Rans COYOTE II S-6ES, Technical Manual

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020240cg msw 09/01/05
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MAINTENANCE
COVERING: The Coyote II is covered with a 3.9 oz. per square Dacron Sailcloth. This dyed to color material
will last several years if the plane is stored out of direct sunlight while not in use. Ultraviolet light is the main
reason for loss of skin strength. The tell tale signs of an aging skin are;
1. Color fading.
2. Embrittlement
3. Easily torn with rips likely to enlarge.
To preserve your covering there is clear coating (DuPont, Stits, Aerothane) that can be sprayed on. See the
COVERING Section for more details. The effectiveness in life span extension is considerable. However, the
best preservative is indoor storage out of weather and sunlight.
CORROSION and WASHING YOUR PLANE: Using the garden hose to wash the outside of your plane may
seem like a great idea, however this is a practice avoided at the factory. We simply never let the plane get to
the point it needs hosing. Instead, the exterior of the plane is cleaned using a product called Brilliance. This
mild cleaner works great on all surfaces including the Lexan. For the oil or exhaust stains, we use 409 or
Fantastic. These clean very effectively without apparent damage to the paint.
If your plane is open air like an Airaile or Stinger and you do use a hose to wash it down, you may be causing a
future corrosion problem. In the case of any open cockpit plane with the tail sitting low, it is possible for water
to collect inside the elevator push pull tube. This will rust away the elevator yoke and corrode the push pull
tube also.
Even leaving the plane in the rain can allow moisture to collect in the elevator yoke. Please avoid the practice
of spraying water into the cockpit area of your plane, open cockpit or not, this is a practice that will lead to
corrosion problems and part replacement.
If you suspect your aircraft of corrosion problems, inspect all areas where water may collect, such as the
elevator yoke area.
IMPORTANT:
If you conduct flight operations near or on salt water such as landing on beaches or float activity
a thorough fresh water washing is a must after each final flight of the day. This should be done as soon after
the flight as possible. Saltwater can be the cause of serious corrosion problems for key structural elements.
Internal rinsing of spars, struts and fuselage members with fresh water is required if the plane has been
excessively wetted or submerged in salt water. During cleaning of any type inspect the craft for signs of
corrosion and any other abnormalities.
AIRFRAME UP KEEP
The aluminum and steel structure is designed to last for many years. However, constant abuse through hard
landings and high speed flight in rough air could fatigue key structural elements. To inspect the airframe, look
for cracks, hole elongation, flecking of anodizing (indicating bends or overloads), bent, dented or corroded
tubing and any signs of misalignment or distortion. Consult your dealer or the factory if your inspection reveals
trouble or in the event of accidental damage beyond your capabilities or repair.