On 5 Apr 2004 08:35:48 GMT, Andrew Warbrick
wrote:

You can see some of the check holes through the hatch
relatively easily (the airbrake ones as I recall).

Those are the only ones that offer a side view: the flaps and aileron
connections show their topsides to the hatch - hence my comment, as
you'd really need a light and mirror to do the visual check.

I was always under the impression that the requirement
for the pin was because the spring loaded wedge could
get gunged up with old greasy crud to the point where
the spring would not push the wedge (or the spring
could break through fatigue and the wedge could work
loose). I always felt safest if, having fitted the
pin, I pushed the wedge up against the pin and gently
tried to pull the L'Hotelier off the ball (as a check
against the cup/wedge being worn enough to detach).

My '20 has spring locking shrouds (I never can remember their correct
name) on all Hotelliers except the elevator, which has a pin. Like
you, I do a rattle test on the Hotelliers after assembly and before
doing positives: checking for wear is a good point, but I use the test
mainly as a check that all the springs are holding things in place.

--
martin@ : Martin Gregorie
gregorie : Harlow, UK
demon :
co : Zappa fan & glider pilot
uk :