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Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A

Cessna 120 · Flight Manual

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Overview

This document provides detailed installation instructions for the TrickAir Sport Model 1500 main landing gear skis specifically designed for the Cessna 120, 140, and 140A aircraft models. It outlines the necessary equipment, procedures, and safety considerations for properly installing the skis to ensure optimal performance and compliance with FAA regulations. The installation must be performed on a level surface, and the document emphasizes the importance of proper alignment and ground clearance for the skis. It also includes sections on weight and balance, tire checks, and post-installation procedures, making it a comprehensive guide for aircraft technicians and operators looking to equip their Cessna aircraft with skis for winter operations.

  • The installation must be performed on a level surface, preferably concrete or asphalt.
  • Verify the airplane weight and balance is current before installation.
  • Main wheel tire size must be 6.00-6 and inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
  • Ski ground clearance should be between 0.50 to 0.75 inches after installation.
  • The rear limit cable should provide a positive ski incidence angle of zero to five degrees.

Document

Source

Originally published by trickair.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type
Flight Manual
Year
2016
Pages
13
File size
854 KB
Publisher
trickair.com
How rare is it?
827Cessna 120 registered worldwide · 712 active

Common. One of the most common aircraft types we track.

Documentation completeness
5/7

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In this document

Scope

The installation instructions detail the correct procedure for installing the TrickAir Sport Model 1500 main landing gear skis on Cessna 120, 140, and 140A aircraft. It emphasizes the need for a level surface during installation and the critical nature of proper alignment and ground clearance for ski performance.

Equipment

A list of required equipment for the installation includes a level working area, general hand tools, a torque wrench, and specific tools like a swaging tool and cable cutter. The document stresses the importance of having the right tools to ensure a successful installation.

Weight and Balance

Before installation, it is crucial to verify that the airplane's weight and balance are current. If necessary, the aircraft should be weighed according to the manufacturer's procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Ski Installation

The procedure for ski installation involves sliding the skis onto the ski axles and securing them with retaining nuts and cotter pins. It is essential to inspect the installation to ensure that the skis can pivot freely.

Ski Cable Rigging

The document outlines the process for rigging the ski cables, including the rear limit cable, which should provide a positive ski incidence angle of zero to five degrees. It details the necessary measurements and adjustments to achieve the correct cable lengths and tensions.

Safety notes

  • Deviations from the installation instructions require additional FAA approval.
  • Ensure proper alignment and ground clearance of the skis for optimal performance.

