Astra Cabin Door Binding in Cold Weather

December 2010

Every year at this time, I begin to field many calls related to very cold weather. I just helped out an operator who was in a very cold part of the country where the aircraft sat for five days in the freezing rain, sleet and snow.   

The cabin door opened normally as the operator started the engines to warm things. However, upon leaving the aircraft, the cabin door handle wouldn't close all the way from outside or inside the aircraft. Moisture had found its way inside the secondary door seal, collecting at the bottom and freezing in the cold temperatures. This caused the door to bind when closing. After spending a little time with a heat gun, the problem was fixed.

Please contact a Duncan Aviation Astra Tech Rep for more information.