Main Landing Gear cracking question

[Andrew Fay]

Im looking at a Comanche 260B to buy and after reading some thread and some websites, I have a question. As I understand it the 260 has beefier main gear oleo housings, so does that prevent cracking in the web or just make it less likely? I might just have my wires crossed completely, so any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

[9089P]

Hi Andrew,

The simple answer to your question is "No". To my knowledge none of the singles had a heavy duty MLG. The one exception might be the 260C. There was a change in design for the later models to get rid of the forked gear to reduce drag but I don't believe the later design is any heavier duty. The 260B has that later design.

Now, the twins do have a heavier duty MLG. It appears similar to the single's and they may be interchangeable although I have not explored this. If you want a definitive answer on that I would contact Matt at Comanche Gear.

One reason for "gear cracking", beyond a very hard landing, is a stress riser created by a hole drilled in the webbing on the left MLG. This stress riser can be alleviated by reaming. Finally there is a repair service for cracked gear oleos. As part of the service, the webbing is replaced with a significantly thicker piece of aluminum. I expect that the gear, as modified, would be able to withstand an exponentially harder landing without breaking. Its pretty beefy.

Despite what you may have heard, the gear on Comanches are stout and while they do require periodic maintenance, it is a good design. My one criticism is the design of the emergency gear extension mechanism which must have been borrowed from a farm implement (no offense to farmers intended).

I have a B model so I admit a certain prejudice, but it would still be my choice of the singles. By 1966 Piper had sorted out the design and mostly improved it. One thing I don't like is the luggage door on the left side of the a/c, a change that occurred with the B model.

Good luck, Don

[N3322G]

Andrew,

You could always check the part numbers on both singles and twins in the parts manuals on this website at http://www.comancheflyer.com/NS/index_serv_manuals.php

From an opinion view, I agree with Don but if I was going to be certain, I'd check the parts manuals.

Also, there is an STC's REALLY beefy replacement trunnion made by the Australian Tribe and is approved by our FAA too - believe it works for singles and twins but frankly, I'd have to check that too as I pay more attention to twin stuff. I missed buying these by about 90 days - had my twin's repaired just before the STC was approved, otherwise I'd have personal experience on this STC.

Hope this helps.

[Jay]

Andrew, I have two of the very last, heavy trunnions that Piper made on my PA30, but if I had it to do again, i'd go with the Australian trunnions. They are BEEFY. When the earth is dust, those things will still be floating around in space.

Jay

[Andrew Fay]

Thanks guys, I learned to fly in a comanche 250 and can vouch for their sturdiness. I had read the official stuff but then saw an Advertisment of someone selling one with 260 strut housings, and it threw me off.