component. Loss of even a portion of a blade can be
catastrophic in flight. Nicks and scratches cause stress
risers and cannot be neglected. The repaired contour
of any repair should be similar to the original contour
to remain as close as possible to the same airfoil as
before thus maintaining the same “lift” on each blade.
In addition the repair must result in the nick being fully
removed and the blade surface polished. Give your
propeller care, respect its overhaul periods and it will
pull you through many hours of flight.
FUEL SYSTEM
The standard Lancair has a very simple fuel
system. It feeds fuel to the engine pump through a fuel
selector, electric boost pump then a gascolator. Each
wing tank has a screen at its outlet. Aircraft with the
extended tank option simply have another bay of fuel
outboard of the normal tank which is integral with the
normal tank.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
A self contained hydraulic system is used to
operate the landing gear and wing flaps. The pump is
electrically powered. When the “gear up” position is
selected the pump is activated and 1000 psi is provid
-
ed to the up side of a piston operating the mechanism
raising the gear. This pressure is maintained although
the electric pump is disabled by a limit pressure switch
and the pressure holds the gear in its retracted position.
Upon selecting the “down” position, 1000 psi is pro
-
vided to the down side of the cylinder and the gear is
extended and driven to the overcenter (locked) position
for the nose gear and to down and locked for the mains.
The flaps operate in a similar manner and are discussed
in later text.
As with any hydraulic system proper servicing
is required. Use only MIL-L-5606 “red” hydraulic fluid
and remember that with hydraulics, cleanliness is next
to godliness.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The Lancair brake system is installed on both
pilots side. Steering of the aircraft on the ground is
by use of differential brakes. The rudder pedals incor-
porate independent toe brake cylinders operating the
“Cleveland” type disk brakes on the main gear. Brakes
should be checked each time you leave the ramp prior
to taxiing. Care should be used to not ride the brakes
unnecessarily by using only sufficient power to main-
tain taxi speed. Also, you should get in the habit of
checking your brakes on downwind before landing.
To do so simply depress each pedal to verify a “firm”
pedal. Your initial flights in the Lancair like any new
aircraft will require extra caution until you become
familiar with the aircraft.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Lancair basic electrical system consists of
an alternator, a voltage regulator and a battery. The al
-
ternator provides power to the main electrical buss and
the battery. The recommended configuration is with an
avionics buss separately controlled by an avionics mas
-
ter switch. From this main buss, power is supplied to
the hydraulic pump motor and the lights. The magneto
circuits are independent of the electrical system and
each other.
Since the Lancair is a composite design, all
circuits require the use of a return wire leading to
“ground”. The use of a ground buss is recommended