Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

[jrichards]

Hi All,

We are undertaking manufacturing of replacement pistons and collars for the early style actuators with limit switches mounted on the actuator. I would like to have a few additional sample parts to compare to our new design. If anyone has an early style actuator, main or nose, out-of-service, and is willing to loan it to me for non-destructive measurements, it would be much appreciated. The parts of most interest are the piston A-1031-A used in both the nose and main actuators, and the collar A-1218-A used only in the nose actuator.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[randyfullmoon]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Hey there Jim. I own 1271J a 1975 Commander 112A. After an extensive annual at Landmark I took her up for a test drive and after several attempts to get my nose gear down, I had to pull the manual. Now after my $18,000 annual, LandMark took six hours to tell me that the actuators all had leaky O-rings, and that they were having trouble finding anyone who could rebuild them? Says it'll take another ten hours to bebuild them "when" they can find the O-rings. Does this make sense? $3500 more to rebuild the three pistons?? So my question is after reading your post from sometime back is: Are you the actuator guru that I am looking for? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated before I go broke... Randy Russell Winston-Salem, NC

 

[bradmc]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

O-rings are easy to come by, and they are easy to rebuild. I'd be very leery of what they are telling you.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

O rings are available from a number of sources and are pretty inexpensive Takes about an hour to rebuild an actuator . If one is leaking it should be rebuilt. Not necessary to rebuild all. Most rebuild the mains as a pair and the nose as necessary.

Sounds like you were screwed on the annual and the screwing continues. Nose actuator rebuild should be a couple of hundred dollars at most .

 

[nruzic]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

I am sure Jim has a Actuator kit with all the O-Rings & parts needed
Randy this is awfull. Argue with Landmark they will re work their bill O Ring leak detect inspection max 2 hrs
Actuator rebuild take them a quote from another place - Statesville near you SVH has a shop and the fellow there is James and he figures if you drop off 3 actuators in the morning he'll have them done end of the day.

Call me and we can discuss Seven5 Seven 57 Oh 58 Oh 8

 

[kgrant]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Take them home. Clean them up. Take the o-rings to the busiest farm implement repair shop in your area. tell them they are for a hydraulic cylinder. match them up. cost--$5.00 experience--priceless........ k

 

[Frank]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Mine is the "old" style I believe and there is a picture of it in the hangar section that was put there by someone from the thread regarding the actuators. If I did not make a mistake in typing in the O rings and you have the old style actuator like in the picture those should work. I do know the O rings for mine regarding price were cheap as Kelly points out.

I could not find one of the threads I was looking for but below is one that should help.

http://hoster2.commander.org/vb/showthread.php?t=4300&highlight=1976+Actuator

They are very easy to rebuild and it took longer to take off and clean up and install before opening the actuator than it did to rebuild it. I also had all new nuts and bolts replaced. I had all of my actuators rebuilt at the same time. I doubt it took more than 2 to 21/2 hours for the complete job including swinging the gear. I also helped doing the grunt work.

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Hey there Jim. I own 1271J a 1975 Commander 112A. After an extensive annual at Landmark I took her up for a test drive and after several attempts to get my nose gear down, I had to pull the manual. Now after my $18,000 annual, LandMark took six hours to tell me that the actuators all had leaky O-rings, and that they were having trouble finding anyone who could rebuild them? Says it'll take another ten hours to bebuild them "when" they can find the O-rings. Does this make sense? $3500 more to rebuild the three pistons?? So my question is after reading your post from sometime back is: Are you the actuator guru that I am looking for? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated before I go broke... Randy Russell Winston-Salem, NC

Randy,
I had a pesky main that would 'seep' when the temp dropped. Jim hooked me for a reasonable service. Highly recommend. We initially tried his kit but neither my A&P, IA or I could get the o rings to set inside the cap. (Even with the 'magic' tool that Jim supplies with the kit)

Just make sure you follow his shipping instructions to a T ! ! !
We ate a lot of downtime per a shipping method misunderstanding.

 

[gmores]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Randy - Jim does have kits for $35 or so with all the o-rings needed for the rebuilds. And if you want the really easy way out I'm sure you can just send him your actuators and he'll rebuild them for you.

Definitely time to look for another shop, though.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Always amazes me when I see someone pay 18k for an annual but not spring for the 75$ to join COG (which would have probably saved a couple of grand, if used for research before approving repairs)

 

[ksandrew]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Joell,

I could not agree more. If COG membership went up to $500 per year I would still consider it an amazing value.

We used to have a Landmark Aviation here at KABY, we all called them "Landfill" aviation based on their service. They hated piston aircraft and did everything they could to discourage general aviation at our airport. The highest 100LL price in the whole state of Georgia. Their shop were not allowed to stock oil filters or even O Rings.

Owned by an investment group they had no interest in aviation.

Life is a barrel of fun.

