Lancair ES-P, Pilot Operating Handbook

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quantity is sufficient for the flight duration. The oil level is checked
through the small door on the top of the engine cowling. A minimum
of 9 quarts should be indicated before every flight.
OIL CHANGES
During the initial break-in, the engine should be operated with mineral
oil. The break-in is normally 25 to 35 hours during which time the oil
consumption should stabilize. Following these 25 hours the oil and
filter should be changed.
The engine oil should be changed at a minimum of each 50 hours of
flight time. The engine oil should be drained while the engine is
thoroughly warm and with the aircraft in a level position. The filter
should be changed at each oil change and the element examined for its
contents. The "spin-on" filter should be cut open and the element
examined. Sand-type material is indicative of inadequate air filtration
and may warrant corrective action ranging from more frequent changes
to the installation of an improved filter system. Metallic particles may
vary from aluminum to steel to stainless steel. Following the initial
break-in period, during which some metallic particles are normal,
almost any amount becomes cause for concern. If subsequent changes
show additional metallic particles, the source should be determined.
The type can be somewhat determined by separating by category, i.e.
magnetic or not, steel or aluminum, silicon (sand), etc.
BATTERIES
The batteries are sealed and never need “topping off”. They reside just
aft of the baggage compartment on pull-out trays in the rear baggage
compartment bulkhead.
TIRES
The tires should be properly inflated at all times. The nose wheel tire
should contain 32-35 psig and the main gear tires from 55-65 psig.
Maintaining the proper inflation will minimize tread wear and aid in
ground control of the aircraft. When inflating, visually check both
sides of the tire for bulges, cracking of the sidewall and cuts. The
tread should be greater than 1/16."
NOSE GEAR SHOCK STRUT
A nose wheel strut contains pressurized air and oil and is a sealed
system. It contains a shimmy dampening system that must be checked
often. This check is made as follows:
(1) Have someone hold the nose wheel off the ground by pressing