Wear And Tear

The right aileron was binding during aerobatic maneuvers. Investigation revealed the clearance between the aileron and the aileron bay rib was approximately 1/16 inch. Per American Champion, it should be inch. The inboard aileron bay rib appeared to have bowed due to fabric shrinkage, causing the interference. The aileron rib fabric was opened and the rib was relocated outboard 3/16 inch. Per the manufacturer, aileron balancing was not required. The aileron was reinstalled, with the clearance and operation satisfactory.

Key Takeaways:

• An American Champion 7GCAA experienced aileron binding due to an inboard rib bowing from fabric shrinkage, resolved by relocating the rib.
• A Cessna T210M had plastic rudder pedal bearings break due to aging and embrittlement, suggesting a need for different materials or replacement intervals.
• A Piper PA34-200T showed excessive wear on its nose gear steering mount attachment point, highlighting a gap in the manufacturer's service manual regarding limits and repair data.
• Other component failures included a prematurely broken contact arm in a Slick 4370 Magneto and recurring instances of shattered end caps in Sky Tec Starters on Cessna 172S aircraft.

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