[COUPERS-FLYIN] Re: [COUPERS-TECH] Loose Aileron Skin

[Paul M. Anton]

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My mechanic has noticed that the skin is loose on the ailerons near the inboard ends.  He initially noticed a couple of popped rivets and when he replaced those another popped out.  We are concerned about the possibility of corrosion inside the ailerons; has anyone heard about a problem like this??

 

Tommy

N93929

 

Corrosion inside the ailerons not only is possibly, but perhaps probable. The aileron has a steel fitting at the inboard end that is riveted to the aluminum inboard rib. Corrosion is promoted by the dissimilar metals. Loss of structural integrity here could cause the loss of the aileron and the plane.

 

I have opened up a number of ailerons and in each case found corrosion to some extent. That is the bad news. The good news is that I have found all the repair parts I have needed at Univair and have been able to return most of the ailerons I have opened to service. It is fairly easy to drill out the rivets, make necessary repairs and return the aileron to service.

 

I would NOT fly until the cause of the "loose skin" is found and corrected.

 

Good Luck

 

Cheers:

 

Paul

NC2273H

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