Ramifications of Cherokee Trim Jackcrew Failure

Stealth Pilot wrote:
: amazing to think that the entire tailplane is held to the fuselage by
: two AN3 hinge bolts isnt it :-)
: Stealth Pilot

I thought the same thing when I replaced both of mine (and the associated
bearings) last fall. Especially since the ones in there were a bit corroded/worn.
Metal fatigue bad!

Of course, just for grins I did the math. IIRC, it was a 1/4" bolt in double
shear. Using the shear strength for AN bolts and four shear joints, I got something
like 15000 lbs. So, you could lift the plane fully loaded by the tailfeathers, shake
vigorously at 6G's, and still be within the yield limit.

(Don't try this at home)...

-Cory

--
************************************************** ***********************
* The prime directive of Linux: *
* - learn what you don't know, *
* - teach what you do. *
* (Just my 20 USm$) *
************************************************** ***********************