AAI: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear Repair

This post is courtesy of Aircraft Accessories International.

Imagine an aircraft that can land almost anywhere, from grassy fields to gravelly paths and dirt tracks. Thanks to the robust and adaptable design of its large, rough-field tires and sturdy construction, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan can do just that. It can operate on rough, unimproved airstrips and was quite literally designed for rugged utility and flexibility. Fun fact on this aircraft from Simple Flying:

When the original Caravan 208 was in operation, it became a prevalent choice with FedEx for transporting parcels. They ordered a windowless version, of which one batch went into service. However, later, they found that volume was limited rather than weight.

In response, Cessna decided to extend the fuselage of the Caravan 208 by four feet. This increased the volume of the aircraft by 34%, becoming known as the Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster, specifically made for FedEx.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear repair, as well as repairs our shop can perform and other maintenance requirements you should keep an eye on.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear Features

Large Tires

The Caravan has large, specially designed tires with deep treads that provide excellent traction on soft surfaces.

High Ground Clearance

The landing gear is designed with a high ground clearance to navigate uneven terrain.

Optimal Configurations

Depending on the mission, the Caravan can be equipped with various landing gear options, including amphibious floats for water operations.

Rugged Construction

The landing gear components are built to withstand the stresses of landing on rough runways.

Why Does Landing Gear Repair Matter?

Regardless of the aircraft you’re operating, your landing gear must be properly inspected and maintained to ensure proper and safe operation. Because landing gear is exposed to all types of environmental conditions, corrosion and wear and tear is common. For Cessna 208B Grand Caravan specifically, main landing gear components including center spring, LH & RH main landing gear spring, and trunnion assemblies become worn and corroded, which requires them to be repaired or replaced.

Without proper maintenance and repair, you risk failure during landing, runway incursions, and increased maintenance cost.

Learn more about landing gear repair, as well as what happens when you send your landing gear in for repair in our blog article “What to Expect When You Send Your Aircraft Landing Gear in for Overhaul.”

Repairs AAI Can Make On Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear

AAI recently gained FAA approval to repair corrosion on the MLG components we listed above: center spring, LH & RH main landing gear spring, and trunnion assemblies.

The manufacturer has approved blend repairs that are limited to very isolated areas and measurements. Because of these limitations, most components are beyond manufacturer repair limits.

At AAI, we have developed extensive repairs to LH & RH main landing gear spring and center spring interface areas, as well as center spring and trunnion interface areas.

These repairs include methods like:

• HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-fuel) 
• Cold spray 
• Sleeve repairs to restore inner and outer diameters 
• Chrome plating

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear Maintenance Required By Operators

During maintenance, the operator is required to inspect the landing gear in accordance with the below tasks outlined in the maintenance manual:

• Task 32-10-00-220 Main Landing Gear Detailed Inspection
• Task 32-10-00-221 Center Spring and Main Gear Spring Interface Area Special Detailed Corrosion Inspection and Repair

If the landing gear components are beyond the repairable limits outlined in these tasks, the operator has to replace the parts. This is where AAI comes in. We can remove more material than the manufacturer limits, allowing us to repair the parts and save the operator thousands of dollars and months of downtime.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear Parts AAI Can Repair

AAI is certified by the FAA to repair the following parts:

Main Gear Left and Right Spring

• 2641013-2
• 2641013-4 
• 2641013-6 
• 2641013-8 
• 2641013-10 
• 2641013-11 
• 2641013-1

AAI Provides FAA Certified Repairs & Inspections On Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Landing Gear

There’s no part too small when it comes to keeping your landing gear maintained for safe operation.

Detailed, thorough, and expert work is required to get the job done the right way. At AAI, we know your ultimate goal is to get your plane fixed so you can fly. That’s why we go above and beyond to help you avoid extra costs by creating repairs and manufacturing the parts on your aircraft that are prone to corrosion and wear, like landing gear components.

When it comes to Caravan 208B landing gear repair and overhaul, quick turnaround times are important. You don’t want a hangar full of planes propped up on jacks, creating a traffic jam for everyone trying to maneuver around them. AAI completes landing gear inspections and repairs in-house so that parts get turned around quickly and you can return your aircraft to normal operation.

Do you have questions about AAI’s process or available parts? Check out our website or contact us for more information and be sure to sign up for our Frequent Flyers Email Newsletter to get our articles, updates about industry events, and links to our favorite online content delivered right to your inbox every month.