Letters From the Members
Unintentional Test Pilot
Frank's 1977 T210M Landing Gear
I must complement Guy on his article
'Unintentional Test Pilot' in the October issue
of Cessna Pilots Association magazine. I'm a
20000+ hour airline pilot but a relatively new
aircraft owner. I was weaned on GA, kind of
got out of it now I'm back in hook-line and
sinker.
In reference to Frank's 1977 210 landing gear
on page 55 of the November issue. I had a
similar problem in my 172RG where the gear
wouldn't work in flight, but worked fine on
the jacks on the ground. Before you have him
yank out the motor, have him replace the power
relay first. The relay contactor inside the relay
gets contaminated after many years of use and
will prevent proper current from going to the
motor. In my case the relay closed in flight and
found a place where the current wouldn't flow.
About 3 years ago, I purchased a 1955 Cessna
180. I'm having more fun with this thing than
I even imagined. I'm also very involved in the
maintenance and upkeep (after all, isn't that
half the fun?). I've always been a very cautious
pilot, but he brought things to my attention that
I hadn't thought of.
I so liked his article that I've created a 'Back
in Service' checklist to be used anytime
maintenance is done on the airplane. It's too
easy to skip or forget things if the only time the
cowling is off the airplane is when the annual
is done.
When the power was cycled, the relay relaxed,
and when it went on jackstands it found a spot
that worked. Then, in flight, it f