Keeping older popular training aircraft flying

Owners and maintainers of more than 80 Cessna and 15 Beechcraft models now have an aftermarket replacement for original flap motor equipment (manufacturer part number C301002-0121). The replacement 24-28V flap motor is intended to address two known issues with the original unit: It's built to reduce the tendency to trip the aircraft's flap motor circuit breaker and to resist demagnetization of its permanent magnets in low subzero temperatures.

McFarlane also incorporated changes to the motor's construction by applying varnish to the motor windings during manufacturing, a process that fills the gaps between coil wires to add adhesive and dielectric strength, which the company says improves durability and resistance to vibration and environmental wear.

McFarlane said the part is eligible for installation on approved aircraft models as a replacement for the original motor. Many affected aircraft remain widely used in general aviation and flight training. Eligible Cessna models include the 152, 172, 177, 182, 206, 207, 208, 210, 303, 336, and 337, while eligible Beechcraft models include several Bonanza and Baron variants. A companion replacement rubber disc (C301001-0211) is also available.

McFarlane has also expanded support for several aging Cessna models by making structural repair kits developed by Hutch Aviation available. The kits are now available for some Cessna 172, 182, 206, 207, and 210 models, addressing fatigue and cracking in the forward doorpost structure, a critical area where the wing strut attaches to the fuselage.

The repair kits provide an approved method of restoring structural integrity in aircraft affected by wear accumulated over decades of service.

The new components provide additional maintenance and repair options for aircraft that remain widely used in flight training, personal transportation, and utility operations. The flap motor assembly or the doorpost repair kits are available through McFarlane Aviation.