Page 25 - Volume 13 Number 10

The cylindrical bungee assembly (left) houses the steering bungee which is a spring. A shaft moves through the center of this spring, and operation of the rudder pedals moves the shaft. Notice at the top of the assembly are the slots with the clip protruding.
devices, as the spring attached to movable controls of aircraft ...” (dictionary.com).
The steering bungee is a spring inside a cylindrical housing. A shaft moves through the center of this spring, and operation of the rudder pedals moves the shaft. While taxiing, when you turn to the right, the shaft moves as to compress the spring; this transmits pressure to the steering collar. When you turn left, the shaft pulls on the spring, compressing it from the opposite end; this, in turn, pulls on the steering collar.
The clip has many names – circlip, bungee clip, circle clip, etc. It’s actually “square-ish” in shape with rounded corners that bulge out and fit into slots in the bungee housing. The manual calls it a “retainer,” which is probably the most appropriate name, as it holds the all- important spring (bungee) in place. This clip is crucial. It keeps tension on the bungee spring.
The vibration inherent in flight and in ground maneuvering will eventually cause wear and tear on the bungee clip and the slots it fits into. I’ve seen clips break. I’ve also seen the slots on the bungee housing give out. Since the clip is steel and the housing is aluminum, the clip can wear down the slots over time. If a weakened slot
OCTOBER 2019
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 23