Inspection of Cessna 172 horizontal stabilizer spar

Nathan Whetzel of Airframe Components shows how to inspect a Cessna 172 horizontal stabilizer spar to look for cracks that could cause failure.
Whetzel also discusses how repairs can be made to repair and reinforce spars.
Airframe Components
Wing & Control Surface Repair
www.airframecomponents.com
260-347-0807
Kendallville, Indiana U.S.A.

[@amtpdb1]

I would have liked to see you repair all the flaws that you found on this stabilizer. I know you are not teaching school, but seeing how you addressed each flaw that you found would have been very interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@mauriciocastro7505]

I think the spar with the crack going through the lightening hole is not repairable, Spar has to be replaced.

[@lorenzodunn3226]

Excellent film footage and sound with great, precise commentary.

[@1212CRMD]

I like the detailed explanation! Keep it up!

[@alpenglow1235]

FROM CESSNA: "Improper ground handling can cause cracking and deformation of the Horizontal Stabilizer structure. It is recommended that the mechanic use a tow/steering bar to manually position the airplane on the ground. Do not push on control surfaces or outboard empennage surfaces."

[@702Heli]

Very helpful video thank you

[@udontneed2know801]

Hey guys.. keep up the good work

[@flybobbie1449]

Seen quite few C152 where the fwd spar seems cracked. The panel close to fuselage looks pulled and the skin pants when tip is moved.

[@valdirturquettes8715]

Hi is very goo video. Send mor vidios, I live in Brazil

[@jt1515]

How about a video on bulkhead station 17 repair?

[@tlindsey9769]

Wow. This is a great video and I am so interested in this subject. One day I hope to own and fly my own plane. Although I doubt it will ever happen because there is never enough money for a toy for dad. Haha. Maybe if I get to heaven, you think. Anyhow this was a great video. Thank you

[@klrmoto]

What is the standard for corrosion protection when attaching to parts to each other that are of the same material?

[@RedArrow73]

Not enough. I'm alarmed that no faying surface sealant was seen on any assembly in this video.

[@clydecessna737]

Terrifying. Would these problems would be caught during normal maintenance?

[@alschafer4292]

I can't think of a logical reason why the doubler was not designed to carry through to begin with.

[@fritzkatz]

@Shawn Huffman Harsh! Always looking to save ounces plus they didn't realize how many fucking morons would lay their fat asses on the horizontal to raise the nosewheel to turn the airplane around on the ramp

[@spslayback]

40+ year old airframes

[@robertlafnear4865]

One would think that CESSNA could find it in their cooperate heart to ZINC CHROMATE the aluminum before they put one of these aircraft together,...... they ask enough $$$$$$$$$$$ for a new one, I hope they do this now.

[@sandyhutton7222]

The French built ones are all chromated internally from manufacture

[@not_listening2792]

@@sandyhutton7222 In the seventies it was an option to zinc chromate prime everything. About $50, most people didn't think it was necessary. No one thought planes would be flying 60 years later.

[@kirkstinson7316]

Well there's another 10 thousand dollar thing to make me not buy a 172. This and the other AD for cracks at the strut area

[@derheeheehee6941]

Kirk Stinson you could do the piper Wing Spar inspection

[@rustyclam238]

With the stuff you guys see I would bet that you probably don’t fly in airplanes.