Our trusty KT 76 was really not that trusty. Some stations would pick up a signal but most would not see any response which was becoming just a bit embarassing. I had ordered a second hand KT 76A from Harry Mendelssohn not really realising the problems invoved in using this as a KT76 replacement. Our local avionics engineer obviously realised and was becoming elusive. The trays are just a bit different, the plugs are different and unfortunately the pins are just a bit different. The KT 76A is installed with the help of a soldering iron and working fine but will probably put a Trig mode S as the long term solution.
Tail Wheel
After our trip to Little Snoring it was pointed out by the engineers that the tail looked a lot closer to the ground than maybe it should, I had to agree. Investigation revealed that the tail wheel assembly was on back to front ie.the swing arms were wrong and so the body was the wrong way round. I have fitted a replacement assembly which I sourced and have had the original powder coated ready for rebuilding and refitting by our L.A.E. Will post pics when complete.
Rudder Control Rod
At the last annual we mistakenly thought the metal tube fiberglassed over the rudder control rod was covering up some hidden damage. It was only after removing the tube we discovered it was in fact an approved modification. Oops!! To cut a very long story short we were unable to source replacement tubing to Airbus specification and a new rod had to be fabricated. Not all Bölkow 207’s have this modification, I think later parts didn’t need strengthening.
Tail Wheel Lock
After our first flight we resolved to fix the tail wheel lock. On the ground directional stability seemed poor and would be helped by the lock during take off and the landing roll. The lock was not engaging as it was misaligned. Shims of pretty poor quality were replaced and the lock realigned with the hole on the support tube. The bolts holding the tail wheel assembly would benefit from being fractionally longer to allow a full set of washers but discover sourcing metric bolts quite a challenge. I have ordered some Imperial and a reamer, will need to talk to licensed maintenance before proceeding.