At last we have had some good weather which has enabled the volunteers to get out to the aircraft and use the power tools and equipment. Another discovery, just when we thought we were close; before removing the wings you must remove the Main Landing Gear Beam. (Thanks Mark). The MLG support beams, as those of us in the know call them ;) 'are connected to the wing rear spars at the outboard ends and to the fuselage by means of swing links at the inboard ends. To remove the support beam, the complete landing gear, the swing link, the flap transmission, spoiler actuator and supports, flap drive and miscellaneous electrical and hydraulic clamps must be removed.' According to the Boeing 737 Maintenance Manual. We have also cut a larger access from the centre fuel tank into the wing tank of OZX. Now I can get through and drink Guinness again. Our volunteers also removed both Inboard Leading Edge Flaps. (google Krueger flaps). This gives us better access to the wing bolts. |