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Section 6. Maintenance
6.1. Tuning
A correctly tuned glider is comfortable and has good handling in all allowed
flight modes. Phantom has a number of adjustment points that can be
used for changing its performance.
6.1.1. Hang point.
Trim speed should be different for different hook in weight. The more the
weight, the higher speed you’ll have (see Flight Speed). Adjust hang point,
in order to achieve trim speed corresponding to your weight. If the glider
has already been tuned for lower weight, move the hang point backwards
for a heavier pilot.
6.2. Regular inspections of the glider
It is necessary to check your glider regularly for damages, possible
structural deformations, operational depreciation, tuning. You have to
inspect frame (D-spars, ribs, keel, trapeze), wires, all hinges and fittings,
bolt connections, sail, control system tuning.
6.2.1. Instruments and facilities
- Four supporting struts for proper setting up the glider relatively to the
ground level
- Electronic inclinometer for measurement aileron setting up angle and
angle of the control surfaces deflection
- Lamp or lighter for searching cracks in D-spars
- Ruler and slide caliper
- Set of spanner and other bench tools
6.2.2. Inspection intervals
•
Before the first use;
•
After each rough landing, in order to find any possible structural
deformations;
•
After every 100 hours of flight or annually, whatever comes earlier.
6.2.3. Frame inspection
•
Inspect D-cells with the view to find any distortions, damage, cracks,
especially at root fitting area, spar belt area. If you found some cracks on
the outer surface of the D-spar skin, use the lamp for checking if this crack
exists on the outer skin – light the crack zone and look inside the D-spar, if
you see the light inside the D-spar, that mean you have a crack on the
outer skin. If any D-cell damage detected, seek advice and assistance in its
repair from your local dealer. Don’t make repair yourself, unless you have
experience with repair of carbon plastic structures.
•
Inspect control frame wires and all control system wires, looking for
broken threads, tear and signs of corrosion and replace them if you found
any.
•
Check all bolting. Bolts should be tightened and locked. Where self-
locking nuts are used, not less than 2 thread coils should be visible.
•
Check the keel beam and ribs, looking for permanent deformation,
dimples, signs of corrosion, cracks, especially near bolts and rivets.
•
Check rib hinges. Axial play must not allow the rib end to move more
then 3mm. If the rib end moves more, you have to bush the hinge hole for
preventing such axial play.
6.2.4. Check the wing anhedral angle. Put the glider on the supporting
struts – One strut on the nose, another on the keel near rear wire fixing
point, other two on the left and right side of the wing at the middle of the
D-spar span. Align the keel tube with the horizon level. Measure the
