Over the last several months, we’ve covered a lot of different aircraft parts and functions as part of our goal to educate and inform pilots, mechanics, and aircraft owners about the importance of aircraft maintenance and keeping your systems in tiptop shape. In the next several articles, we’re going to take a deeper dive into all the airframes AAI supports. Whether you fly a Beechcraft, Bombardier Challenger, Cessna, Citation, King Air, or Piper, AAI can help you get the aircraft parts you need better, faster, cheaper, and without losing quality. Regardless of what airframe you own, AAI’s goal is to help you get access to hard-to-find aircraft parts without the headaches, long lead times, and high prices.
In this article, we’re going to focus on Cessna aircraft maintenance with a specific focus on two parts: fuel selector valves and trim tab actuators. As a pilot, mechanic, or aircraft owner, we understand how frustrating it is to have a grounded plane. When you partner with AAI for your exchange or overhaul, you’ll have options and high-level technical experience you won’t find elsewhere. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get your Cessna aircraft back in the air with AAI.
AAI Overhauls and Exchanges Cessna Aircraft Parts
When it comes to your Cessna aircraft, it is important to send your parts for exchange or overhaul to a certified repair station that does more than just apply a shiny paint job. Keeping your aircraft’s fuel system well-maintained is crucial to ensure proper operation.
With fuel selector valves, a lot of manufacturers do not provide much information, data, or guidance. Fuel selector valves are controlled by a switch or knob that will only have a few different positions, which makes this part of the fuel system seem deceivingly simple yet incredibly important. The fuel selector valve is not a part to pull out on a tailgate and work on out in the field. It should be handled by an FAA certified repair with special tools, equipment and training..
Trim tab actuators have a tolerance from .004 to .010 inches, which is the thickness of a human hair. They require detailed construction from a repair station that can diagnose the problem quickly and safely. Construction of these parts must be perfect; if the trim tab is too tight, the part can seize up midair. If it is too loose, the pilot can’t control the plane as precisely as they need to. Trim tab actuators are also prone to corrosion, so it is important that when you send your parts in, you’re getting more than just a pretty paint job.
Cessna Fuel Selector Valve Overhaul and Inspection
According to Cessna, most fuel selector valves require inspection on an as needed basis. However, AAI recommends inspecting Cessna fuel selector valves more frequently before small problems turn into emergencies. Whether any parts need to be overhauled will be determined during the inspection. There are a lot of reasons a fuel selector valve could need overhaul, including:
- Corrosion from elements
- Stiff operation of internal parts
- General damage over time
It is important to stay up to date on inspections and necessary overhaul. If you’re interested in learning more about fuel selector valve maintenance, check out our blog series covering airplane parts and maintenance.
Cessna Trim Tab Actuator Overhaul and Inspection
When it comes to your Cessna trim tab actuator, it is important to inspect every 1000 hours or every 3 years.
Trim tab actuators are prone to high wear and corrosion, so maintaining them is crucial to avoid potential issues. Read more in our blog about trim tab and flap actuators.
AAI Services a Variety of Cessna Aircraft Models
AAI can help with maintenance services on a lot of different Cessna models, including Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cessna 210, Cessna 414A, Cessna 421C, and many more. So, whether you’re flying Grandpa’s two-seater or a corporate business jet, AAI will take care of your needs. AAI understands the frustration that comes with needing to repair or replace an airplane part, especially on a tight turn around.
AAI Will Help You Get Certified Cessna Parts Fast
When you can’t find the parts you need, the problems multiply. You send in your plane for routine maintenance and expect to have it back in a week. But inspections turn up several parts that need to be replaced, which could take weeks or even months. What now?
The entire process of locating, ordering, and receiving certified aircraft accessories is a huge headache.
Uncertified, untested parts are all over the internet, but do you really want to risk your safety for convenience? Certified replacement parts can take a ridiculously long time to ship – sometimes months – and the cost can be absurdly high.
Unless you shop with AAI.
We’ll help you avoid the delays and headaches, and instead get certified, safe, and tested aircraft accessories so that you can fix your aircraft and get back to flying.
We make it easy for you to get the Cessna parts you need:
1. Call AAI
2. Get a quote
3. Fix your plane and fly
Check out our certified parts and accessories for Cessna aircraft here.