dent on TKS panels

[Mark89114]

I am in final stages of purchasing a Mooney and one of the outboard panels has a tiny dent, less than .100". Tryon to contact factory, but I guess they are in UK for the allowance on this type of issue. Since I really want to know, does anybody have any documented references

Thanks.

[Shadrach]

I am in final stages of purchasing a Mooney and one of the outboard panels has a tiny dent, less than .100". Tryon to contact factory, but I guess they are in UK for the allowance on this type of issue. Since I really want to know, does anybody have any documented references

Thanks.

 

http://www.kilfrost.com/contact

[Yooper Rocketman]

I have a new system ordered right now for my project.  Here is my sales contact in Kansas.  Either he can help you or he can direct you to someone that can.

 

Jeff Holden

Sales Manager

CAV Ice Protection | caviceprotection.com

 

+1 913 738 5396 Office
+1 785 787 3229 Mobile

[Piloto]

Dent was probably caused by hangar rash or hail or bird encounter. I Would leave it alone. You probably are going to create more damage replacing/repairing it. Just don't look at it on preflight.

 

José

[Mark89114]

To clarify, I am about to buy this airplane, it is in prebuy/annual. My question is how much is too much dent?

The coat to replace is about $9k, this shop says it is OK, but what does mfg say? I don't wAnt this to bite me in ass at next annual or when I sell it the next A&P says this is too much and then I am stuck. Personally I don't have an issue with it, but I am just CYA on this one for down the road. The contact information has been sketchy but I will call j. Holden as referenced. I just wanted to see if anybody had some previous experience.

[Awful_Charlie]

It won't be hail damage, and unlikely to be a bird, unless that bird was made of rock - the panels are titanium, and have two layers as well as being bent into a strong U shape - either a taxi/tow incident, or hangar rash is far more likely.

 

If the dent is between the lines of rivets, then you need to check the whole panel for functionality - see if the panel produces fluid as quickly as the others, as if the dent has broken the bond between the two skins, then the fluid will leak out of there rather than go through the holes that give the protection. If it is leaking from the back, then you need to replace it. If the panel is fully functional, then you might get a little ice build up on the dent, but remember the landing lights and wing tips are unprotected, so need not be an airworthiness issue.

 

I've had a panel replaced (due to it getting uneven fluid distribution), and from memory about 2.5AMU for the panel and about 5 for removal & installation. It didn't make much of a mess, but the paint along the edge of where the panel seats will likely need to be touched up, and there is the chance that there may be a little corrosion revealed when the panel is removed. Whilst it is in the shop, get them to check the bonding of the stall strips, and make sure they are bonded with the grey adhesive and not the dark green - if they are bonded with the dark green, consider getting them removed & re-attached (there's a thread about that on here somewhere). Also be aware that the panel lead time in my case was several months - I would suggest you get the panel delivered before making plans around it!

 

Jeff is the man to speak to, good luck!

 

Ben

[Mark89114]

Just to update everybody for their own future knowledge.

Talked to Jeff(sales), then Larry(engineer) and finally Tom(A&P/IA) at Cav icing.  There is no standard for dents as long as the panel is working properly. So as long as your mechanic is willling to sign off as airworthy it is OK.

There is a standard for Cessna Caravans if you really wanted to know.

[LANCECASPER]

How about sending a picture of the dent?