I am looking for any and all information related to failure of the polymer blocks that are used to hold in-place the foot control rods of the rudder control arms. These polymer mounting blocks failed when the right rudder was needed. We found that all three of blocks had failed (Left, Center, and Right) with the center and right coming completely apart which resulted in complete lost of control of the airplane right rudder. The good news was we were taxing at the time. If it occurred in the air you would never have seen this report that for sure. After looking at the polymer blocks I was taken back at its design. As an engineer, the design is not right in my opinion. It does not even meet good engineering stress requirements and for safety, for get it. As a result, I am posting this alert and asking if you or others you know may have had this same problem and what did you or they do about it. Please let me know the action taken...Thanks so much... Oh! did anyone design a better mounting block?
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To see this working, head to your live site.
Stephen Meyer
Mar 03, 2019
Edited:Â Mar 04, 2019
Failure of rudder foot control polymer blocks:
Failure of rudder foot control polymer blocks:
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We have an SB in regards to this, also we have an upgraded toe brake option that eliminates the blocks
We have 3 active Aventuras 2 in the rep of Panama .
I myself have over -1500 hours on it .
In case anybody needs an advise -please contact me directly @ yossros@gmail.com
BR
SAFE LANDINGS
YOSEPH
Thanks for sharing. That's good info. Mine is also about 20 years old. I was thinking about doing something similar (wrapping with a steel strap. I guess it would also make sense just to install new bocks.
Thanks again!
I had a mid-rudder block failure recently. The pictures I had before the failure, which are not the best, did not indicate any problems. The failure occurred while ground testing.
The replacement blocks are somewhat bigger lengthwise and the center tube required some trimming to be able to install the new blocks. I also cut 1" strips of steel and wrapped it around the blocks (I replaced all 3 blocks as they were 20 years old) drilling the steel where appropriate. In case of a future failure, the steel will hold everything in place.
Thanks Alex!
They should show hairline cracks throughout before they fail. We have gone to a total break and steel rider assembly therefore eliminating the blocks
I had same failure -> went off runway ( no damage .
made a repair with strong & wide TIRE -UPS. purchased same plastic blocks from the Factory ( EXPENSIVE) and enforced with same strong wide Tyre-Ups.
Are toe brakes standar on new kits?
Very Nice.
Super secret but we now have Toe brakes :-) This is steel, and eliminates the blocks all together.