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While attempting to rig the elevator cables on our Tri-Pacer, it was discovered that the elevator cable positions were swapped during installation in 1976. It has been annualed this way since then. What was even more concerning was that when the cables were removed and inspected, the copper nicropress fittings were cracked more than halfway through on three out of four ends. I would strongly suggest that any aircraft cable, especially original cables be inspected per Service Letter 1069.
N2709P
While attempting to rig the elevator cables on our Tri-Pacer, it was discovered that the elevator cable positions were swapped during installation in 1976. It has been annualed this way since then. What was even more concerning was that when the cables were removed and inspected, the copper nicropress fittings were cracked more than halfway through on three out of four ends. I would strongly suggest that any aircraft cable, especially original cables be inspected per Service Letter 1069.
N2709P
Can you post a picture?
Did an annual on my bankers Cherokee 180 recently and there is an AD that reads much like the service letter on the elevator cable turnbuckles.
Last edited by Steve Pierce; 03-25-2023 at 07:26 AM.
I'm getting ready to replace my rudder and elevator cables with galvanized cables due to corrosion.
Is there a product that is commonly used on aircraft control cables for corrosion prevention?
I'm assuming something MIL-PRF-16173 compliant?
I would like to apply it to the new cables when I am ready to install them. It won't eliminate Service Letter 1069, but it might help extend the life of the cables from premature corrosion.
Hmmm...I looked at AC 43-4B and it says:
"Control cables may present a corrosion problem whether of carbon steel or stainless steel construction. Bare spots in the preservative coating is a main contributing factor in cable corrosion. Determine cable condition by cleaning the cable assembly, inspecting for corrosion, and applying an approved preservative if no corrosion is found. If external corrosion is found, relieve tension on the cable and check internal strands for corrosion. Cables with corrosion on internal strands should be replaced. Pay particular attention to sections passing through fairleads, around sheaves, and grooved bell-crank arms. External corrosion should be removed by a clean, dry, coarse rag or fiber brush. After complete corrosion removal, apply a preservative."
It doesn't give any guidance of what to use for a preservative for general/regular use aircraft, but for agricultural aircraft it says:
"Non-stainless steel control cables should be coated with paralketone or equivalent protective coating, or should be replaced with corrosion-resistant cables. "
So should I use paralketone? It specifically lists it under ag aircraft, so I'm not sure if I can apply it to my cables or not.
When I/we replaced a couple cables on 57A, if I remember correctly they came from Aircraft Spruce -- galvanized. My A&P had the tool to put the ends on.
Thanks Walt. I have access to swage tools, but wasn't sure where to get cable, turnbuckles, ferrules, etc. I'll figure out what all I need and then check out Aircraft Spruce.
McMaster Carr has cable and thimble and nico press fittings as does lots of hardware stores. Just check the spool for the correct MIL-SPEC. Noco press fittings are commercial from Loos Company, not aircraft specific. The thimbles are AN parts.