We finally got approval and our first production run done for our Aft Fuselage Inspection Panel Kit for all Cessna 180s, 185s, 188s, and 182s through the D model (just for you Skalywag). This kit is installed on both sides of the fuselage just above the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. It is identical in function to the panels installed by Cessna on late model 180s, 185s, and 188s. We modified the doubler slightly to fit the early airplanes better. The kit comes with 2 doublers, 2 panels, 2 shims, installation drawing, STC, and all the hardware necessary for installation. All you need is an IA and tools. Price is $1149

On to the good stuff, the pictures.

IMG_0049 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

IMG_0051 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

IMG_0013 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

IMG_0012 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

IMG_0011 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

No discount for early adapters?

Cannon wrote:No discount for early adapters?

Buy a pod too and I'll make you a package deal!

I received mine a couple of days ago, going on a project so probably will not be installed till late winter. The workmanship of the parts is outstanding. The installation instructions and drawings are very complete, I especially like the note that says that the parts may be trimmed if necessary, should keep the pickiest of IA's happy, though I can't imagine every having to modify any of them. I want to thank Tony for makings these available, its guys like him that we need to keep the stream of modifications flowing.

Tim

Suggestion for more pictures. I'd like to see what it is that I'll be accessing. Maybe a photo of a hand through the hole servicing or removing/replacing/lubricating the trim jacks? I know they're hard to reach, but just what will this access enable? Do I still need to pull the vertical and horizontal stabs to change the jacks or the boots?

Pinecone wrote:Suggestion for more pictures. I'd like to see what it is that I'll be accessing. Maybe a photo of a hand through the hole servicing or removing/replacing/lubricating the trim jacks? I know they're hard to reach, bug just wha will this access enable? Do I still need to pull the vertical and horizontal stabs to change the jacks or the boots?

These don't help too much for jackscrew work, jack screws are located aft of a bulkhead to which the vertical fin attaches to. Aeropod's panels give you access just in front of that bulkhead so you can more easily change out the rudder to tailwheel steering bellcrank springs when you switch from wheels to floats and also get to the elevator bellcrank where it transitions from cables to a pushrod. This area is often ignored during inspections because it's so impossible to get to without these panels.

Cessna offers (offered?) a service kit to install these panels and it has become astronomically expensive. Aeropod has done a great service by getting these things out there for Cessna owners. Having nicely made parts is great but having the approval is even better.

Thank's for the clarification Halestorm. I had it completely wrong.

I also appreciate the folks who wrestle with the FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada to bring these parts to market. Cessna is also enhancing these opportunities by pricing themselves out of the market.

I'm not sure how the distribution side of this business works, but I like how McFarlane and Atlee Dodge are cooperating by offering each other's products. I hope Aeropod can tap into this supply chain to get the volumes up to where it pays off in the best possible way.

Pinecone wrote:Suggestion for more pictures. I'd like to see what it is that I'll be accessing. Maybe a photo of a hand through the hole servicing or removing/replacing/lubricating the trim jacks? I know they're hard to reach, but just what will this access enable? Do I still need to pull the vertical and horizontal stabs to change the jacks or the boots?

They are coming! Thanks for the suggestions.

These don't help too much for jackscrew work, jack screws are located aft of a bulkhead to which the vertical fin attaches to. Aeropod's panels give you access just in front of that bulkhead so you can more easily change out the rudder to tailwheel steering bellcrank springs when you switch from wheels to floats and also get to the elevator bellcrank where it transitions from cables to a pushrod. This area is often ignored during inspections because it's so impossible to get to without these panels.

Cessna offers (offered?) a service kit to install these panels and it has become astronomically expensive. Aeropod has done a great service by getting these things out there for Cessna owners. Having nicely made parts is great but having the approval is even better.

You've got it right. These panels give you access to an area that is typically ignored on inspections because it's hard to get to. Make the inspection easy for your IA and he's more likely to do it!

Cessna never offered this as a service kit as far as I've been able to find. Tons of guys have installed them via via field approval, DER, or bootleg. I've even heard some mechanics are willing to call it a minor alteration. I won't say they are wrong to call it minor, I will say that its a big whole to be minor and I wouldn't do it.

Thanks for the interest guys. We have a few kits to there already. I'll get some more pictures to show whats inside.

