
B-22's Arrestor Hook Handle Assembly:
Pioneer Aero’s Craig Cunha recently inspected B-22’s original arrestor hook handle and its associated mounting box and locking sector to determine their condition. Sadly, he found that each of these components was too badly corroded to refurbish for airworthy use. As a result, Cunha had to remanufacture most of the components, although he was able to salvage several useable items from donor handles which came with the project. The damaged parts also provided excellent templates for fabricating their replacements too.
Another view of the arrestor hook handle assembly. This image reveals how the locking sector passes through the handle. The handle sits in the lower part of the slot when it is in the "hook stowed" position. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A righthand closeup of the arrestor hook handle assembly from B-22 showing the mounting box and handle mechanism to good effect. It is clear that the mechanism is heavily encrusted in corrosion. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Mounting Box Remanufacture:
The following images show the mounting box for the arrestor handle assembly during its remanufacture. Cunha was able to use the original parts from B-22 as a guide for manufacturing the necessary parts, while referring to the manufacturing drawings for technical details.

Another view of the arrestor hook handle mounting box undergoing trial fitting during its remanufacture. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A left upper view of the arrestor hook handle mounting box undergoing trial fitting during its remanufacture. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A righthand view of the arrestor hook handle mounting box undergoing trial fitting during its remanufacture. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A topside view of the arrestor hook handle mounting box undergoing trial fitting during its remanufacture. This image looks into the slot where the arrestor gear handle will be located following reassembly. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)

A righthand view of the remanufactured arrestor hook handle mounting box after its components have been primer-painted and riveted together. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A lefthand view of the remanufactured arrestor hook handle mounting box after its components have been primer-painted and riveted together. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Donor Parts Salvage:
As the images below reveal, the lower portion and internal components from one of the donor handles were reusable. Cunha bead blasted them and used a chemical cleaner to remove residual corrosion. The locking pawl was also reusable after a minor welding repair. Cunha also prepared an original lower hinge point and other items for cadmium plating, but had to refabricate a new guide and push rod for the mechanism.

A close up of the lower hinge fitting the arrestor hook handle depicted in the previous image. The ‘wet’ look is from the penetrating oil used to help free the fitting from the handle’s tube. (Image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Aluminum Handle & Locking Sector:
Cunha also remanufactured the upper aluminum handle section using factory drawings and a donor handle as a reference. He had to perform a similar task in refabricating the locking sector, as the original was too far gone for airworthy use. Cunha also machined new mounts for this component too.


Remaining Steps:
Cunha has fabricated all of the remaining arrestor hook handle parts, with the steel components undergoing cadmium plating at a third party's facility. Final reassembly will take place once these items return from the cad’ shop.