WELLINGTON, Kansas — Air Plains Services has added a second adjustable PMA airbox bracket to its product lineup for Cessna 172 aircraft.
“The trouble with OEM brackets is the inconsistent fit due to manufacturing variability in bracket height,” said Shane O’Day, Air Plains engineer. “Once installed, an OEM unit can either be too short or too long and that puts additional stress on the bracket. This stress, coupled with normal engine vibration, can cause cracks to form in the bracket and airbox, which is often not feasible to repair properly.”
Air Plains officials say they solved this variability by adding adjustable sections that compensate for any misalignment of the installed components, “assuring a perfect fit that reduces stress on the components and increases the life of the assembly.”
While the company’s first adjustable bracket includes one adjustable piece where the unit attaches to the engine, the newest PMA bracket provides a second adjustment where the bracket connects with the engine baffles, company officials explained.
These pieces are made from steel, which is more resistant to the cyclic loads caused by vibration of the engine, officials added.
Air Plains introduced its first PMA adjustable airbox bracket in 2020, which is approved for certain Cessna 172L and 172M models, as well as for all 172B through 172M models upgraded with the Air Plains 180-hp Lycoming O-360 engine upgrade.
For more information: ShopAirPlains.com
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