>I have noticed that if I lower the
gear/flaps/outriggers at just under flap speed, the outriggers do not audibly
latch
in the down
position until approx 70 mph. I'm wondering if the down latch springs are
getting
tired after 6 yrs or so?<
This is a fairly common phenomenon even on newer Europas. The increase airflow
near the gear limit speed works against the springs. With that in mind I delay
lowering the landing gear until 60-65kts. On the day of my incident the gear
was lowered at about this speed. One suggestion made by another monowheel owner
is to always lower the gear in one rapid movemement. This will give the
outriggers
a bit more inertia as they swing improving the chances of latching. Perhaps
this was the one thing that I should have done. In the past I have normally
lowered the gear in a relatively gentle motion to smooth out the pitch change.
Two warning points for those delaying gear lowering. Firstly remember that
60kts is only about 10kts above the stall speed. Secondly there is an increased
chance of forgetting gear lowering altogether.
I haven't had a chance yet to more closely examine the outrigger mechanism.
However
with the latest outrigger mod ensuring a free and lubricated pivot I don't
expect to find anything amiss. One owner had a problem of a bolt head rubbing
against the sideplates. This leaves witness marks and should be easy to check.
I will ensure my microswitches are fully functional in future and would
recommend
these as an extra piece of mind to other monowheel owners.
If I find out anything else I will of course place my findings on the forum.
Nigel Charles
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Is big brother watching you? http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security
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