The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

I'm putting my metalized wings back on my 120/140 (120 with 140 wings - I have the FAA CD and it's all legal). An IA I'm working with suggested putting inspection holes both aft and forward of the main spar to get a good look inside. Aft of the spar shouldn't be a big deal, and they would also give me access for a vacuum cleaner to get all the debris out. But I'm not sure I want inspection plates forward of the spar, where the air is going around a curve. I was thinking a single inspection cover, maybe flush, added to the right wing skin between the forward spar and the splice with the leading edge that would allow an inspection camera/borescope to be snaked into the leading edge assembly in both directions. I think there's something similar on the left side for access to the pitot tube installation.

Any thoughts?

Gary

HI Gary,

I've seen many .......most?.........of the metallization STC's and I don't ever recall inspection panels, other than the large panel by the rear spar and then at the wing root.

I admire the desire to be able to see inside the wing, It probably isn't a bad idea and may be a good idea. Your best resource would be to find an early C-150 and mirror their approach. The wings were very similar and almost identical to the C-140A (which is a different wing........granted). At least this would give you a starting point.

The spars are located further back on the 150's than on the 120/140 so the spacing to work with isn't "identical". That being said there is typically a small panel by the pitot tubes (ahead of the spar on the left wing) on many 120/140's so it should be possible.

Gary...my 140A has inspection panels forward of the spar where the strut attaches. Is this the area you are talking about? If so, I could take pics next time I'm at the airport.
Josh