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Titanium Landing Gear Q&A

Titanium Landing Gear Q&A

Technical

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Titanium: 23 lbs. per gear leg. Steel C-185 Heavy-Duty gear: 37 lbs. per gear leg. Steel Light-Duty Gear: 34 lbs.

Why is Titanium considered better than Steel?

It is corrosion resistant and doesn’t fatigue like steel.

How strong is it?

It is up to 50% stronger than Cessna steel gear. It springs further, will support more weight, and return to its original shape.

Are the gear legs made of an alloy?

Yes, it’s a modern alloy used in aerospace construction.

Is the shape/design the same as Cessna steel gear?

No, it’s thicker because it has different bending properties than steel. Therefore, it must be made thicker to perform equivalently to Cessna steel gear.

Is it hard to machine?

Yes, it is very difficult to machine due to its high resistance to abrasion.

Does Titanium lose its spring like steel gear?

No it doesn’t. It is considered above a 100,000,000 cycle spring. Steel, as used in Cessna gear, is considered a 100,000 cycle spring.

Does the Ti gear deform from cold or heat?

No. Titanium is extremely resistant to the effects of all weather conditions.

SectionWhat about dissimilar metals?

Cadmium and Chromium and heat can cause embrittlement.

Associated Parts

What about shims & wedges?

You can use your existing gear shims and wedges.

Will the gear fit into the existing gear box?

No. A slight modification will need to be made to the gear box outer radii and width (up to 1/8″) per The Landing Gear Works’ instructions and supplied template.

What about using the Ti Gear with the P.Ponk beef-up kit?

The Ti Gear is designed to be able to use the P. Ponk beef-up kit. It may take some minor adjusting on installation.

What about using the Ti Gear with a ski plane?

It is highly recommended for a ski plane because of its resilience to fatigue.

Can I use my existing hardware?

No. You MUST use the hardware listed on the STC approval.

Care of your Titanium Gear

Can I machine and weld on my Ti gear?

No welding or machining is permitted on the Ti gear as it will render the part non-serviceable.

What do I do if I get a nick in my Ti gear?

Contact The Landing Gear Works to determine extent of damage. However, Titanium is extremely durable against nicks.

Will Titanium Rust?

No. It will not rust because it has no appreciable amounts of iron.

Will Titanium Corrode?

Not under normal conditions. It will corrode if contacted by strong industrial acids or using rare cleaning agents. (Refer to FAA AC43-13-1B Chapter 6 Corrosion Inspection and Protection, Section 11, specifically paragraph 6-181, Other Metals and Alloys).

Is any special cleaning needed?

No special cleaning is required.

What happens if you don’t paint it?

It will remain bright for a few years, then it will slightly discolor due to a condition called oxygen absorption which can be polished out.

Can Ti Gear be powder coated?

Yes, it can be painted, powder coated, and treated for appearance with no restrictions.

Will the gear legs come painted?

It is not necessary to paint the Titanium gear legs. The gear legs are delivered bare metal. Additional painting or polishing is available upon request.

Ordering Information

What will be included with the gear legs?

Templates, the approved STC, and instructions. The special attach hardware will be included for standard wheel installations. If you are using ski axles, longer hardware will be needed.

When can I get a set of Ti gear?

Landing gear will normally be in stock at The Landing Gear Works.

Can I trade in my steel gear?

Case by case basis – according to the type and condition of your steel gear.

What about future Titanium parts for Cessna 180/185/170/172?

Axles, bolt replacements, tailgear springs, some engine parts.

Are you going to make C-170 gear out of Titanium?

Yes, we expect to extend our Titanium landing gear product line to other aircraft.

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NOTE: Use this guide as a reference. For Technical Data use the troubleshooting and inspection procedures in the Cessna 180/185 service manual, Section 5, the Landing Gear Wheels and Brakes.