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crankshaft when, since the crankshaft is undersized, he should have installed oversized bearings. The undersized crank and normal size bearings created too large of a clearance at the front bearing, resulting in too low of oil pressure to the prop governor. With the excessively low oil pressure, the system acted just as it should – it allowed the prop to feather.
Grumpy Old Man
Since I’m officially old and on Medicare, and being a grumpy old man was moved to the Normal Procedure section from the Abnormal and Emergency sections, perhaps I can get away with some venting – as long as I comply with the Limitations section. But after grounding my poor Duke for a few months and paying $26K to fix the main- bearing misstep, complaining is difficult to hold back. I can taste the soap.
Kevin Dingman has been flying for more than 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 28,000 hours in his logbook. A retired Air Force major, he flew the F-16 and later performed as an USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Officer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian organiz tion Wings of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke.Contact Kevin at dinger10d@ gmail.com.
1st Source
November 2021 / TWIN & TURBINE • 27