“No Step”

[VaporGlobalAviation]

Ok, so why the “No Step” on the wing strut? To me, I can get to my gas cap w/o a ladder by stepping on the gear (flat part) where it enters the fuselage, then one foot on the wing strut for balance. Why do I not want to do this? I’ll use a ladder if available, had a few self serves recently not have a ladder, or one in ill repair.

 

[Bob Turner]

Very good reason on the Cubs. Did not know it was a requirement for Champs.

 

[Tangogawd]

Because the wing strut is much like an egg. Its strength is in tension and compression. Applying pressure laterally can cause it to bend and fail.

The aluminum struts on Cessna's are strong enough to handle it, but not so on smaller planes.

 

[Chuck Schweiss]

Because the wing strut is much like an egg. Its strength is in tension and compression. Applying pressure laterally can cause it to bend and fail.

The aluminum struts on Cessna's are strong enough to handle it, but not so on smaller planes.

I could not agree more with your comment...I have bent bigger pieces of Aluminum than a strut.

 

[Hiperbiper]

You might check with the factory about a reinforced step plate that clamps to the struts and allows stepping on the strut to access the tanks.
I know I've seen them but I no longer have access to my IPC and maintenance books.

Chris

 

[Bob Turner]

Educate me - is this placard required by the factory or an AD? On which models?

 

[darrell whitley]

Like a 150 or 172 hiper. Never seen one on a Citabria.

 

[Hiperbiper]

Maybe I'm mistaken but in all the years of production I would think some engineer would realize the way people were using the front strut to access the fuel caps and design a simple load-distribution plate like Cessnas, Pipers, etc. have been equipped with from the factory.
But in the interest of accuracy I can't prove what I think I've seen.

Chris

 

[Ron86654]

I have never seen anyone stand on the wing strut of a Citabria for any reason. Personally, it has never crossed my mind to do that, or even to put my foot on the strut for any reason.
For a while I had a step mounted on the gear leg and only used that for balance when standing on the tire.
Maybe I'm overly cautious (never been accused of that) but putting any weight on, or even touching the strut with something that will scratch the paint would be something I would not consider.

 

[Bob Turner]

I agree - I do not step on the strut. But mine is not placarded, and I am unaware of a requirement for a placard. I will go check the TC placard section . . .

Edit - TC says see flight manual. Page 7 has placards - no "no step" required.

 

[Bartman]

fwiw, Cessnas from the 140A and later had a single strut which is probably what gave it the structural rigidity to be stepped on.