What is this on my Piper Arrow III?

Arrowhead1965

All,

Good evening. Does anyone know what this black oval plastic is on the cowling of my Arrow? There are no wires coming from it on the back, and my A&P has no idea what it is. I’m going to repaint the cowling and if it isn’t necessary I’m taking it off, but am I missing something? Thanks anyone that can assist.

vr

Dante

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djspathis

Good question. I've always wondered about that as well.

Scott Sherer

I've never seen one before. What's it made out of?

griff390

Believe it or not, that's a door bumper/cowling protector.

If someone opens the door on the ground with a strong wind coming from behind, the door can get ripped from their hand. If the door is moving fast enough, the shear pin/bolt in the door slide will shear, and your door will swing all the way to the cowling and dent it. The bumper is there to protect the cowling from damage.

I had a passenger do that in my plane years ago.

I now park into the wind:

A) to help cool the engine

B) so this issue doesn't happen again.

Arrowhead1965

Griff,

Thanks so much! I DO believe it and it actually does make sense to me. I would have never come to that conclusion myself, primarily because it is actually hard plastic and not absorbing in any way, but I could see where it might save the fiberglass. Mystery solved and I appreciate you taking the time to explain. I too shall park into the wind from now on!!

vr

Dante

Scott Sherer

Griff is possibly the smartest guy on the planet, lol. Thanks Griff!

griff390

My pleasure, and thank you for the kind words!