What is the re-test requirement on an oleo strut repair?

I

Iflydogs

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Iflydogs
Flat nose oleo, the shop repaired it. Flew it back to the home airport and left on a 2 week business trip, when I returned it was flat again. The shop repaired it a second time and it held, same repair, except this time the A&P replaced the top o-ring as well. The repair worked. The shop wants to charge me for another repair, and I will deal with that. But I can't help but wonder what would have happened if the oleo collapsed on landing and I would be looking at a prop strike & engine teardown. What if any are the re-test requirements for this? They fixed it and I flew it home, it was a slow leak. Is there any waiting time required to make sure it holds?
 
Even with a flat nose wheel strut, there’s plenty of prop clearance on a hard, flat surface, so you wouldn’t have had a strike or engine teardown.
 
Thank you, that is great to know, it did not feel that way.
 
Iflydogs said:
Is there any waiting time required to make sure it holds?
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Most likely no on the waiting period. Without knowing the aircraft type can't give you specifics. But as with any repair, sometimes even when you follow the book while trying to remain in the requirements of the work scope it can take 2nd attempt to get it all fixed. For example, this is the final process once a 172 nose strut is reassembled after repair.
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Presume a Cessna but always better to know type aircraft.

What is really critical is on a retractable gear aircraft.
The gear may not fit the well opening on the way up or down.

There are a few where the bottom of the strut is above the upper portion
when retracted. That could allow air to leak out the bottom in flight.
 
Thank you to all, it is a PA38. Good to know there is no prop strike potential as it felt very low and liable to strike.
 
I think an early one. I will take everyones word for but with a compressed oleo it feels like a ditch witch.
 
Iflydogs said:
I think an early one. I will take everyones word for but with a compressed oleo it feels like a ditch witch.
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23.295, if the lawnmower in question is covered by it. Flat tire and strut collapsed to its bottom dimensions. In normal operation (taxiing attitude et al) without tire deflation/strut collapsed, a minimum of 7 inch clearance for trikes, 9 for tail draggers.

That doesn't mean you won't prop strike if taxiing in such condition in uneven turf. But flat concrete, should be able to get you parked and serviced, especially if the tire is inflated. Cheers!
 
RyanB said:
Even with a flat nose wheel strut, there’s plenty of prop clearance on a hard, flat surface, so you wouldn’t have had a strike or engine teardown.
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Unless you are on sod and hit a small rut.
 
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