Aileron Weeps

[Rhumbline]

Since I bought my plane, I have only given it sponge baths when needed so I got out a bucket and wash mitt for a thorough washing for the first time yesterday.  After washing and wiping, I thought I'd take it up for an air-dry.  In conducting the preflight, I noticed when the right aileron was raised that a small stream of brown liquid ran out of the inboard leading edge of the aileron at the control rod end.  Closer examination confirmed that the aftermost drain hole in the aileron was clogged with a muddy sludge (no doubt the remnants of an insect nest or the like) which was cleared with a piece of safety wire. Though not an approved method I'm sure, I dragged the hose out again and flushed the aileron until it freely drained clear water, repeated on the other aileron which was not as badly contaminated and then re-lubricated everything that got extra cleaning.  The other control surfaces appear to be unaffected.  Most are probably aware to be on the lookout for this but I thought I'd pass it along as the deleterious effects of trapped moisture are obvious. 

 

The right aileron is after cleaning, the left is after probing with safety wire with some of the goop visible on the flap.           

[bonal]

I think compressed air might be handy for something like this. I like the color makes me want to see the whole plane.

[N601RX]

I had my ailerons off last year and found they had several large dirt dubber nest in them. They were along the trailing edge and heavy enough to affect the balance. I thought about adding some hardware cloth over the round holes, but didn't.  I did add a good coat of corrosion X.  Hopefully that will help deter insects. 

[carusoam]

Rhumb,

If you store outside, you will get enough dust infiltration over a year to clog most drain holes. There are about four along the bottom of the tail as well.

I used a piece of tall grass poked in the holes to let the dirt out.

This is a good reminder for the upcoming cold season...

Best regards,

-a-

[Rhumbline]

The plane's stored indoors and, ostensively, always has been. Since the little buggers seem to get into anything, I wasn't surprised to find this but neither did I expect it.