Re: Pneumatic based door retention sytem
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 3:06 pm
To make and sell a part; wouldn't you need a PMA or some other approval under CFR 14 §21.9?
I thought the STC approves the design and implementation but you needed a PMA to make and sell any parts under that STC (XPMods for example).
Now, if someone has an STC they could sell the approved data in order to manufacture the parts and the Owner could produce the parts without PMA.
The 3M VHB experiment is turning out to be just that..an experiment.
The constant pressure of the gas strut WILL, over time, work the adhesive lose or at least allow the bracket to deflect until it interferes with operation.
I took a heat gun to it last night and the defection increased with the piece hot to the touch
The last idea would be to use a gas Damper strut rather than a spring strut. There woudl be no load on the brackets when closed. But you don't really get the benefit of the door being held open for you (it would slowly close). It may not be terrible. Those Dampers appear to cost $30 or so each. Plus socket, brackets and end fittings you're around $80.00 in materials and the inboard bracket needs custom made. That's still cheaper than the STC but you still have the VHB tape to contend with.
I thought the STC approves the design and implementation but you needed a PMA to make and sell any parts under that STC (XPMods for example).
Now, if someone has an STC they could sell the approved data in order to manufacture the parts and the Owner could produce the parts without PMA.
The 3M VHB experiment is turning out to be just that..an experiment.
The constant pressure of the gas strut WILL, over time, work the adhesive lose or at least allow the bracket to deflect until it interferes with operation.
I took a heat gun to it last night and the defection increased with the piece hot to the touch

The last idea would be to use a gas Damper strut rather than a spring strut. There woudl be no load on the brackets when closed. But you don't really get the benefit of the door being held open for you (it would slowly close). It may not be terrible. Those Dampers appear to cost $30 or so each. Plus socket, brackets and end fittings you're around $80.00 in materials and the inboard bracket needs custom made. That's still cheaper than the STC but you still have the VHB tape to contend with.