maybe another hour for paperwork.

I've seen a few that still have the pitot in place, but the system is disabled. I wouldn't do that, but it may be that the "kit" is just instructions and a placard, which would explain the "reasonable" price.

 

[Tom J]

Part of the procedure is to add the microswitch on the flap tube and wire that to the sonalert. That appears to be the most finicky part of the procedure.
While it's open would also be a good time to reseal the Hoof valve, as that can bypass internally and cause gear sag, or failure to retract.