A Custom Fixture Was Employed to Slowly Ream and Free the Stuck Bolt
Stuck wing bolt on Citation 560
A Phase 14 inspection task 53-10-09-251 on a Citation is usually a straight forward inspection where the Main Spar Carry-thru Assembly bolt holes are examined for fatigue cracks. This inspection is performed using an Eddy Current semi-rotor probe and once the inspection is complete, the bolt is reinstalled. But what happens when your aircraft is AOG and the wing bolt wont budge? This is when you call the best in business. SEAL Aviation has the capability to come to your aircraft to remove the stubborn bolt so the Phase 14 Inspection can be competed. Additionally, SEAL Aviation can come to your location to perform the Phase 14 Eddy Current inspection making SEAL Aviation a mobile one-stop shop for Citation inspections and repair.
A SEAL Aviation Structural Repair Tech removing a stuck wing bolt
SEAL Aviation was called on-site to the customer's location to assist with the removal of a Citation 560 wing bolt for a Phase 14 inspection. The customer reached out to SEAL Aviation due to our reputation for taking on advanced tasks that other aircraft repair stations cannot accomplish. Naturally, the technicians in the SEAL Aviation Structural Team were up to taking on this difficult repair.
Custom fixture used to assist the reaming of the stuck bolt
Once on-site, it was determined by SEAL Aviation Structural Repair Technicians that the frozen bolt would need to be reamed with specialized tooling to allow the bolt to be relieved, which allows for the removal of the bolt. This is accomplished by a custom machined fixture that can be fastened to the airframe. Once this custom fixture is in place, the wing attach bolt could be reamed safely. SEAL Aviation has all the tooling to ream the bolt holes if there is any gouges, tooling or corrosion damage per the SRM 53-10-02.
The bolt after being reamed
The wing attach bolt on this Citation was stubborn but after a few attempts, the bolt was free and the customer could continue with their Phase 14 inspection. SEAL Aviation once again proves that when the going gets tough, SEAL Aviation finds a solution and makes it a reality for our customers. Our 'can do' attitude combined with decades of practical experience makes SEAL Aviation the best choice for complex aircraft repairs. Our mobile capabilities allow us to bring our expert technicians and tooling to your aircraft, anywhere in the world.
For more information on this issue, check out this video from Cessna on YouTube documenting and explaining Phase 14 Main Spar Carry-Through inspection issues.
SEAL Aviation is a Part 145 repair station that operates a mobile company which has the capability to provide heavy structural repairs, fuel leak repairs, and non-destructive testing for your aircraft, anywhere in the world. SEAL Aviation is an FAA, EASA, Mexico authorized repair station and SEAL Aviation NDT Techs are SNT-TC-1A, NAS410, EASA and Cessna/Citation Certified. Click the button below to visit our website and request pricing.