What do you think?!?

[Ziggy2711]

Hello!

After looking at another post on this AP forum, I figure I need to give my heli more detailed inspections after each flight. Upon really, really close inspection, I found the following below.

Can you please advise me if this is serious or just a surface type scratch? I have looked at it over and over and it doesn't look like it was caused by stress during flight. To me, it looks as if it was nicked by something.

Thanks for the help!

[AZ ChopperCam]

I wouldn't worry about it. That's just barely in the surface of the part. I'd fly that for a while longer.

[MarkWebber]

I agree with DJ. It's not a high stress part like the one you noted.

[catfight]

I would first off remove that bolt and inspect further. If it was nicked how did whatever nicked it miss the other part right next to it? It looks like a fracture to me at the resolution and angle we can see. How about a magnifying glass to view it closer? Personally I would replace it before I flew again - too expensive if it does fail (I don't like to rely on "one-side" of a compromised component to keep me in the air)- just my personal take on it.

Good luck :)

[Greg McNair]

No prob, just a surface scratch. Think that's bad? Take a closer look at your plastic ball links. They should have very similar scratches on their surfaces.

[Ziggy2711]

By the responses, it seems as if I should just inspect the part further and probably replace it. The weather here in Southeast Texas sucks right now anyway so it's not like I'm loosing any flying time.

By the way, I ordered and finally have the FMA and now I'm looking forward to receiving the AP2000i from Mark!

Thanks!

[Tonystott]

Further to my earlier pic, here is the extent of that crack in the blade grip, just opened up a bit with modest pressure from a biro pen.

Scary eh? I am using a large magnifying glass in future!

[Ziggy2711]

Update:

I went ahead and replaced the part. After further inspection, I found that the cut did not go all the way through. It was only a surface type scratch. I flew the ship a couple days ago with the new part and all is well.

Thank you all for your suggestions!

[robe_uk]

wise man once said
''if in doubt, change it out'',

cutting corners can be costly

[Ziggy2711]

I totally agree Robe. I will try and post an image of the slashed part, but I am still dumbfounded as to how it was damanged in the first place.