Full document text

Silveraire, LLC 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Installation Procedure: 1500 Main Landing Gear Skis Aircraft Make: Cessna Aircraft Models: 120, 140 and 140A Document No. IP-001 Revision: B Log of Revisions Approved Revision Page(s) Description Date EPW IR All Initial Release 11/30/2007 RAD A All New Cable Rigging Procedure 02/08/2010 SWS B All Previously CFMI-111, updated business address 04/23/2016 Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 1 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. Table of Contents Section Description Page 1.0 Scope 2 2.0 Reference Documents 2 3.0 Equipment 2 4.0 Weight and Balance 2 5.0 Tire Check 2 6.0 Ski Axle Installation 3 7.0 Ski Installation 3 8.0 Ski Alignment Check 3 9.0 Ski Rigging Bracket Installation 4 10.0 Turnbuckle and Ski Tang Attachment 5 11.0 Ski Cable Rigging 6 12.0 Thimble Eye Splice Procedure 8 13.0 Aircraft Weight and Balance, Skis Installed 11 14.0 Post Installation Paperwork 11 15.0 Post Installation Information 12 Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 2 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. 1.0 Scope 1.1 The following installation instructions provide detailed information on the correct installation of the TrickAir Sport Model 1500 main landing gear skis for the listed Cessna aircraft models equipped with the spring type landing gear and the 6.00-6 wheel and tire assembly. 1.2 These installation instructions must be accomplished on a level surface. It is preferable that the surface is concrete or asphalt, and that verification of the surface level is verified prior to beginning this procedure. Proper alignment and ground clearance of the skis is critical for proper performance. These installation instructions must be accomplished as outline for correct ski installation. Deviations to these installation instructions will require additional FAA approval. 2.0 Reference Documents 2.1 AC 43.13-1B 2.2 AC 43.13-2B 2.3 MIL-STD-2219 2.4 Applicable Type Certificate Data Sheet 3.0 Equipment 3.1 Level working area - concrete floor or blacktop is recommended. 3.2 Carpenters 4’ level or smart level 3.3 General Hand Tools 3.4 Wing Stands and Aircraft Jacks 3.5 Torque Wrench 3.6 Swaging Tool 3.7 Go-No Go Sleeve Gauge 3.8 Cable Cutter 3.9 Force Scale 3.10 Shell 5 (Mil-G-3545C), Shell 22 (Mil-G-25013E) or equivalent 4.0 Weight and Balance 4.1 Verify the airplane weight and balance is current. If necessary, weigh the Airplane in accordance with the airplane manufactures procedures. 5.0 Tire Check 5.1 Verify the main wheel tires size is 6.00-6. 5.2 Inflate tires to maximum manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 3 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. 6.0 Ski Axle Installation NOTE: The ski axle installation requires previous or concurrent accomplishment of Cessna SLN- 60 dated July 1, 1949 replacing AN4 axle bolts with AN5 bolts (Ref to Dwg 1500-100). 6.1 Jack the aircraft in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s maintenance manual procedures. 6.2 Remove the main wheel axle mount bolts. 6.3 Install the AN5-27 bolts with bolts heads facing outboard. 6.4 Install the ski axle (MATCO part number A6M) with the axle toward the inboard side of the aircraft. 6.5 Bottom bolts will require 1 thin washer and 1 thick washer. The top bolts require 2 thin washers. 6.6 Torque all four bolts according to airplane maintenance manual (Figure 1). Figure 1 - Axle Installation 6.6 Reinstall brake and wheel assemblies. 6.7 Remove aircraft from jacks. 7.0 Ski Installation 7.1 Slide skis on to ski axles. 7.2 Install retaining nut and cotter pin. 7.3 Inspect installation to ensure the ski is free to pivot. 8.0 Ski Alignment Check Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 4 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. 8.1 Ensure ski ground clearance is 0.50 to 0.75 inch. 8.2 Skis should be parallel laterally (camber) to the ground with the airplane loaded for normal operation (full fuel and one person). 8.3 Check for toe-in by measuring between the rear and at the front skis. The dimension may narrow at the front by no more than 1 inch, and the toe-in should equal between the left and right ski. 8.4 Shims may be installed between the ski axles and the landing gear attach point to achieve proper alignment. 9.0 Ski Rigging Bracket Installation 9.1 At the top of the gear leg on both sides of the airplane remove the gear inspection plate (Figure 2). Figure 2 - Gear Inspection Plate 9.2 Remove the two (2) AN4 bolts and install the gear bracket (P/N 1500-101) (Figures 3 and 4). Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 5 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. Figure 3 - Gear Bracket Installed (Top View) Figure 4 - Gear Bracket Installed (Bottom View) 9.3 Reinstall the AN4 bolts and torque according to airplane maintenance manual.