Ken

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Ken
I have had the pleasure of stopping at a couple of Landmark locations around the country, (most recent Ellington, Houston ) and always left feeling screwed . Landing fees ,security fees ,parking fees and no first night waived no matter how much fuel you buy .

 

[alandotson]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Hey there Jim. I own 1271J a 1975 Commander 112A. After an extensive annual at Landmark I took her up for a test drive and after several attempts to get my nose gear down, I had to pull the manual. Now after my $18,000 annual, LandMark took six hours to tell me that the actuators all had leaky O-rings, and that they were having trouble finding anyone who could rebuild them? Says it'll take another ten hours to bebuild them "when" they can find the O-rings. Does this make sense? $3500 more to rebuild the three pistons?? So my question is after reading your post from sometime back is: Are you the actuator guru that I am looking for? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated before I go broke... Randy Russell Winston-Salem, NC

So Randy, I don't think there's anyone here doesn't have a lot of compassion for your situation. BUT, it seems you have not managed the situation well...

An $18k annual is NOT normal! To have problems after a $18k annual is unforgivable. To think that you should continue with Landmark is not smart. I think you have been scammed and I would take your invoice back to Landmark and demand a line by line explanation. Might not resolve the situation, but perhaps you could mitigate it a little? If they don't care, I, personally would camp in front of their facility for a year with very rude signs... At the very least, we know their name and location, so no further Commander business. Your post didn't seem very indignant; amazing since the charges were so outrageous...!

You should call Jim Richards! He does know the actuators and EVERYTHING else concerning Commanders.

Sorry, this touched a nerve for me! Airplanes are always expensive, but don't have to be outrageous. Best of luck to you resolving these issues.

Alan

 

[Planecents]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Not to mention that I don't feel there described solution would keep the gear from extending normally. Gear operation is part of the annual. Should have showed up before your check flight. They might be the cause rather than the cure. Run don't walk.

 

[rgorman]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

I have had 3, what I call extensive annuals in a row. Changing and adding a lot of parts and upgrades. Including some nice stuff from RCM. 18k would have paid for all 3 of my annuals.

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

I'm sure I'm setting myself up for comment. I view maintenance operating exp in separate categories. I coordinate an annual inspection and we perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

But in my five years the worst (annual) was $1200 and 3/4 of that was for two new main wheel assemblies which failed (corrosion).

My A&P charges a flat rate of $250 (Much owner assist mind you) and the I A charges $250.
That covers the inspection /release. And I may add, I'm extremely satisfied with their quality of work and the airworthiness of the plane.

During the year we practice constant maintenance awareness.
(2015; in addition to 50 / 100 hr servicing - inner tail fin doubler replace, All hydr flexible hose replacement, front Trunion replace, Front and Main tires/tubes, Oil press txdr and ordered Pat's steering pulley's and hardware) $4.7K total
So if I had dropped her off for an inspection and repair as needed, 2015 would have been in the neighborhood of $5.5 - $6K.
Funny, spreading it out over the year I can semi live with it. Hitting me for a $6K annual and I would initially flip . . .

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

I'm sure I'm setting myself up for comment. I view maintenance operating exp in separate categories. I coordinate an annual inspection and we perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

But in my five years the worst (annual) was $1200 and 3/4 of that was for two new main wheel assemblies which failed (corrosion).

My A&P charges a flat rate of $250 (Much owner assist mind you) and the I A charges $250.
That covers the inspection /release. And I may add, I'm extremely satisfied with their quality of work and the airworthiness of the plane.

During the year we practice constant maintenance awareness.
(2015; in addition to 50 / 100 hr servicing - inner tail fin doubler replace, All hydr flexible hose replacement, front Trunion replace, Front and Main tires/tubes, Oil press txdr and ordered Pat's steering pulley's and hardware) $4.7K total
So if I had dropped her off for an inspection and repair as needed, 2015 would have been in the neighborhood of $5.5 - $6K.
Funny, spreading it out over the year I can semi live with it. Hitting me for a $6K annual and I would initially flip . . .

I do the same type of thing and my costs are similar.

 

[nruzic]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

John & michael that's the well thought out way to do it - keeps costs monitored, organized and get a safety payoff

 

[JimParker256]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

Yep, I agree. Plus you avoid flying around knowing there is something wrong with your plane. I always would be wondering "Was that the first link in the accident chain?" If I know something is wrong, I can't stand to not address it right away.

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: Nose Actuator Replacement Parts

21 years Air Force maintenance, seeing over 10 aircraft accidents and being in 1, I review, question everything. Don't get me wrong, there are very good mechanics out there, but I will still review. The mechanic I use is very good and he encourages and likes owners to ask questions and is glad to show you what is wrong and what is fixed. So I do it mainly for Safety, secondly because I like working on the plane, thirdly the cost savings.


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