We have a 1965 Aztec C model and the gear has a tendency of falling during flight. There is no apparent leak and when on stands the gear does not fall. We have been flying with the gear select handle in the up position and this appears to solve the problem. My question is, does flying the plane with the gear select handle in the up position cause harm to the system. Any assistance with this question would be greatly appricated.
Thanks,
Gary Cooper
Aside from the usual reasons for this to happen such as low hydarulic fluid level/leak, the culprit is a tired hydraulic power pack. The pack needs to be removed and overhauled - a fairly costly endeavor. The pack has become too tired to provide "uplock" pressurs to the gear.
I had the very same problem. very difficult to locate problem, much effort and money spent changing various parts with out curing the problem. I finally went to a shop very proficient in Aztec work and they determined that is was power pack problem and sent it out to 'Air-Parts of Lockhaven' for rebuild. It has worked fine since then. Be careful who does rebuild because mine had been rebuilt two years prior to my purchase (that was a selling point in my decision for this particular plane) but apparently repair work less than stellar.
