?unique=844f394)
767-538 – Piper Aircraft OEM TKS Hardware and Materials Kit
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
LEGACY PART - No Longer In Production
Overview
The Piper Aircraft 767-538 is a flight-critical, OEM-mandated kit containing the specific hardware and materials required for the installation of the TKS ice protection system's horizontal stabilizer leading edge cuff on specific Piper PA-46 series aircraft. The TKS "weeping wing" system is a certified Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) system, and the integrity of its installation is paramount to its function and the safety of the aircraft. This is not a generic collection of hardware; it is a curated set of materials, including specialized fasteners and, most critically, the factory-specified aerospace sealant/adhesive required for the procedure.
The proper bonding and sealing of the porous titanium TKS panel to the stabilizer's primary structure is a critical task. It ensures a secure structural bond, prevents high-pressure fluid leaks, and isolates the dissimilar metals of the titanium panel and the aluminum stabilizer to prevent galvanic corrosion. Using the materials in this OEM kit is the only way to ensure the installation is performed in accordance with Piper Aircraft's engineering specifications, guaranteeing the airworthiness and safety of this vital system.
Key Features
OEM-Mandated Kit: Genuine Piper Aircraft kit, containing the exact materials specified in the maintenance manual for TKS stabilizer cuff installation.
Correct Aerospace Sealant: Includes the specified polysulfide or similar sealant, which provides structural adhesion, environmental sealing, and corrosion inhibition.
Specified Fasteners: Contains the correct type, material, and size of fasteners required to secure the leading edge cuff.
Ensures System Integrity: Using this kit is essential for preventing fluid leaks, panel debonding, and corrosion that could compromise the ice protection system and the airframe structure.
Pre-Packaged Convenience: Provides all the necessary consumable materials for the specific task, streamlining maintenance and ensuring compliance.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 767-538
Component Type: Hardware and Materials Installation Kit
OEM Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Application: TKS Ice Protection Horizontal Stabilizer Leading Edge Cuff Installation
Kit Contents: Typically includes specialized aerospace-grade sealant, fasteners, and other consumable materials as defined by the specific maintenance procedure. The exact contents list should be verified against the applicable Piper maintenance manual or service bulletin.
Material (Sealant): Aerospace-grade polysulfide or similar compound, resistant to TKS deicing fluid (glycol-based), fuels, and hydraulic fluids.
Aircraft Compatibility
Piper: PA-46-350P Mirage, PA-46R-350T Matrix, PA-46-500TP Meridian/M-Class
Note: This kit is for a very specific installation procedure. The aircraft's specific Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and Maintenance Manual are the final and absolute authorities for determining part and procedure applicability.
Applications
TKS System Installation/Repair: Specifically used for the initial installation or re-installation of the horizontal stabilizer leading edge TKS panel after structural repair or replacement.
Airframe Maintenance: A critical kit for any major maintenance or repair work performed on the horizontal stabilizers of TKS-equipped Piper PA-46 aircraft.
Why Choose 767-538?
The installation of a TKS panel is a flight-critical procedure with no margin for error. The sealant included in the 767-538 kit is not merely a gap filler; it is an engineered structural component that provides adhesion, flexibility, and a dielectric barrier. Using an unapproved, commercial-grade sealant can lead to a catastrophic bond failure, causing the leading edge to depart the aircraft in flight. It can also fail to prevent galvanic corrosion, allowing the aluminum stabilizer spar to be slowly destroyed by its contact with the titanium TKS panel. For the safety of the aircraft and compliance with its FIKI certification, there is no substitute for this genuine Piper-specified kit.
The engineering significance of the sealant within the 767-538 kit lies in its multi-functional role as a faying surface sealant in a challenging electrochemical environment. The material is typically a two-part, chromated polysulfide sealant conforming to specifications like AMS-S-8802. When properly mixed and applied between the aluminum stabilizer skin and the titanium TKS panel, it cures to form a flexible, fuel-and-glycol-resistant elastomer. This cured sealant serves three critical functions: 1) It creates a complete environmental seal, preventing moisture intrusion into the joint, which is the electrolyte required for corrosion. 2) It acts as a dielectric barrier, physically separating the two dissimilar metals (aluminum anode, titanium cathode) and preventing the flow of electrons that constitutes galvanic corrosion. 3) It provides a flexible, adhesive bond that accommodates the differential rates of thermal expansion and contraction between the aluminum and titanium, preventing stress buildup and ensuring the integrity of the fastener joints during all temperature variations.
Note: This is a flight-critical installation kit. The procedures for installing a TKS leading edge cuff are complex and must be performed by a certified A&P/IA mechanic with experience in sheet metal and composite repair, strictly in accordance with the current Piper Aircraft PA-46 series maintenance manual and any applicable service bulletins. Proper surface preparation is absolutely critical to achieving a safe and durable bond.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM documentation was located for this specific kit part number. All authoritative data, installation procedures, and a definitive list of contents are contained within the official Piper Aircraft PA-46 Series Maintenance Manual and relevant Service Bulletins.
