of drag when the wheel/strut is moved (rotated left and
right about the strut axis) at a moderate rate. Fast rota-
tion rates should create higher torque’s.
BRAKES
The brakes are independent systems on each of
the main gear wheels. The fluid reservoir for each is lo-
cated on the top left side of the firewall. The toe brakes
should depress approximately 1/2 inch before any pres-
sure is generated on the brake when properly serviced.
Lines should be checked for leaks and chaffing due to
rubbing on the tire or the airframe while the gear is re
-
tracted. The brake pucks should be minimum of 0.150
inches thick. The brake pucks should be replaced when
less than this value.
INDUCTION AIR FILTER
Operation of the aircraft in dusty areas require
that a filter be installed and changed periodically to
preclude premature engine degradation. Removal of
the filter requires removal of the cowling and should be
accomplished at least on a 100 hr. or annual basis. If
operating in dusty areas, more often is desirable.
INSTRUMENT VACUUM SYSTEM
The vacuum (or pressure) system for use by
the gyro instruments contains very fine particle filters.
These require changing on a regular basis. If operating
the aircraft in a normal environment the filters should
be changed every 500 hours or three years, more often
in dusty areas.
PROPELLER
Your propeller should be serviced according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. It is highly stressed
component and any failure has the potential of being
catastrophic. Treat it with care. The MT propeller is
sensitive to leading edge damage and possible erosion
shield delamination, refer to their service bulletins for
tolerances and repairs. For aluminum blade propellers,
nicks and dents (stress risers) in the leading edge due to
rocks, hail or whatever need to be “dressed out” until
smooth. Care should be used to maintain a similar con
-
tour to the blade after dressing and the area should then
be polished resulting in a smooth, scratch free surface.
WARNING
Use care when handling the propeller. Insure
that the mags are OFF, the throttle CLOSED and
the mixture in the CUT-OFF position. Then remain
as clear as possible during the dressing operation.
Be prepared for a cylinder to fire when moving the
propeller to a new position.
ELECTRICAL POWER
Alternator
The alternator is an alternating current device
which is then converted by diodes to direct current for
charging the battery. It has no brushes or other rubbing
parts and may have the voltage regulator mounted on
the unit or integral. The alternator units offered through
Neico Aviation use a remotely mounted voltage regula
-
tor. Its d.c. voltage output should be the same i.e. 14.2
to 14.8 volts. An alternator should never be operated
open circuit that is without a load, operated short cir
-
cuited or attempt to polarize.
The Lancair uses a negative ground system.
Filters in the system reduce noise in the avionics from
