6 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION PROCEDURE
6.1 LIFETIME OF THE AIRFRAME
The lifetime of the airframe is 2000 flight hours or 20 years (whichever is shorter). These can
be prolonged by an authorized inspector who will record it into the airworthiness documents.
6.2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE
After each flight day look for ruptures, damage, wear,excessive clearances and malfunctions.
Check the following systems after each flying day:
6.2.1 Ventilation
Check the system of cockpit ventilation and the function of the ventilation flap. If necessary,
lubricate the Bowden cable with oil.
6.2.2 Electrical System
Check the charge of the battery. Also, visually check the condition of the battery and it's
surrounding area. Check also the cables, their fixing and insulation. If necessary, add dIstilled
water up to the level mark.
6.2.3 Internal Equipment and Emergency Devices
Check the fastening of the First Aid kit. Inspect the canopy emergency release. The force
necessary for the emergency canopy release is adjusted by a nut under the cover in the front
of the cockpit . All the release mechanism should be lubricated with oil against corrosion and
for its proper function.
Check the attachment of the seat and the safety belts.
Check the function of the tow release handle. Look for wear and tear, deformations and
cracks. Lubricate the pins with a suitable oil.
Check the function of the pedals. Lubricate the adjusting screw, nut and stirrup.
6.2.4 Controls
Check the function of the controls and also, inspect the attachment of the rudder and the dive
brakes. The prestress of the dive brakes is adjusted by turning the end of the vertical rods in
the fuselage. The dive brakes are locked by shifting the actuating rod forward past the dead
point so that they cannot be suctioned open during flight. An additional force is required when
the handle reaches its stop to shift the rod past the dead point. Maximum 5 mm opening of
the brakes during the flight is acceptable.
Check the function of the trim and the engine controls. The trim spring is accessible below
the seat near the stick. The spring should be lubricated with oil.
Check the tension of pedal controls. The cable tensioners are accessible under the floor near
the pedals. The cables must be tightened, but just enough to enable free run of the controls
with minimal clearances.
TST-14 M – Aircraft Manual
rev.0 issued 2006-11-29 – page 32 of 40
