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Pilot’s Operating Handbook DFE Ultralights Ascender III-C
INSPECTION & SERVICING ACCESS
The Ascender III-C is designed to simplify maintenance and inspection requirements.
The Rotax 503 engine has a single integral cooling cowling fastened with eight screws that are
safety-taped in place. Remove the spark plug wires and disconnect the low oil warning system
quick-disconnects before removing the cowling. Replace the cowl in the reverse order. Do not
tighten fasteners until the cowl is completely in place.
Four inspection zippers are provided on the wings to gain access to the compression struts and
wing structure.
FUEL SYSTEM
Use Mogas AKI 87 minimum octane regular auto fuel or l00LL low lead octane aviation fuel.
Observe all required precautions when fueling the aircraft. Fill each tank through the respective
filler neck. The fuel caps must be properly secured when fueling is completed.
TIRES
Tire condition should be checked during preflight. If the tire tread is no longer visible, it should
be replaced. Inflate tires with compressed air.
All Tires – 40 – 65 psi
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Access to the oil tank is through the vented cap on the engine-mounted oil tank. The oil level
should be checked prior to flight and oil added if not full.
Under normal operating conditions, the oil supply should last for 10 hours of flight. Keep the oil
tank full to avoid running out of oil before fuel.
W
W
W
A
A
A
R
R
R
N
N
N
I
I
I
N
N
N
G
G
G
Running out of oil will result in a lack of lubrication,
the engine seizing and a forced landing.
GEARBOX LUBRICATION
The reduction gearbox requires 330 ml of SAE 85W-140 gear oil to operate. It is filled through
the vented filler cap located on top of the gearbox and the levels are checked with an overflow
hole on the side of the gearbox. Do not overfill the gearbox or venting will occur. A drain plug is
also fitted.