I have been stepping on the right flap to get onboard since I purchased my Comanche 250. It has black non skid on it. I recently took a friend flying who weighs 270 lbs and when he stepped off the flap both flaps shifted downward about two inches. I cycled them and they worked fine. Had a mechanic look at them and said they were ok. Flew home and they worked fine. Obviously I wont ever step on the flap again. Did I do any damage? The flap indicator did seem to initially show a few degrees down when they were in the up position. After a few cycles the indicator now reflects the old correct position. Any thoughts?

As a follow up, the aircraft is 1962 vintage with electric flaps. I was told by a former Piper rep who was working for piper when the aircraft was built that stepping on the flap was ok when I purchased the airplane. Obviously everything has limits.

Randy,

I use the Twin's flap all the time and I believe there is an adjustment for tension as ours was loose once after paint. Might be something in the Service manuals under the Tech tab on this website.

Thanks Pat

Even though my PA30 came from the factory with non slip coating on the flap that invited standing on it while boarding, when I had the airplane painted I did not reinstall the non slip surface to discourage anyone from standing on it. I just don't like the idea that boarding person could step on the aft edge of the flap and induce a very high loading on the flap structure.

So far, I have found every one has been able to step up and put their foot on the non slip surface of the wing. I don't recall anyone trying to board by standing on the flap.

Al Powers ICS 2978

Thats a good idea.