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9.4 Install two AN6-6A bolts with the appropriate nuts and washers though the top outside bracket holes into the backside bracket (Figures 3 and 4). 10.0 Turnbuckle and Ski Tang Attachment 10.1 Attach a turnbuckle to the larger lower forward and aft holes of the gear leg bracket. Fasten and secure with an AN4-6 bolt and AN310 castle nut and cotter pin (Figures 5 and 6). 10.2 Attach the shock cord to the smaller middle hole on the forward side of the gear leg bracket (Figure 5). Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 6 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. Figure 5 - Gear Leg Hardware (Forward) Figure 6 - Gear Leg Hardware (Aft) 10.3 Repeat step 10.1 and 10.2 on the other side of the aircraft. 10.4 Attach a two-hole bent tang to the AN5 bolts, two on the forward end of the ski and one on the aft end of the ski (Figures 7 and 8). Figure 7 - Aft Two-Hole Tang Figure 8 - Forward Two-Hole Tangs 11.0 Ski Cable Rigging 11.1 All skis are shipped with the necessary materials to make the rear limit, forward safety and crust cutter cables. The installer will be required to measure, cut and thimble eye splice each cable end. Review for FAA acceptable procedures for cable terminations can be found in AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 7, Section 8 Inspection and Repair of Control Cables and Turnbuckles. 11.2 The rear limit (check) cable shall provide a zero to five (5) degree positive ski incidence angle relative to level flight line (reference applicable TCDS) of the aircraft as per AC 43.13-2B Chapter 5. Rear Limit Cable Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 7 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. 11.2.1 Due to the inward sag of the Cessna gear, you must jack the aircraft main gear off the ground and raise the tail of the airplane until between zero and 5 degrees in flight positive ski incidence angle is obtained (Figure 9). Figure 9 - Rear Limit Cable Ski Incidence Angle 11.3 Measure from the empty hole of the attached two-hole tang on the aft end of the ski to the bottom of the turnbuckle attached to the gear leg bracket (Figure 6). This is the length of your rear limit cable. Finish the custom cable fit by completing the cable ends in accordance with section 12 of this installation procedure. 11.4 Next, with the aircraft still in level flight position, measure from the empty hole of the attached forward OUTBOARD two-hole tang to the bottom of the shock cord attached to the gear leg bracket (Figure 5). NOTE: Turnbuckles are not used on Crust Cutter Cables. Subtract three inches from your measurement; this will be your cable length. Finish the custom cable fit by completing the cable ends in accordance with section 12 of this installation procedure. 11.4.1 A tension of between 20 and 40 lb of force is required to deflect the ski tip down as per AC 43.13-2B Chapter 5. Verify that between 20 and 40 lb of downward force at the ski tip has been achieved. 11.5 Now you will measure and rig the Safety Cables. The safety cable is installed to provide a maximum negative incidence of 10 to15 degrees as per AC 43.13-2B Chapter 5. 11.6 With the tail down, jack the aircraft allowing the gear legs to sag into flight position. Place 2x4 blocks under the main gear, then gently lower the aircraft so the main gear just touch the blocks. The aircraft’s weight is still being supported by the jacks and the gear is still in flight position. 11.7 Push the front of the ski down until a maximum negative incidence angle of 10 to 15 degrees is obtained (Figure 10). Measure the negative angle of the bottom inside edge of the ski (Figure 10, Angle B). Measure the positive level flight angle at the upper door sill (per applicable TCDS) in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual (Figure 10, Angle A). Use the total difference as your negative incidence. 11.8 Measure from the empty hole of the attached forward INBOARD two-hole tang to the bottom of the turnbuckle attached to the gear leg bracket (Figure 5), this is the length of your Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 8 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. Safety Cable. Finish the custom cable fit by completing the cable ends in accordance with Section 12 of this installation procedure. 11.9 Repeat steps 11.1 to 11.8 for the opposite gear leg. Figure 10 - Safety Cable Incidence angle NOTE: If the aircraft is equipped with float fittings, they may be used as cable attachment points. Cable lengths must be adjusted to maintain proper specifications as per section 11. 12.0 Thimble Eye Splice Procedure 12.1 The cable ends will need to be finished to the lengths measured in section 11. The cable ends will need to be thimble-eye spliced using the wire rope sleeves and thimbles provided. 12.1.1 First slide the heat shrink tube on to the unfinished cable. Next slide an oval wire rope sleeve over the unfinished cable end keeping it positioned in one of the two openings (Figure 11). 