Subject: Autopilots Cable Clamps
Applicability: All Sportsman and GlaStar Aircraft
Date: 7-11-14
Discussion:
There have been several reports of slipping autopilot cables using the clamp system that is common for Trutrak, Advanced Flight System, Garmin and Dynon Systems installed in the GlaStar and Sportsman. The original material that we have seen that sometimes slips is a black plastic clamp. At some point the material changed to a Green color and Trutrak has just released a metal version.
Required action:
Before your next flight inspect your autopilot clamps. If you have the inspection ports in the seat pans you will be able to see the color and type of the clamps without removing the seat pans. If you do not have the inspection ports you will need to remove the seat pans to determine what clamps are installed. If you have the black clamps they should be replaced with the new metal ones, if you have the Green ones they are serviceable.
If the clamps are held on with just a nut and bolt then you should add large area washers on each side of the clamp.
Hardware required if there is not already large area washers installed are
(16) AN970-3 washers
(8) AN3-7A Bolt
(8) AN364-1032 Nut
The cable clamps can be ordered directly from Trutrak Flight Systems at 479-751-0250.
Download Service Bulletin 72.
