Modifying Skymaster landing gear

Ernie Martin · #1 10-03-11, 12:30 AM

I've been tempted to write earlier but felt I shouldn't wait longer.

IMO you should not do the modification.

Three reasons.

First, with routine maintenance the gear is very reliable. Second, once you get used to the faster speed of the gear-up aircraft, the gear-down version will seem impossibly slow -- it may be 5 or 10 knots, but believe me that it feels like much more (for reasons that have nothing to do with the gear, my last 10 or so flights have been with the gear down and it's a pain). Third, there is a safety issue, because an engine out on take-off is a lot safer to handle when the gear is up compared to when the gear is down.

I also concur with others that to do it right will be expensive; save the money for unexpected expenses and to keep your bird in perfect condition.

For the record, I've owned two Skymasters over the last 12 years (the first one was a D with the gear door removal STC and the current one is a G with the doors), I have an MS in mechanical engineering and spent over 30 years in aerospace businesses.

Just think about it.

Ernie Martin

cessnadriver · #2 10-03-11, 07:49 AM

Mr. Martin,
You probably make perfect sense? I have an unnatural fear of doing a gear up landing that I don't think I'll ever get over. The extra training required to DEAL with retractable gear, ie, emergency procedures. I am a single engine Cessna pilot, of about 400 hours, non-instrument rated, and that too is something I don't ever plan on getting (crazy especially since I'm buying a Skymaster). I returned to flying airplanes after about ten years of off-and-on helicopter flying. I'm just a "bore holes in the sky" pilot. I didn't even think I'd fly something (in my mind) as complex as a fixed gear C182. But as a CAP pilot I had to fly the C182 because of my job as maintenance officer for our Squadron. Any ways I do feel comfortable in the simple C182 with constant speed prop. SO I wanted to expand my horizons by purchasing and learning to fly a Skymaster. Back to my thoughts. I'm an A&P and will be doing my own maintenance, with help from an IA for annuals. So as a mechanic I feel the additional maintenance/expense (like rebuilding/replacing hydraulic cylinders, gear retract tests, etc.) required for the "RG" is not worth it. As I previously stated I was originally looking for a C336 as you know was ONLY a fixed gear.
This is my thinking, thanks for your comments.
BILLS

Roger · #3 10-03-11, 08:42 AM

There is certainly nothing wrong with having any given "fear", and I am sure we all have different ones. There is some talk on this board about the "fear" of engine fire, prompting a search for a system to alert operators if it happens in the rear engine, etc..

The only thing that I might point out is that the "fear" about a gear up landing is really kind of an issue that cuts both ways. In other words, in some instances you may very well want the gear up, if you need to make an unscheduled landing depending on the terrain. Over water or particularly roung terrain, you are typically better off leaving the gear up.

There are a few different devices on the market that will better alert you through your headset or speaker if your gear is not down when close to landing. Spend a little money on that type of backup system, and then you will have the best of "both worlds".

And lastly keep in mind that if you land gear up, so what. I saw a skymaster that had just done it, and all it needed for repair was a little skin work.

Good Luck/Roger

sns3guppy · #4 10-03-11, 09:25 AM

I have had several students in single engine airplanes who were afraid to raise the gear in a Cessna 210. They wanted to do the training with the gear down, on the premise that the gear might fail with use. This is somewhat akin to never wanting to bend one's knees on the off chance they might wear out, or the ancient hang gliding counsel that one should never fly higher than one cares to fall.

Raise the gear.

Yes, landing gear does fail. The Cessna gear is no exception. Like all things mechanical, however, and like all aircraft systems, there are procedures for handling failures.

The Cessna gear system found on the Skymaster has several potential fixes, from replenishing fluid in flight to pumping gear down by hand, to shutting the system off to cool. Knowing the system is the secret to getting comfortable with the system. Not knowing the system, not knowing any system, inspires distrust and fear. Get to know your airplane.

Ernie Martin · #5 10-03-11, 11:03 AM

Your concerns about "additional maintenance/expense (like rebuilding/replacing hydraulic cylinders..." I think is unfounded. Over 12 years on two Skymasters I have never spent a penny on gear maintenance except for inspecting it at annual and one time when I changed the hoses. With you being an A&P, the issue is even less significant.

Just think about it. One suggestion: buy it, fly it for a while, and then decide.

Ernie

Skymaster337B · #6 10-03-11, 09:46 PM

I have aircraft insurance for one reason...gear up landing, mechanical or cranial-rectum inversion. I highly recommend you do the same. Then you don't need an unnatural fear of retracting the gear.

cessnadriver · #7 10-04-11, 06:47 AM

To all, thank you for your comment/advise.
I understand the concept of the gear and the potential of lessening the value of my plane "IF" I decide to modify the gear. Here is another way to look at this.
Being unique! Since the bird I'm getting is somewhat a project I'll have time to evaluate the system and maintenance involved in maintaining it. I certainly don't plan on "ripping" the system out day one. I still need to talk to the DAR that approved the mod and see if in fact it will be too expensive to do? Besides what wrong with simplicity?
Thanks, BILLS