Hey Guys,
Great thread, I don't know if this correct for the Zero but many of the aircraft I have flown have gas charged oleo struts that regulate the gear extension. This is in addition to the hydraulic dampening.
I have known of mechanics looking at a loaded aircraft and over inflating or "topping off" the oleo strut during maitenance, beyond spec.
If a stut is over inflated the gear retract mechanism may not be strong enough to overcome the over inflated strut and fully retract the gear. We had a Bellanca Viking experience this after an annual inspection, took off and could not retract the gear. It is possible that there are very small placards on the oleo giving maximum and minimum PSI along with a description of the color bands that indicate compression at certain gross weight loading.
I browse the CFS 2 forum alot as I still have my install, just don't post here often.
Best Regards
Steve
Great thread, I don't know if this correct for the Zero but many of the aircraft I have flown have gas charged oleo struts that regulate the gear extension. This is in addition to the hydraulic dampening.
I have known of mechanics looking at a loaded aircraft and over inflating or "topping off" the oleo strut during maitenance, beyond spec.
If a stut is over inflated the gear retract mechanism may not be strong enough to overcome the over inflated strut and fully retract the gear. We had a Bellanca Viking experience this after an annual inspection, took off and could not retract the gear. It is possible that there are very small placards on the oleo giving maximum and minimum PSI along with a description of the color bands that indicate compression at certain gross weight loading.
I browse the CFS 2 forum alot as I still have my install, just don't post here often.
Best Regards
Steve