AEROPOD wrote:

Pinecone wrote:Suggestion for more pictures. I'd like to see what it is that I'll be accessing. Maybe a photo of a hand through the hole servicing or removing/replacing/lubricating the trim jacks? I know they're hard to reach, but just what will this access enable? Do I still need to pull the vertical and horizontal stabs to change the jacks or the boots?

They are coming! Thanks for the suggestions.

These don't help too much for jackscrew work, jack screws are located aft of a bulkhead to which the vertical fin attaches to. Aeropod's panels give you access just in front of that bulkhead so you can more easily change out the rudder to tailwheel steering bellcrank springs when you switch from wheels to floats and also get to the elevator bellcrank where it transitions from cables to a pushrod. This area is often ignored during inspections because it's so impossible to get to without these panels.

Cessna offers (offered?) a service kit to install these panels and it has become astronomically expensive. Aeropod has done a great service by getting these things out there for Cessna owners. Having nicely made parts is great but having the approval is even better.

You've got it right. These panels give you access to an area that is typically ignored on inspections because it's hard to get to. Make the inspection easy for your IA and he's more likely to do it!

Cessna never offered this as a service kit as far as I've been able to find. Tons of guys have installed them via via field approval, DER, or bootleg. I've even heard some mechanics are willing to call it a minor alteration. I won't say they are wrong to call it minor, I will say that its a big whole to be minor and I wouldn't do it.

Thanks for the interest guys. We have a few kits to there already. I'll get some more pictures to show whats inside.

Not a service kit you're right, I was getting them confused with the kit for the round panel below the jackscrews. Just for my own edification, these panels were stock on late model 185 with the seaplane kit right?

Halestorm wrote: Just for my own edification, these panels were stock on late model 185 with the seaplane kit right?

They were actually installed on all 180s, 185s, and 188s starting in 79 if I recall correctly.

Here's a few pics of a set being installed on one of my projects. This is a 66 A185E that is slowly coming together. Get in touch with me now and you can still pick out your colors and radios!

IMG_0085 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

IMG_0084 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

What you can see inside. These brackets are for the tailwheel steering bellcranks. Lower on the bulkhead is the elevator bellcrank. Without this kit, the only way to work on this is through a small inspection plate (~4") underneath or crawl back in the tail.

IMG_0087 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

IMG_0088 by AEROPOD, on Flickr

I saw these in person today... If I had a 180/182/185/188 its the firs mod I'd do! For safety sake, I think it's critical! Wish I could put it on the Franklinstein!

Jim

jaudette wrote:I saw these in person today... If I had a 180/182/185/188 its the firs mod I'd do! For safety sake, I think it's critical! Wish I could put it on the Franklinstein!

Jim

Thanks for the kind words Jim!

Aeropod, I couldn't find a list of your products online.
Do you also produce the rectangular inspection cover that goes in the next bay aft,
under the jackscrews?

hotrod180 wrote:Aeropod, I couldn't find a list of your products online.
Do you also produce the rectangular inspection cover that goes in the next bay aft,
under the jackscrews?

You're looking for SK185-27, we don't make that kit but I heard another vendor was working on it, I just can't remember who. I'll have to dig around. I had a customer order a kit a month ago or so and he asked the same question. I sent him to Cessna and he called back and said they had one left after he ordered his.

Aeropod. Any chance you know the name of the vendor? I need the lower jack screw panel. Please call me at 8315211270 or text at your convenience. Thanks
Chris

Thanks for the help Tony. To anyone else considering doing business with Aeropod, you won’t regret it.

I have the panels on my 180H. Excellent installation manual. Makes inspecting that area a breeze!

lefoy84 wrote:I have the panels on my 180H. Excellent installation manual. Makes inspecting that area a breeze!

cdgarg wrote:Thanks for the help Tony. To anyone else considering doing business with Aeropod, you won’t regret it.

Thanks for the kind words guys!

Just primed another batch for anyone else looking for a kit. One is sold already but 4 more ready to ship. $1149 shipped anywhere in the US.

AEROPOD wrote:
You're looking for SK185-27, we don't make that kit but I heard another vendor was working on it, I just can't remember who. I'll have to dig around. I had a customer order a kit a month ago or so and he asked the same question. I sent him to Cessna and he called back and said they had one left after he ordered his.

Anybody know if there is an alternate source for SK185-27 to access the jackscrews or if Cessna is the only option?

Thanks.....Ross