Oil filler door

[Griphos]

Well, the oil filler door on my '46 11AC Chief appears to have fluttered down on some unsuspecting pasture in my last flight. Where might one go about finding a replacement oil filler door?

[rkittine]

Let me know what you find out. My Chief doen't have a door. Have to unhook the cowling screws and open the cowling.

[Flynlow]

Somebody help! I flew the Chief yesterday and she flew fine, but there's a big hole in the side! I bet I walked 5 miles looking for the door, but no luck. Where can we find one?

[rkittine]

I bet you that Sonny Porch in Florida would make you one? He made my heater shroud for the Champ. 352-572-0552 Classic Air Ventures

[Griphos]

I'll give him a call and see. But if anyone knows of an original laying around somewhere, let me know.

[rkittine]

If you get a chance, can you post a picture of the whole? I would like to see how this was done as I do not have a door for Oil Checking.

[Flynlow]

I don't have a closeup shot, but you see it in this photo.

If you get a chance, can you post a picture of the whole? I would like to see how this was done as I do not have a door for Oil Checking.

[Griphos]

There's a piano hinge on top and a push button catch in the middle of the bottom. The catch wasn't holding anymore, I guess, and the wire on the hinge must have worked it's way out during flight as the door flapped around. Can't see it from the pilot's seat.

[rkittine]

Looks like one from an Early Cessna 150.

[EDGEFLY]

Was this an original part on any Chief ? Personally, I doubt it, but sure would be interested if this is a legal part on an Aeronca. Otherwise, there should be an STC or something to justify its existence on a certified aircraft. At least, there must be some kind of logbook entry. Another question, would this hole provide enough visibility of the components under the cowling to satisfy YOUR needs for preflight inspection ?

Dale

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dale,
With the cowling considered a secondary structure, at best, there would be a log entry for installation.
Paul

[jc pacquin]

No it does not provide enough view to do a preflight. It helps ALOT when you simply want to check the oil while on a cross country, etc. Around here it would be easy for an A&P or AI to make you a new one and have it on quite quickly.JP

[Griphos]

Yeah, I just had my AP make a new one, and he did a great job. Better than the old one.

[EDGEFLY]

My question again: Was this an an original part replacement? Did your A&P make an entry in your logs? What did it say ??????


Dale

[EDGEFLY]

jc,

I 'll follow up on that. Has some disciple from somewhere concluded that a preflight inspection is now not required on XC flights ? But, it is necessary to check the engine oil level? I would agree that you can have almost anything made in Baltimore or other megopoli or even easier out here in the wilderness. Whatever, I would also think checking the amount of fuel might be another good idea.--Just a little tug on your leg but the whole thing doesn't see to track somehow.

Dale