Abstract: A split flapper check valve includes one or more additional bushing/bearing surface areas for controlling check valve flapper position along the axis of the hinge pin. This is accomplished by adding one or more grounded bushings between the flappers. The one or more grounded bushings is/are non-rotationally coupled to the hinge pin, and thus grounded to the check valve housing, so that the flappers can bear against this additional surface. The additional bearing area has the effect of increasing the axial bearing surface area according to the number of additional ground lugs that are used, without increasing the diameter of the flapper lugs.