62002-002 – Piper Aircraft Tail Surface Hinge Pin
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The Piper Aircraft 62002-002 is a genuine OEM, flight-critical hinge pin engineered for securing control surfaces, such as the rudder or elevator, to their respective attachment points on the empennage of various Piper aircraft. This precision-machined pin serves as the essential pivot point, allowing for the smooth, low-friction rotation of the control surface while bearing the significant aerodynamic and shear loads imposed during flight.
Manufactured by Piper Aircraft to their exacting specifications, this hinge pin is typically fabricated from high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel (CRES). Its precise diameter and length are critical for ensuring a close-tolerance fit within the hinge brackets and the control surface hinge points, minimizing free play ("slop") which is detrimental to control feel and can contribute to flutter. The structural integrity and wear resistance of this pin are paramount for maintaining aircraft controllability.
Key Features
Genuine Piper Aircraft OEM Part: Guarantees the correct material strength, precise dimensions, heat treatment, and finish as specified in the aircraft's original type design.
Provides Control Surface Articulation: Serves as the critical pivot axis allowing the rudder or elevator to move freely and accurately.
High-Strength CRES Construction: Typically manufactured from aerospace-grade corrosion-resistant steel for maximum strength, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation.
Precision Ground Tolerances: Ensures a close fit within the hinge assembly, minimizing free play and wear while allowing smooth rotation.
Designed for Shear Load Bearing: Engineered to withstand the shear forces imposed by aerodynamic loads acting on the control surface.
Flight-Critical Component: A primary structural element within the flight control system linkage.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 62002-002
Component Type: Control Surface Hinge Pin / Clevis Pin
OEM Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Material: Corrosion-Resistant Steel (CRES), likely 300 series or similar. (Material must be confirmed by OEM documentation or certification).
Finish: Passivated or Cadmium Plated (Finish must be confirmed).
Dimensions: Specific diameter and length must be confirmed via Piper documentation or part inspection. Designed to be secured typically with cotter pins.
Governing Specification: Manufactured to Piper Aircraft proprietary design and quality standards.
Aircraft Compatibility
The 62002-002 is specified as a hinge pin for tail control surfaces (rudder and/or elevator) on a wide range of popular Piper aircraft models. Common applicable families include, but are not limited to:
PA-28 Series: Cherokee, Warrior, Archer, Arrow, Dakota
PA-32 Series: Cherokee Six, Lance, Saratoga
PA-34 Series: Seneca
PA-44 Series: Seminole
Crucial Note: The specific aircraft model, serial number, and hinge location must be checked against the latest revision of the official Piper Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) to ensure correct part number applicability.
Applications
Primary pivot pin for rudder hinges connecting the rudder to the vertical stabilizer.
Primary pivot pin for elevator hinges connecting the elevator(s) to the horizontal stabilizer.
Replacement part for pins found to be worn (undersized), corroded, bent, or damaged.
Why Choose 62002-002?
Choosing the genuine Piper 62002-002 hinge pin is an absolute necessity for flight safety. The flight controls are primary systems, and the integrity of their attachment points is non-negotiable. A worn or failed hinge pin can lead to control surface binding, excessive free play (flutter risk), or even the catastrophic separation of the control surface. Using a non-genuine hardware store pin introduces unacceptable risks of incorrect material strength (leading to shear failure), improper dimensions (causing excessive wear or binding), 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 62002-002 hinge pin primarily functions under shear loading. Aerodynamic forces acting on the control surface create a load that attempts to cut or shear the pin across its diameter at the interfaces between the fixed hinge bracket and the movable hinge fitting on the control surface. Therefore, the material selected, typically a Corrosion-Resistant Steel (CRES) like Type 303 or 304, must possess high shear strength. Additionally, the pin operates in a bearing stress condition against the softer aluminum hinge fittings or bushings. The CRES material offers good hardness and wear resistance to minimize elongation of the holes over time. The passivated finish (common for CRES) is a chemical treatment that removes free iron from the surface and forms a passive, chromium-rich oxide layer. This significantly enhances the material's natural corrosion resistance, preventing pitting or degradation that could compromise its strength or interfere with the smooth rotation of the joint, especially in humid or salt-air environments.
Note: This is a flight-critical primary flight control component. It is subject to rigorous inspection at every annual/100-hour inspection for wear (using go/no-go gauges or micrometers), corrosion, security, and proper lubrication (if applicable). Worn or corroded pins are unairworthy and MUST be replaced immediately. Pins must be secured with new cotter pins (e.g., MS24665 series) of the correct size. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in strict accordance with the Piper Maintenance Manual.
Documentation
The definitive part number applicability and installation procedures are detailed in the applicable Piper Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and Maintenance Manual for the specific aircraft model and serial number.