To be blunt, my fat ass broke the step affixed to my main gear strut today getting out of my 182. But honestly at 6’6” I don’t really miss the thing. I have barked my shin on it more than once and I can easily just slide from the seat to the ground without using it. Of course now she looks a bit lopsided with that huge step on the right main and none on my side. To make matters worse, while I was looking at the other one I realize I see a hairline fracture in the pot metal that makes up the step. I know later 182’s with the tubular gear came with a much smaller step, has anybody ever seen those applied to the spring steel gear of the older planes? Also for you Licensed mechanic types out there, is it required that those steps be in place on the aircraft? Personally the only people that fly on the plan are the wife, sons, and myself and we are all fairly tall people. As always comments and suggestions will be appreciated, and yes I already know I need to lose weight.

I removed those things from my K model 20 years ago and never missed them. They can sometimes trap moisture against the gear leg causing it to rust severely.

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On The Fly wrote:I removed those things from my K model 20 years ago and never missed them. They can sometimes trap moisture against the gear leg causing it to rust severely.

Yup, that’s what was happening with mine. I’m totally fine with them gone, didn’t need them and bashed my shins non-stop. I think the rubber strip should be adequate for holding the brake line in place