Thanks Glenn! That looks like what we need.

Another question for the brain trust. In both main wheel wells there are springs hanging that attach to nothing. (See PIC) I assume they attach to the gear doors, but no mounting point on them. Good help is getting harder to find

Thanks,
Daniel

Should be anchored to a tab or a bushing under the #6 screw below it that the bottom cowl attaches to the stainless wheel well. Missing altogether from many. I believe it is there in case the hydraulic gear door actuator leaks internally. The spring prevents aerodynamic pressure from bleeding the actuator and closing the door. The door could then interfere with the gear retracting. It may also aid the door opening during emergency gear blow down. They seem to work ok without them during normal ops.

Thanks Norman. Is Its purpose to keep tension on the doors when gear up and doors closed?

The spring is stretched when door is open and relaxed when gear is up and door is closed. If you install the Aztec Nomad bottom cowl STC you will no longer have to remove it and those screws, the cowl flap actuator rods, the nacelle root fairings and the screws with nuts behind them. Only one row of camlocs at the new seam in front of the cowl flaps.

How much is that STC?

Dynon just sent out an e-mail with a long list of approved twins for their HDX avionics suite. Includes everything EXCEPT the autopilot, which is likely very very far down the road, if ever. PA23's made the list. Given no AP option in the likely (near or far) future I'm not sure if this is an appealing option for many.

My PA23 has a fully functional STEC 60-2 with GPSS so I don't have an immediate need for a new AP but would love the capability and functionality of a new digital AP. I was spoiled by the GFC500 in my PA32 and dislike going backwards.

I don't know much about Dynon other than they're much less $ than Garmin. The folks that love them really love them and I mostly read good things about their equipment. One thing I do like about Dynon is I understand they play very nicely with other equipment. Being fond of my Avidyne IFD 550 makes me consider the compatibility. Going all G would make me lean towards a TXI750 which I'd have to learn the nuances for.

In the long run waiting on GFC600 and a full G panel is probably the better route even with the higher price tag?

sorry for the rambling. Even if it doesn't benefit me or my plane directly, more options is always a good thing!

After 10 months in the avionics shop and maintenance hangar for annual, I was unable to get the door to properly close on the first post maintanence test flight. Having experienced a door opening in flight in this plane, I was not looking for a repeat.

The top trailing edge pin was not engaging into the door frame. We identified the broken cable and replaced it. But getting the door lock cable support bracket is quite challenging to remount, especially with door still attached. Can the door easily be removed ? It looks like the hinge is riveted into the sheet metal and removing the 3 hinge bolts on each of the two hinges won't get it done. Any guidance on door removal would be appreciated

Thanks,
Daniel

Parts diagram attached

The door is easy to remove as long as the hinge pins are not seized in the hinges. Soak them with penetrating fluid and make sure both are free before removing one.

Don’t remove the hinges from the door that are bolted and riveted to the outer skin. The pins are exposed after removing the upholstery panel forward of the door.

Disconnect the door stay and definitely have a helper. It is easy to tweak the hinges if trying to do it yourself.

Thank you Norman. You're an encyclopedia
That should make the process easier.

Anyone know of a source or alternate part number for the Apache fuel selector cable.
I have one sticking and not making full travel to get from off to main. We have forced lube in before but the problem has returned so I'd rather replace it with a new one.

P/N 18815-00

Thanks

You don't have to replace the whole cable, you can insert a new core wire. It's just .061" piano wire.

Piper #151-325 wire is used on the fuel controls and the upper cabin door latch mechanism.

Thanks Glenn. I'll look into that instead.

Know if anyone sells in shorter lengths. The P/N for the wire comes up as 124' roll in my search.

N4440P / N4457P.

Looking at an early Apache with 160 engines and top props. Any special emphasis areas besides those mentioned earlier in the thread regarding Aztecs? Would love to keep this bird flying and not parted as it looks to be a real nice well kept example.

McMaster Carr sells piano wire in any length you want.