63560-002 – Piper Aircraft Outboard Stabilator Hinge Assembly
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The Piper Aircraft 63560-002 is a genuine OEM, flight-critical outboard hinge assembly for the stabilator (horizontal stabilizer/elevator combination) on various Piper aircraft. This precision-engineered component serves as one of the primary structural pivot points, connecting the movable stabilator surface to the aircraft's empennage structure at its outboard location. Its indispensable function is to allow for the smooth, low-friction rotation of the entire stabilator surface for pitch control, while accurately transmitting significant aerodynamic loads to the airframe.
Manufactured by Piper Aircraft to their exacting specifications, this hinge assembly is typically fabricated from high-strength, forged or machined aluminum alloy for an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. It is designed to provide a secure attachment point and incorporates a bearing or bushing interface to ensure smooth articulation with minimal free play. The structural integrity and precise function of the stabilator hinges are absolutely paramount for maintaining aircraft controllability and preventing potentially catastrophic phenomena like control surface flutter.
Key Features
Genuine Piper Aircraft OEM Part: Guarantees the correct material strength, precise dimensions, bearing/bushing specifications, and corrosion protection as designed by the manufacturer for the stabilator system.
Provides Stabilator Articulation: Serves as a critical outboard pivot point allowing the entire stabilator surface to rotate for pitch control.
High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Construction: Typically forged or machined from aerospace-grade aluminum (e.g., 2024-T351, 7075-T651) for maximum strength, durability, and fatigue resistance with minimum weight. (Material must be confirmed by OEM documentation).
Low-Friction Pivot: Incorporates a precision bearing or bushing to ensure smooth stabilator movement with minimal control force required from the pilot. (Bearing/bushing type must be confirmed).
Corrosion-Resistant Finish: Treated with anodizing or chemical conversion coating and primer to protect against environmental degradation.
Flight-Critical Component: A primary structural element within the flight control system linkage, essential for pitch control.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 63560-002
Component Type: Stabilator Hinge Assembly (Outboard)
OEM Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Material: High-Strength Aluminum Alloy (Specific alloy must be confirmed by OEM documentation).
Finish: Anodized or Chemical Conversion Coating plus Primer.
Bearing/Bushing: May include integral bearing or bushing (Type must be confirmed by Piper IPC).
Governing Specification: Manufactured to Piper Aircraft proprietary design and quality standards.
Aircraft Compatibility
The 63560-002 is specified as an outboard stabilator hinge assembly on various Piper aircraft models, often complementing the center hinge (like 63560-003). Common applicable families may include:
PA-32R Series: Lance, Saratoga SP RG (e.g., PA-32R-301)
May be applicable to other related PA-32R variants or potentially other Piper models.
Crucial Note: The specific aircraft model and serial number must be checked against the latest revision of the official Piper Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) to ensure correct part number applicability.
Applications
Primary structural attachment and pivot point for the outboard section of the stabilator flight control surface, connecting it to the aft fuselage/empennage structure.
Replacement part for hinges found to be worn (excessive play), cracked, corroded, or damaged during inspection.
Why Choose 63560-002?
Choosing the genuine Piper 63560-002 hinge assembly is an absolute necessity for flight safety. The stabilator is a primary flight control responsible for the aircraft's pitch attitude. The integrity of its attachment points is non-negotiable. A worn or failed hinge can lead to control surface binding, excessive free play (which degrades control response and significantly increases susceptibility to flutter), or even the catastrophic separation of the control surface. Using a non-genuine part risks incorrect material strength, improper fit leading to stress concentrations, or inadequate corrosion protection. The genuine Piper OEM part is the only way to guarantee the certified quality, precise fit, and reliable performance required for this flight-critical application.
The 63560-002 hinge assembly functions as a revolute joint, constraining the motion of the entire stabilator surface to pure rotation about the hinge line axis defined by itself and the center hinge(s). Structurally, it must safely transmit aerodynamic bending moments and shear forces from the stabilator into the fuselage structure. These loads can be substantial, especially during maneuvering flight or in turbulent conditions. The hinge fittings are therefore subject to complex shear and bearing stresses. The material, typically a high-strength aluminum alloy like 7075-T651, is chosen for its high yield strength and excellent fatigue resistance to withstand these cyclic loads without failure over the aircraft's lifetime. The incorporation of a low-friction bearing or bushing is critical not only for smooth control feel but also for preventing control system hysteresis (slop or deadband). Excessive free play in primary flight control hinges is extremely dangerous as it significantly lowers the airspeed at which aeroelastic flutter—a potentially catastrophic, self-sustaining oscillation of the control surface—can occur.
Note: This is a flight-critical primary flight control component. It is subject to rigorous inspection at every annual/100-hour inspection for cracks, corrosion, wear (check for radial and axial play per maintenance manual limits), security of attachment, and freedom of movement. Worn bushings or bearings within the hinge must be replaced according to maintenance manual limits. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in strict accordance with the Piper Maintenance Manual. Correct alignment and stabilator rigging after installation are essential.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM or regulatory documentation was located for this specific part number. All technical data, installation procedures, wear limits, and applicability must be sourced from the official Piper Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and Maintenance Manual for the specific aircraft model and serial number.