EXTAAFLY
Well Known Member
Has anybody ever removed a step (tail dragger, completed / flying airplane)?
In the process of redoing my avionics and wiring, I discovered some interesting installation techniques. Had to remove the baggage floor temporarily to pull some wiring. Not sure, maybe this is the way it is supposed to be installed. The left rudder cable is laying across the step structure. It just doesn't look right to me. With the baggage floor secured with blind rivets, this is an area that is difficult, if not impossible to inspect and keep an eye on. 18 year old and 900 hours, cable doesn't show any signs of wear. Maybe I am being overly concerned. I thought about re-installing the floor with nutplates, but that presents a cascading bit of rework with significant portions of the floor having to be removed and reinstalled. That being said, there are aesthetic reasons I want to remove as well.
I am thinking of removing the step and replacing the aluminum as if it didn't have a step. Has anybody ever attempted this? Are there original installation techniques that make this a one way street? Have any advice? Is it even possible?
Thank you
In the process of redoing my avionics and wiring, I discovered some interesting installation techniques. Had to remove the baggage floor temporarily to pull some wiring. Not sure, maybe this is the way it is supposed to be installed. The left rudder cable is laying across the step structure. It just doesn't look right to me. With the baggage floor secured with blind rivets, this is an area that is difficult, if not impossible to inspect and keep an eye on. 18 year old and 900 hours, cable doesn't show any signs of wear. Maybe I am being overly concerned. I thought about re-installing the floor with nutplates, but that presents a cascading bit of rework with significant portions of the floor having to be removed and reinstalled. That being said, there are aesthetic reasons I want to remove as well.
I am thinking of removing the step and replacing the aluminum as if it didn't have a step. Has anybody ever attempted this? Are there original installation techniques that make this a one way street? Have any advice? Is it even possible?
Thank you