Rans S-12, Pilot Operating Handbook

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of the airplane’s sails. Removing a bolt will necessitate replacement of a cotter pin for the
castle nut.
In any case, after the airplane’s first 100 hour inspection, all self-locking nuts removed for the
inspection shall be replaced. Bolts will be replaced on a wear indicated basis. Thereafter the
life of the nuts is to be set at 5 cycles (1 cycle is removal and installation of the nut). After the
5th cycle for the nut, it shall be replaced. Replacement scheduling based on hours of operation
will be based on how frequently the nut is removed for inspection purposes.
One of the fuel lines on the engine was over-tightened (hose clamp on rubber hose) and caused
immediate cracking of the hose. This was noticed after 1hr of operation in taxi tests and the
end of the hose was cut and re-clamped, this time with lighter pressure. This should remain an
inspection point for all hoses! Do not over tighten anything.
Every 15 hours, a light machine oil should be used on all control surface hinges, control mech-
anisms and rudder pedals. If it has been more than one month but less than 15 hours flight
time, the lubrication should be done prior to the next flight. The heim ends do not need lubri-
cation. Essentially the most important places to lubricate are those with extremely high pres-
sure (the aluminum bushings in the flap lever assembly, the rudder pedals, the control surface
hinges, etc.) It is best to use anti-seize lubricant on the elevator push-pull tube bushing. Also
use an extreme pressure grease on the nosegear strut every 150 hours or 12 months. Be sure
to thoroughly clean off the old grease, this is a highly exposed area and gets a good amount of
dirt inside.
Hydraulic brake fluid level should be checked with a flashlight every 25 hours and of course at
100 hour and condition inspection intervals as well. Before every flight, a quick glance to see
if there is air in the line coming from the bottom of the hydraulic resevoir is sufficient.
Washing the aircraft
Wash the aircraft using a soft sponge and a garden hose or bucket. Be very careful with the
hose and where you spray water. For the most part, if you avoid spraying directly near holes
and joints and so forth, the water will find it’s way out of the plane. After washing the aircraft,
a good automotive wax will help protect the airplane from the elements. A good wax to use is
Zymol. Whatever the case, follow the manufacturers recommendations when waxing. Some
of the do’s and don’ts of washing:
1) DO NOT spray water near the engine, especially behind the oil tank
2) DO NOT spray water near the pitot/static tubes
3) DO NOT spray water in holes or cavities where it will not readily drain
4) DO use a sponge and mild soap if necessary to scrub the airplane
5) DO use an air blower to remove excess water from joints, bolts, etc.
After the Lexan has dried, use an approved Lexan cleaner and polish to buff out minor scratch-
es, Maguires makes a cleaner and polish to buff out scratches and protect the surface very well.
Vacuum the interior of the aircraft as needed and use a dampened cloth to clean the interior
components such as the cabanes and fuselage cage. It may be handy to use the air blower to
free some of the debris trapped in the cracks of the cabin area, just use good judgement with
regard to this process, don’t blow the dirt somewhere where it can’t be vacuumed out. Another
good trick is to gently tap on the outer skin of the cabin, this will let the debris work it’s way
out from between the frame and the aluminum skin. If there are chemical spills then use the
necessary solvents to clean up the spill being especially careful around Lexan and other plas-
tics.
Because you don’t want to wash the plane any more than necessary, if you wish to remove a
light layer of dust that has accumulated, the best way to do so is with a soft, wet towel. Take
a real light pass across the surface with the cloth to get most of the dust onto the towel and
then continue with a little bit harder “buffing” motion. Being wet, the towel keeps you from
scratching the clear coat and if you are very very gentle, you can use the same wet towel to
clean off the lexan if you desire but it is best to rinse the lexan surfaces with water. If you
do not have the capacity to rinse the Lexan clean without touching it, use an air blower to get
most of the dust off prior to wiping it with a soft wet towel. Try not to buff the Lexan any
more often than necessary, just do it once a month if you can get away with it.
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