Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Skycatch

I purchased a set of Skycatch's door latches from Mr. Traves a couple of weeks ago and when I opened the package, they looked familiar, I had seen them somewhere else. Looked in a couple of catalogs and I found them in both McMaster Carr and MSC industrial supply catalog. They list them in three sizes #1, #2 and #3. The #2 size is the same as the ones sold by Mr. Traves, with the #1 being smaller. Cost from MSC is $8.85 per set for the #2 size and $5.85 for the #1 size. For those operating on a limited budget these might come in handy. Mr. Traves does provide two SS screws and a rivet with each catch.

Does Mr traves modify the part that attaches to the bracket
on the wing? I can not see how the ones that you found in
those supply catalogs would attach to the wing.

Hmm, those SkyCatch's do look like the tension catch [sugatsune.com] from Sugatsune.

I do know that Mr. Traves cuts and modifies the 'striker' portion of the latch to fit 150's. However, he does provide instructions on how to make the modification and other aircraft require the unmodified version.

While these parts look (and act) the same, I suspect they fall under the same category as using a NAPA voltage regulator or automotive carpeting - probably OK, but technically not correct. I believe that Mr. Traves has obtained approval to sell 'hardware store' technology for aviation use, although there is no STC for them (being a minor alteration).

I bought two from Mr. Traves, one was modified and the other was not. The Modification took all of five minutes and only tools needed was a hacksaw and small file to clean up the hacksaw cut. Nothing in his literature indicates that any approval has been obtained or applied for as far as I can see. My IA indicated minor work and no log entry required. They do work very very well, I can open the door on landing and it will stay open as I taxi to parking. Gets hot and humid here on the Georgia coast and this really helps.

Rich,
I believe a log entry IS required. The FAR's spell out that basically anything that is done on an aircraft should have a log entry. I believe your IA may have meant that it wasn't a major alteration and therefore doesn't require a 337. Be careful with that! Part 91 details that the owner/operator is responsible for ensuring that all maintenance entries are made for work performed. Don't want ya' getting crossways with the FAA. Those guys ain't much fun sometimes. Those latches that you speak of, are you talking about the catches that hold the doors opern? I could use a couple of those!!!!
Thanks, Mike Sammons