Tecnam Sierra Canopy Problem (Travel Stops)

[Mike Green]

Yesterday I found a conversation on this site about repairing damaged travel stops on Sierra canopy rails, but today I can't find it. If the blokes involved read this would they please put up their hands?

I have a Sierra in Canada, and last week as I took off the canopy opened and slammed aft to the stops. I'd not latched it ( I know, I know - Check Lists!). It jammed and could not be closed so I flew the forty miles back to my field with it open, tossed about on a particularly gusty day. Consulted the maintenance manual and today investigated, finding that some of the little pop-rivets  had sheared. Tackled the job today and one side co-operated and was repaired, but the steel pin through the other aluminium handle won't move. What methods did you use or can you suggest to shift the bugger? All suggestions gratefully received.

Mike Green, Toronto .    

[facthunter]

Carefully with a hard drill or a flat disc to cut it. Preserve the Aluminium. Don't get it hot Take your time..  Nev

[Mike Green]

Hello Nev . Thanks for this. For the first one I was able, using as a drift the butt end of a drill bit of the same diameter, to drive the pin through enough that I could grasp the other end with pliers and pull it through. The pin has a split cut down one side, whose edges help it grip, I guess. But the second doesn't want to budge. It's a hard material only 2-3mm dia., and I doubt that I could drill it out without harming the ali. handle. 

I don't understand the cutting disc suggestion - the pin doesn't protrude either side...

Regards, Mike 

[facthunter]

I'd need some picture of it. Is it possible to press it out with a modified Small but strong "G"  Clamp?   Nev

[Red]

Is it a hollow roll pin ?

If so you can try a drill bit just slightly oversize to the pins ID and see if it grabs and rotates the pin, then lightly pull as it rotates

 

[facthunter]

You'd have to  worry about oversizing the hole.  Nev

[Red]

Yea should have added ...use a light penetrating lube whilst attempting this

[facthunter]

Fair chance it IS a spring pin. Rolled strip of spring steel. Best to press out???  Nev

[Mike Green]

I'm back.

  Several days ago, as I said, seeking advice I looked on this site and quickly found a conversation between two blokes on exactly my problem - caused , one of them claimed, by "hamfisted passengers getting in and out" - slamming the canopy back too violently, presumably. But I've failed to find it again despite putting various phrases in the search  box. I thought one of the people was you, Nev, but it seems you are not on intimate terms with the Sierra.

  The right-side pin co-operated so I was able to raise the edge of the canopy and replace the sheared pop-rivets of the travel stop bracket on that side, so the travel is now controlled. I'll try penetrating oil on the left handle, think about a modified G-clamp and enquire of Tecnam's U.S. branch about a replacement handle and pin, or if all else fails a latch assembly.

  For those of you helpers who have been guessing about something you've not seen, I've attached pictures from the maintenance manual. The steel pin is solid, not a roll pin. Although only 2-3mm diameter and 13mm long, it has a v-shaped longitudinal groove cut in the central part, swelling it slightly and whose sharp edges presumably help its grip. It has a name but I can't think of it...

  Thanks to all. It's good to keep the little grey cells active.

Mike

     

 

 

Sierra canopy latch 1.pdf Sierra Canopy latch 2.pdf

[facthunter]

I made it clear Mike that I needed a picture. My advice was only general.... I've worked with a lot of Pins, rivets and sheet metal and removal of broken fasteners.  Such catches are easily overloaded by people who  have no feeling for catches and locks.  It looks as though you could replace any damaged part easily. Nev

[Mike Green]

Hey, Nev

No criticism was intended in either of those paragraphs, believe me. I'm not well up on computers and the pictures arrived a bit late. I meant that you were all working in the dark, and I appreciate the help and the spirit. Anyway, the canopy now has a working stop. I'd like to finish the job myself, but will find out whether such small parts are stocked.

All the best, 

Mike