[Username Protected]

Has anyone had to replace the gas spring on either of their flaps?

As I'm sure most of us have noticed, a wind from the right direction can easily slam retracted flaps against their stops on the ground. I complained to Icon during my A5's first year and was told not to worry because the flap would (or course) streamline into the retracted position once takeoff roll began.

But lately it seems that even the tiniest tailwind while parked will cause the flaps to drop to the bottom stop. Yes, I know, extend the flaps on the ground and this won't be an issue - but I now know of two owners who have had their flap linkage damaged by folding the wings while the flaps were extended so I always concerned I might try to do the same. I also like to leave the wings unfolded when I push my A5 back into my hanger and on a couple of occasions I have almost had a drooping flap hit a zero-turn mower that normally tucks nicely under the wing.

1st world problems - But still wondering if there have been any replacements done.

[Username Protected]

Yes they occasionally fail. ICON has replaced many over the years.

[Username Protected]

Michael, I have been replacing a lot of these lately. There seems to be a rash of them going bad lately. Is there a specific question I can answer for you?

[Username Protected]

A specific question? Noooo - unless someone wants to answer the question of "why all the failures?".

[Username Protected]

I wish I had an answer to that. Any statement I can come up with is purely speculation.

[Username Protected]

I had to replace mine. I had similar issues that you are describing. Even got to a point that extending them took a very long time. Eventually the gas strut failed and the flap stayed in the extended position on the ground until I had it replaced

[Username Protected]

My right flap suffered the same fate last weekend over Thanksgiving doing a bunch of confined water landings.

Powered up the ramp and flaps were retracted -- but noticed the right flap drooping in first notch of flaps. Takeoff roll it was fine (back to neutral). Contacted maintenance and they said I need to replace the gas spring.

[Username Protected]

I had one go bad. Zero wind, with flaps retracted up, right one would drop down to bottom. Not a biggie, as once on take-off roll it came right back up, and when adding flaps for landing, it worked fine. James replaced the gas strut, all fixed. It happened to me while ferrying from upstate NY to South FL. True story: I was in Charleston NC number one for runway with a heavy behind me. He radio'ed tower "Please tell the little plane in front of us he has asymmetric flaps." I radio'ed back, "Yes I am aware, all is fine it will come up on take-off roll, but thank you."

[Username Protected]

They are typical gas spring/struts. Ever had one go bad on a lift gate on a mini van or SUV? Its pretty common. Its not a good design choice personally and I had brought this up when I worked there. I'm sure the Chinese ownership will for sure sort it out (eye roll)