101-4010-1 S – Textron Aviation OEM Airstair Dual Support Cable Kit
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The Textron Aviation 101-4010-1 S is an OEM-certified "Dual Support" cable kit designed specifically for the airstair entrance door of the Beechcraft King Air series. This kit provides the primary mechanical support and counterbalancing for the main cabin door, allowing it to lower safely and remain stable while passengers board or deplane. The "S" suffix typically designates this as a complete Service Kit, containing both the left and right cables along with the necessary attachment hardware and protective sleeves.
The airstair door on a King Air is a heavy structural component that doubles as a pressure vessel seal. The 101-4010-1 S kit utilizes high-tensile, corrosion-resistant steel (CRES) cables that are precision-swaged to meet the exact load-bearing requirements of the airframe. These cables prevent the door from "dropping" abruptly, protecting the door hinges from structural damage and ensuring a premium, controlled feel for passengers.
Key Features
Dual-Cable Redundancy: Provides a balanced lifting force across the door structure, preventing warping or misalignment of the door frame over time.
High-Tensile CRES Construction: Manufactured from 7x19 or 19x7 stainless steel strand to provide maximum flexibility and resistance to "bird-caging" (fraying).
Integrated Protective Sheathing: Features a clear or black nylon/vinyl coating to prevent the metal cables from marring the aircraft’s interior upholstery or "scuffing" the cabin door frame.
Precision Swaged Terminals: Equipped with OEM-spec ball or eye-end terminals that ensure a "zero-play" fit into the door’s internal pulleys and take-up reels.
OEM Serviceability: As a Textron-certified kit, it includes the exact part revisions required to maintain the aircraft's Type Certificate (TC) and resale value.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 101-4010-1 S
Manufacturer: Textron Aviation (Beechcraft)
Component Type: Airstair Door Support Cable Kit
Material: Corrosion Resistant Steel (CRES)
Coating: Clear/Black Nylon or Vinyl Jacket
Configuration: Dual Cable (Left and Right)
Governing Specifications: Beechcraft Engineering Standard 101-series
Certification: FAA-PMA / Textron OEM Original Equipment
Aircraft Compatibility
Beechcraft King Air 90 Series: C90, E90, F90, and GT models.
Beechcraft King Air 200 Series: 200, B200, B200GT, and 250 models.
Beechcraft King Air 300/350 Series: 300, 350, 350i, and 360 models.
Note: While universal for most King Air models, the cable tensioning and length can vary slightly between "standard" and "modified" door configurations. Always verify your specific serial number in the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) Section 52.
Applications
Routine Maintenance: Replacing cables that show signs of "hooking" (broken strands), corrosion, or excessive stretching.
Door Rigging: Restoring the proper "balance" to the door so it remains at the correct angle when fully extended.
Interior Refurbishment: Replacing aged or discolored cable jackets to match a new cabin interior.
Why Choose the 101-4010-1 S?
The King Air airstair door is a precision mechanical assembly. Using aftermarket or "locally fabricated" cables is a safety risk; if a cable snaps while a passenger is on the stairs, it can lead to severe injury and airframe damage. The 101-4010-1 S is engineered with a specific Elastic Modulus that allows for the slight "give" needed as passengers walk on the stairs, without permanently stretching. Choosing the OEM kit ensures that the door retracts perfectly into its locks every time, maintaining the integrity of the cabin pressure seal.
Maintenance & Installation Addendum
The 101-4010-1 S requires precise Tensioning to operate correctly.
Tech Tip: During installation, it is critical to inspect the internal pulleys and snubber cylinders. If the pulleys are "flat-spotted" or the snubber is leaking, the new cables will wear prematurely. After installation, the door must be "cycled" several times to ensure the cables are seated correctly in the reels before the final tension check is performed per the Beechcraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Chapter 52.
Note: The 101-4010-1 S is a safety-critical component. Cables must be inspected for "broken strands" (using a cloth) and "kinking" during every 100-hour or annual inspection. If more than 3 broken strands are found in a 1-inch area, the cables must be replaced immediately. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic.
