Hey fellas, I just picked up a set of federal AWB 3500 wheel skis. My plan is to put them on a 180. They came with nothing other than the skis so any pointers on installation, pictures, and or any leads on some axles and pump would be appreciated. Also anyone have experience with them? Are they a good wheel ski? Anything I should be aware of? Thanks in advance!

J-

NWestern180driver wrote:Hey fellas, I just picked up a set of federal AWB 3500 wheel skis. My plan is to put them on a 180. They came with nothing other than the skis so any pointers on installation, pictures, and or any leads on some axles and pump would be appreciated. Also anyone have experience with them? Are they a good wheel ski? Anything I should be aware of? Thanks in advance!

J-

I expect that Alaska Craig's list or similar sites are going to be the best potential for finding axle stubs and a pump. Everything else is pretty available. Parker still makes most of those old pumps, but I'm guessing the price may take your breath away.

Do you have the installation drawings and the STC?

I think the first thing I'd do is give Atlee Dodge's shop a call and see what they know about the big parts.

Those skis are hell for stout. In deep snow, they don't provide much "float". Great way to get stuck in deep stuff. But, in rough snow, crusty snow, etc, they hold up well.

Do they have UHMW on the bottoms? If not, you'll definitely want to get some and install it. A lot of folks extend that stuff out from the edge of the ski a bit to increase bottom area.

Again, Atlee's shop in ANC may be your best source for info. Burl Rogers may also be able to help.

MTV

I don’t have the STC for them, was hoping to find a fellow aviator that might be able to share the drawings and W&B and what not, I figured finding the rest would be a Easter egg hunt but I’m always up for a challenge. The ones I found have UHMW that will need replacement, which my goal was to extend them out, I operate in western AK, so not alot of snow, mainly wind swept and crusty. So my hope was these would be the ticket. Appreciate the info!

I agree with MTV Attlee Dodge would be my first stop for parts. Gabe at Airframes usually has knowledge on this type of stuff. Sutton air Salvage would be another source. http://suttonaircraft.com When you put new bottoms on I go a few inches bigger than you want then cut them down with a router or jigsaw this will give you a nice edge. If you use stainless hardware use anti-seize on the threads or they wild cold weld. Definitely use a tail ski with a big Cessna. DENNY