1231064-3 – Textron Aviation OEM Fin Tip Assembly ✈️
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Overview
The Textron Aviation 1231064-3 Fin Tip Assembly is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fairing component designed specifically to cap the top of the Vertical Stabilizer (Vertical Fin) on numerous high-wing Cessna single-engine aircraft. More commonly referred to as the Vertical Fin Cap, its function is twofold: it acts as an essential aerodynamic fairing to smooth airflow over the junction between the vertical stabilizer and the rudder, reducing parasitic drag and turbulence; and it serves as the secure, weather-resistant mounting base for the aircraft's upper Anti-Collision Light (ACL), typically a rotating beacon or high-intensity strobe.
This assembly is a non-structural, external component critical for maintaining the aircraft's certified aerodynamic profile and protecting the underlying airframe structure and electrical wiring. The part is molded to exact OEM specifications to ensure a precise, low-drag fit against the rudder post and the leading edge of the vertical fin. As an OEM part, the 1231064-3 guarantees the correct weight, dimensional accuracy, and material composition required to comply with the aircraft’s Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).
Key Features
Aerodynamic Fairing: Precision-molded shape reduces drag and streamlines airflow over the vertical stabilizer and rudder linkage area.
Integrated Beacon/Strobe Base: Designed with a flat, reinforced surface to provide a stable mounting platform for the upper Anti-Collision Light (ACL) assembly. The base typically accommodates a small $2 \text{ 1/2}$ inch beacon or strobe.
Corrosion Protection: Acts as a weather seal, preventing rain, moisture, and environmental contaminants from entering the core structure of the vertical fin and the upper rudder hinge area.
Lightweight Construction: Utilizes a lightweight, high-quality composite or plastic material to minimize weight high on the vertical axis, which is beneficial for stability and control feel.
OEM Fit and Finish: Guarantees proper alignment with the mounting screw holes and adjacent fairings, essential for efficient assembly and maintenance.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 1231064-3 (Replaces 1231064-1)
Component Type: Fin Tip Assembly / Vertical Fin Cap / Vertical Stabilizer Cap
OEM Manufacturer: Textron Aviation (Cessna Aircraft)
Material: Typically molded Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) or high-grade ABS plastic (Must be confirmed by OEM documentation, but high-strength fiberglass is often used for replacement parts).
Finish: Supplied either unpainted (raw material color) or factory-primed, ready for topcoat paint application.
Dimensions (Approximate): 11.45 (L) x 6.95 (W) x 2.5 (H) inches (Reference for form factor only).
Mounting Holes: Pre-drilled and dimensioned to match the underlying aluminum fin structure.
Certification: Original Production Certificate (PC) Approved by the FAA.
Aircraft Compatibility
Primary Models (Post-1976 Models):
Cessna 182 (Skylane) Models 182P (S/N 18264296 & up), 182Q, 182R, 182S, 182T, T182T, R182, TR182.
Cessna 206 (Stationair) Models 206H, T206H, U206, TU206 (S/N U20603021 & on).
Cessna 207 Models 207, 207A, T207, T207A (S/N 20700315 & up).
Cessna 210 (Centurion) Models 210L (S/N 21061040 & up), 210M, 210N, 210R, T210L, T210M, T210N, T210R.
System Integration: Forms the terminal structure for the Vertical Stabilizer and the mounting base for the Anti-Collision Light System.
Verification Note: The Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for the specific aircraft serial number remains the definitive and final authority for part applicability.
Applications Section
The 1231064-3 Fin Tip Assembly is used in two key systems:
Aerodynamic Integrity: Provides the critical contour necessary to ensure smooth laminar or turbulent airflow separation at the aft-most point of the vertical fin, which directly impacts the aerodynamic center of pressure of the empennage.
Safety Lighting System: Serves as the load-bearing attachment point for the high-intensity safety lighting required for regulatory compliance and visibility.
Why Choose the 1231064-3 OEM Fin Tip Assembly?
Choosing the Textron Aviation 1231064-3 OEM Fin Tip Assembly ensures the structural integrity and aerodynamic profile of your aircraft. While this is a non-structural fairing, its precise contours are part of the certificated design. Using improperly manufactured or dimensionally inaccurate caps can introduce unwanted drag, vibration, and noise, potentially affecting handling characteristics or causing premature fatigue failure in the surrounding metal structure due to altered localized air loading. Furthermore, the mount must withstand the torque and vibration of the ACL. The OEM part guarantees the specified material strength (e.g., fiberglass resin formulation) and dimensional accuracy required to safely support the anti-collision light, protecting your investment in both airframe integrity and compliance.
The Fin Tip Assembly operates within the engineering discipline of aerodynamic contouring. The geometry of the tip is not arbitrary; it is designed to manage the boundary layer air as it nears the trailing edge of the vertical stabilizer. By providing a smooth, continuous surface, the assembly minimizes the formation of a turbulent wake which contributes to parasitic drag. This is particularly important for high-performance aircraft like the T210, where even small fairing irregularities can compromise efficiency. The material choice—typically high-strength, low-weight fiberglass composite—is selected for its superior specific strength and ease of conforming to complex curvature during molding, ensuring the necessary rigidity and smooth finish while minimizing the moment of inertia generated by weight concentrated high on the vertical structure.
Note: The 1231064-3 Fin Tip Assembly is a non-structural fairing that provides a mounting platform for flight safety equipment. Prior to installation, the integrity of the underlying vertical fin structure must be confirmed. Any cracks or damage to the mounting screw holes on the assembly itself require immediate replacement. Use only specified corrosion-resistant fasteners (often stainless steel screws) and follow the aircraft's finish process (priming and painting) to maintain its weather resistance and aerodynamic properties. Installation must be performed and certified by a licensed A&P mechanic in accordance with the Cessna Maintenance Manual.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM or regulatory documentation was located for this specific part number. Consult the Cessna Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for models 182, 206, 207, and 210 (post-1976 serial numbers) to verify fitment and required hardware.