Winglets

Jim Smith · #1 11-29-10, 10:34 PM

I've seen very few Skymasters with winglets and heard a couple people mention that they thought there was an AD on installing these or that it wasn't recommended. Comments anybody? Thanks, Jim

hharney · #2 11-29-10, 10:51 PM

Jim
The proposed AD is on the AE extended wing fuel tanks with the AE winglets. The winglets alone without the extended range tanks are not effected. I have them and like the winglets. I am not sure I really get all the performance data that was specified but they don't take anything away from it either. I like the look of them but some Skymaster owners have mixed feelings about the look. Looking back on it I really think you get more performance bang for your buck with the VG's kit. I haven't installed those yet. But many of the members here on the board have had a lot of good things to say about the VG's.

If you are interested in the winglets, because of the proposed AD there will be some used ones to hit the market. Might ask around the message board if you are looking to buy some.

Cheers

Jim Smith · #3 11-30-10, 08:51 AM

Thanks Herb. A Skymaster I'm considering purchasing has winglets. Is it the 148 gal ext tanks they're referring to?

Roger · #4 11-30-10, 09:05 AM

I have 148 gallons standard in my skymaster (from the factory). I would imagine the one you are looking at is the same. Check the POH that came with the plane and it wil tell you how it came out of the factory.

Jim Smith · #5 11-30-10, 09:43 AM

Not sure if the plane I'm looking at with the winglets has the big tanks or not. Waiting to hear back from the seller. My concern is if the proposed AD about winglets being used with ext range tanks is referring to the factory 148 gal long range tanks or some kind of add on.

K337A · #6 11-30-10, 10:55 AM

I would check to make sure the wingspan isn't to long for a standard T hanger. Most T-Hangers will not accommodate a 337 with the Flint extensions. I would check the TQ tube's in the flap mechanism. It will be pricey if some non aware mechanic or owner screwed the wrong sheet-metal screw into the wrong location in the access panel.

Flint tanks- http://www.flintaero.com/index.html

Jim Smith · #7 11-30-10, 11:20 AM

Ahhh..good point. Most of the std hangers are 40', just barely enough to squeeze an unmodified 337 in.