Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 12:43:38 -0400
Message-ID: <redirect-1030891@logan.com>
Received-SPF: none
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=198.22.63.66; envelope-from=lorn@dynacomm.ws
In-Reply-To: <list-1030724@logan.com>
References: <list-1030724@logan.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v730)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
From: "Lorn H. Olsen" <lorn@dynacomm.ws>
Subject: Re: nose gear bent-? pilot or mechanic error

Gerald,

When I first purchased my plane, my nose gear did not drop freely. Ed  
DeChazal and I disconnected everything up front and it would still  
not drop freely. I ordered 2 new bearings and the nose gear still  
would not free fall. I took the plane in for service and the  
mechanics sent either the gear or the new bearings (I think that it  
was the bearings) to a machine shop. The shop milled a few thousands  
off. They also put grease fitting on the new bearings. Why not? The  
nose gear has, ever since, fallen freely. Whenever I now do a free  
fall, the nose gear is down within 1/2 second.

I have changed the actuator to an automotive actuator that was  
recommended by someone on this list. The auto actuator has about 120  
lbs of pressure rather than Lancair's approximate 100 lbs. If you  
would like the actuator part number, let me know and I will get it to  
you next week.

I have had many, many hard landings. I have bent my front fork. On  
that one, I hit so hard that the prop left seven blade marks in the  
runway. I have bent my main gear. I have bent my main gear castings.  
I have NEVER bent the engine mount. I don't think that it is possible  
to bent the engine mount without losing the engine.

Good Luck,
Lorn "Feathers" Olsen
LNC2
248-345-0500

PS. Currently in New Orleans on my new boat.

      http://www.dynacomm.ws/boats/Latitudes/Latitudes.html

> From: "Gerard O Connell" <goconnell@dodo.com.au>
>
> Hi guys, need some advice and feedback on your experiences with  
> this one.
> .
> .
> Apparently after installing the actuator, the nose gear got caught  
> during retracts and bent a rod. The details of this incident were a  
> bit vague but I didn't give it much thought at the time as I was  
> assured that the damage was minimal and would be repaired free of  
> charge. At the time I didn't think any more of the incident or  
> relate the hesitancy of the nose gear to free fall during emergence  
> gear extension.
> .
> .
> Would be great to get some thought on this one as I'm going to  
> discuss with mechanic tomorrow...
> --
> Gerard O Connell
> Melbourne, Australia
> VH-LPD (LNC2)