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| As almost everyone knows, the lock assemblies that were factory installed
in the cabin door handle of most single and twin engine airplanes leave
a lot to be desired. They appear to lock the door but most any key
is just as likely to unlock that same door. Alternatively, the lock
is worn out, won’t lock or recently fell out of the handle. Those lock
assemblies cannot be replaced. Until now, there was no solution to
the problem.
In order to solve this problem with our 1963 Debonair, we ordered a set of Medeco Lock Assemblies with the thought that there must be a way to make a satisfactory installation. The criteria that was established was that it had to look as if the factory installed it and would prevent any unauthorized person from entering unless they had the tools to destroy the airframe to get in. The result was a concept that yielded maximum security while making the installation surprisingly simple. The following is a brief description of what is involved. MEDECO LOCK ASSEMBLIES The Medeco lock is made from hardened steel to prevent the lock from simply being removed by drilling out the cylinder. It also prevents the placement of a flat blade with a lever on the end from being placed in the key slot and simply twisting the lock cylinder thereby breaking the locking mechanism and gaining entry. Most unauthorized entries occur because it is easy, quick, and the avionics and control wheels can be removed almost as fast or faster. With a Medeco lock installation, entry will require breaking a window or destroying the airframe. The key is made from a flat blank as compared to the cylindrical style key blanks. The teeth in the key are formed using a double cut technique so that by just copying the outline, such a key will not open the lock. Also, any key shop or locksmith without proper documentation will not duplicate the keys. Each lock assembly comes complete with two keys and all locks in the same installation can be keyed alike. A three-lock installation would provide the owner with up to six keys. A two-lock system, four keys. The magneto switch cannot be keyed to the Medeco locks, as their construction is totally different. CABIN DOOR INSTALLATION The Medeco lock is installed in the cabin door using a template supplied with the complete instructions, lock assemblies, and necessary hardware. There is no guesswork involved. The lock is mounted in the door itself as shown in the picture below. It I necessary to remove the upholstery on the inside of the door, cut a hole in an internal stiffener in the door sufficient to accept a 7/8 inch socket to tighten the locking nut on the lock body, and install the locking cam. On the outside of the door the template locates the correct position for the pilot drill hole and provides the finished hole size and shape to accept the lock body with the proper orientation. Also supplied with the kit is a stainless steel plug machined to fit the door handle precisely after the old lock cylinder has been removed or has already fallen out. The instructions deal with removal problems should they occur. The rear of the stainless steel plug is machined to accept a ¼ inch bolt which holds the plug in the handle while attaching a small piece of flat stock. This creates a slot, which allows the locking cam on the Medeco lock assembly now mounted in the door proper to slide into it. Since the locking cam actually spans the entire door handle frame, it holds the handle in the closed position much like the fortress gates were held shut in the old west. Should a pry be used on the end of the door handle and the handle actually broken off, entry would still be denied because the actual locking mechanism still remains undisturbed. Inspection of the existing door latching mechanism would suggest that there is insufficient room for the additional parts but the many installations already made proves otherwise. Installation time for the lock in the cabin door should not run more
than two (2) hours at most and no painting or other cosmetic touch up is
required.
The lock assembly and locking cam supplied for the baggage door are exact replacements and require no modification of any kind. This assumes that the baggage door has either a push button or the lock provides for the latching function directly. If the baggage door is the long door with the “D” handle, then alternate instructions and hardware are required and you need to advise this at time of order. FAA PAPERWORK The installation of the lock assembly in the cabin door is considered
a minor alteration because the required holes are in non-structural areas
and the installed lock assembly is essentially flush with the door skin.
This installation should be documented by an entry in the aircraft maintenance
records. If there is any question regarding this, we
ORDERING INFORMATION AND PRICING The Medeco Lock Assemblies are available in quantities of one or more. All we need is the aircraft model, the type of baggage door (push button or not or “D” handle) and total number of locks required. The basic kit consists of two locks. One for the cabin door and one for the baggage door. The price for the 2-lock kit is $195.00 FOB Mission Viejo, CA. Three lock kits are available for $235.00. Additional locks may be purchased separately. Terms are COD or cash in advance unless other credit terms have been established. Most orders are shipped within 24 hours. If we can answer any questions, please call. We thank you for your interest. |
