Dealing with Corrosion in Control Tubes/Rods
Halloween Update!
Dealing with spookiest part of aging Helicopters, Corrosion!
This update focuses on the importance of inspecting the inside of control tubes/rods when changing clevis' or rod ends. This damage was found on a Hydraulic Servo Control Tube P/N: 204-076-267-001 while undergoing an inspection.
You can clearly see the corrosion damage down in the threads and attaching hardware once the clevis was removed. As mentioned in TM 55-1520-210-23-2, corrosion in this area is limited to almost none at all, and I think we can all agree that flight control components are a mission critical item!
(More related TM's Below Article)
When changing clevis' or rod ends the technician should take a little extra time and inspect the inside diameters and threads before re-installing that rod end. Without a good cleaning and a strong flashlight this damage could have gone unobserved.
As we approach 60 years airborne most of the little intricacies of the Huey have been sorted out but of all the problems that face these ageing aircraft, most would say that corrosion is the greatest killer of components.
Weekly Lesson: Clean, Inspect, and apply CPC! ATTACHMENTS FOR UPLOAD TM 55-1520-210-23-2 TM55-1520-210-23-2-1 tm55-1520-210-23-2-2 tm55-1520-210-23-2-3
Best Regards
David E. Wilson
Valley Aerospace LLC
CRS# VOZR168Y
2618 N OGDEN RD STE 103
MESA, AZ 85215 U.S.A.
TF: 480-534-8152
C: 480-251-9036 W: VALLEY.AERO