An Elegantly Simple Solution To An Older-Airplane Problem

By: Chris Batcheller

If you fly an airplane with manual flaps where you have to reach down to pull the flap handle, this is a must have for you. Bill Berle has developed a very simple solution to an age old aviation problem. EZ Flap says “The First Major Safety & Performance Upgrade for the "Johnson Bar" Flap System in 60 Years”

This accessory that is STC’s by the FAA puts the flap handle at the correct position and distance from the pilot. The hard to reach flap handle becomes easily accessible and you don’t have to bend to activate the flaps. It allows you to sit upright and see out of the windscreen, allowing you to focus on the landing and takeoff. 

This accessory installs easily on the existing flap handle taking less than 1 hour. EZ Flap says that there is a good possibility your mechanic may allow you to do the work to reduce your costs. The only permanent modification is drilling two tiny holes in the end of the flap control locking button for the #6-32 screws. On Stinsons and some newer Cessna models (using the white plastic lock button), the button must be sanded or filed flat before drilling the two holes. Neither of these modifications prevents the original flap control from being used. The EZ Flap device can be installed and/or removed without any dis-assembly or de-rigging of the aircraft flap system.

You can see EZ Flap here at the show, or you can order factory direct or through several retail companies including Aircraft Spruce EZ Flap p/n 13-06946, from Wag-Aero, Delcourt Aviation, Owens Aviation, Reid Inspection Services, and other select dealers/installers. The standard price is $499.00 plus $8.00 for standard ground shipping and insurance in the US lower 48.

FMI: www.ezflaphandle.com