12.1.2 Now loop the end of the cable through the turnbuckle and back through the other hole of the wire rope sleeve (Figure 12). Figure 11 - Heat shrink & wire rope sleeve Figure 12 - Cable Loop 12.1.3 Attach a rigid nail or screw to an open work bench area. Place a finished cable eye over the nail so that the thimble contacts the nail; make sure the two-hole tang does Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 9 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. not interfere with the thimble. Use the nail as a starting point for your tape measure (Figure 13). Figure 13 - Cable Measuring Fixture 12.1.4 Stretch the tape measure out to the desired cable length. Adjust the cable end until the proper length is achieved. The thimble ends should extend into the wire rope sleeve (Figure 14). Figure 14 - Measuring Cable to Length 12.1.5 Hold the sleeve and thimble together so that the cable does not slip. Lay the wire rope sleeve into the proper notch of the swaging tool for the size of sleeve you are using. Note: TrickAir uses only “O” oval type sleeves on their cables. The sleeve should be centered in the jaws of the swaging tool for the first swage. 12.1.6 After the first swage has been made move on to the front of the cable for the second and to the rear for the third (Figure 15). Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 10 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. Figure 15 - Swaging order 12.1.7 Measure cable to verify length. Measure the crimped wire rope sleeve for proper compression using a Go-No Go Sleeve Gauge. 12.1.8 Cut off excess cable from the salvage end. ¾” of cable should extend from the finished crimped wire rope sleeve to allow for full strength of the assembly (Figure 16). 12.1.9 Tape the loose end of the cable with chafe tape (Figure 17). Slide the heat shrink tube up over the taped area until it is in contact with the wire rope sleeve. Heat the tubing to shrink it in place (Figure 18). Figure 16 - Cable Finished to Length Figure 17 - Chafe Tape Installation Figure 18 - Finished Cable End 12.1.10 Repeat steps 12.1.1 through 12.1.9 on the other cables. 12.2 Install the finished cables on the aircraft. Adjust turnbuckles as necessary to obtain the same angle on both skis. Safety wire turnbuckles after adjustments are complete. 13.0 Aircraft Weight and Balance, Skis Installed 13.1 Re-weigh airplane with the skis attached. Calculate new weight and balance according to Aircraft Corporation maintenance manual. 14.0 Post Installation Paperwork Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 11 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. 14.1 This installation must be accomplished by a properly rated Aircraft Technician. 14.2 Complete FAA Form 337 and a maintenance records entry for this alteration. 14.3 Maintenance must be performed in accordance with the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. 15.0 Post Installation Information It is recommended that the aircraft operator read and become familiar with FAA Handbook H-8083- 23. 15.1 Taxi 15.1.1 Taxi on pavement or other hard surfaces as normal. Taxi just as you would without the skis attached with the exception of extremely tight turns. Extremely tight turns will cause the tail wheels to scuff and ware prematurely. 15.1.2 Taxi on snow requires slightly more power depending on the snow condition. Turning radius will be greater but you still have the aid of your brakes to assist you in turns and stopping. 15.1.3 If your airplane has been sitting still on snow be sure your skis are not froze in. Usually stepping on them and or giving them a gentle kick will free them in the event they are frozen. Some pilots will carry wooden blocks to place under the skis to prevent them from freezing in-place. 15.2 Take off procedures 15.2.1 Take off from hard surfaces may be accomplished as you would without skis. 15.2.2 Take off performance from snow will depend on the snow conditions. Refer to the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement for airplane performance information. 15.3 Landing 15.3.1 Landing on a hard surface may be accomplished just as you would without skis. 15.3.2 Landing performance on snow will depend on the snow conditions. Refer to the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement for airplane performance information. Silveraire, LLC. 18099 Elmcrest Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 Document No.: IP-001 Revision: B Page: 12 Model 1500 Ski Installation Procedure: Cessna 120, 140 & 140A This document contains confidential and proprietary information and shall not be used, cited, or reproduced without written permission from Silveraire, LLC. 15.4 Extended Parking 15.4.1 It is a good idea to disconnect the shock cords when not in use. Rubber tends to loose its elasticity in cold weather. It also is easier to move the airplane around by hand if the shock cords are not attached.

Type certificate, explained

What's in the Cessna 120 TCDS

A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is the FAA's record of what an aircraft type was approved as. It is the source of truth for weights, seating, fuel and the rules the design was certified against. Expand any line to see what it means.

TCDS A-768Rev 34· Issued 2003
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