[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

RE: REFLECTOR: That bearing



Hey Brian,

I just received about a dozen reflector messages, like this one, that were 
posted in the December/January time frame (thus reinforcing my perception 
that I'm always the last to get the news ;<)).   Based on the content of 
some of the messages I've seen, I've been suspicious for a while that some 
of the postings aren't getting to me.
Am I alone?  Any idea what's happening here?

Regards,

Joe Stack
983SC/XLRG


-----Original Message-----
From:	Duane Swing [SMTP:DuaneS@velocityaircraft.com]
Sent:	Thursday, January 07, 1999 1:55 PM
To:	reflector@awpi.com; Brian K. Michalk
Subject:	RE: REFLECTOR: That bearing

Dear Reflector readers:
   There seems to be a lot of speculation as to the bearing failure of
Simons Velocity Elite.  Just to set the record straight, the bearing did
not fail.  The problem seems to be that some of the front torque tube
bearing assemblies were sent out using the familiar countersink type
10/32 screws to hold the bearing in place.  These screws are common on
the other bearing assemblies and have served without a problem for
years, but were not to be used on the front bearing of the Elite and XL.
This is because, unlike the other bearings, the front bearing is trying
to pull aft when the control stick is pulled back (flare for landing)
and is installed with the flange of the bearing on the aft face of the
bracket.  What caused Simons to pull through the countersink screws is
still not known.  We tried to pull one through here and almost destroyed
the bracket that holds the bearing before it would let go.  Once we can
see the part first hand we can, perhaps, have a better idea why.  In the
meantime, as of tomorrow, we are sending out about 220 postcards to all
Elite and XL customers to check this bearing support and if the
countersink screws were used, to replace with a standard flat head 10/32
screw.  We have also contacted one of our friends and former Velocity
builder Steve Drybread, who lives near where Simon had his accident, to
take Simons airplane into his care.  Simon, if you read this, be assured
that we at the factory are going to do all we can to get you back in the
air at little or no cost to you.  As to all you Reflector guys, keep
Simons spirits up when you talk to him.
   Sincerely,   Duane Swing

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Brian K. Michalk [SMTP:michalk@awpi.com]
> Sent:	Thursday, January 07, 1999 3:38 PM
> To:	reflector@awpi.com
> Subject:	REFLECTOR: That bearing
>
> My local Velocity builders group got together yesterday for lunch.
> We were talking about Simon's failure but could not determine
> exactly where his failure occurred.  I am pretty sure I know
> where it is now, so just to be sure, Joel Smith scanned in
> a picture.
>
> I labelled it where I think it failed.  This is also for those
> of you who may not be able to picture the failure yet.  Hope
> this helps:
> <http://www.awpi.com/michalk/pics/velpic3.jpg>
>
>
> --
> Brian Michalk  <http://www.awpi.com/michalk>
> Life is what you make of it ... never wish you had done something.
> Aviator, experimental aircraft builder, motorcyclist, SCUBA diver
> musician, home-brewer, entrepenuer and SINGLE!
>