In article ,
Larry Dighera wrote:

The article below is printed (in its entirety) in the current issue of
AOPA Pilot magazine. In it, Rod Machado mentions the controls being
"mechanically sticky."

I read this article also, and couldn't believe that he would recommend a
two-handed flare. My experience is that folks tend to over-control with
two hands on the yoke, and if the airplane is properly trimmed, two
hands shouldn't be required in most cases. Two hands on the yoke also
means zero hands on the throttle, and if you need power in a hurry you
will not be properly positioned.



As part of the Piper PA28 annual inspection lubricating the bar
attached to the control yoke with engine oils is mentioned. I have
found that this lubrication is often overlooked, and most rental
aircraft suffer to a greater of lesser extent from sticky elevator
controls as a result.


I believe that Piper used different types of bushings depending on model
year, but I have never heard of "engine oil" being recommended as a
lubricant on the tubes. Maybe on the control chain, but not on the
tubes.

I use silicone spray on the tubes, and have occasionally used DC4. My
yokes do not stick. However, it's obvious that someone in the past has
used a petrol-based lube, because it's all over the bushings and I can't
get rid of it, and it makes a mess of the tubes in short order. I would
not recommend a petrol-based lube on the tubes. I believe that Piper
recommends Parker O-Ring lube in most cases.



JKG