Airframe & Flight Controls Flashcards
What design is the airframe made from?
Semi-monocoque design made from GFRP
GFRP stands for Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic.
What does the center wing structure provide attachments for?
Engines, landing gear, and wings
What materials provide heat and fire protection on the firewall?
Fire-resistant matting and stainless steel cladding
What are the main bulkheads constructed of?
GFRP and CFRP
What is the conductivity of composite materials?
Poor conductors of electricity
How is lightning protection provided?
Longitudinal and lateral branches of high-capacity aluminum alloy tubes and straps
What connects the wing skin, fuel tanks, and other conductive components?
Metal braiding and straps
Where are static wicks located?
Trailing edges of control surfaces
How often must lightning protection components be inspected?
Every 1000 hours of time-in-service
What is the construction type of the wings?
Sandwich construction of upper and lower shells made from GFRP and CFRP
Where are the wings attached?
To the center wing structure near the outboard edge of each engine nacelle
How many parallel spars does each wing contain?
Two parallel spars
What happens if one spar fails?
The remaining spar is capable of supporting the wing
What is the wingspan of the DA42?
44 feet 6 inches
What caution should be exercised due to the DA42’s wingspan?
Exercise caution while taxiing in narrow ramp areas and around other aircraft
What is required for the installation of aftermarket VGs on DA42 and DA42NG?
An STC (Supplemental Type Certificate)
STC is necessary for modifications to ensure compliance with aviation regulations.
What type of empennage does the DA42 feature?
Semi-monocoque T-tail made from GFRP
GFRP stands for Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic.
What is the construction type of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers in the DA42?
Sandwich construction
This construction involves layers of materials for strength and weight efficiency.
What materials are used in the upper and lower shells of the stabilizers?
GFRP containing two internal spars
Internal spars provide structural support and rigidity.
How is the elevator attached to the horizontal stabilizer?
With 5 hinges
Hinges allow for controlled movement of the elevator.
What type of construction is the elevator made from?
Sandwich construction of upper and lower shells made from GFRP
This design contributes to the elevator’s lightweight and strong structure.
How is the elevator actuated?
With control rods
Control rods transmit pilot inputs to the elevator mechanism.
What is the function of the elevator trim tab?
Relieves elevator control pressure on the stick
The trim tab adjusts the neutral position of the elevator for easier control.
Where is the elevator trim control wheel located?
Between the front seats
This positioning allows easy access for the pilot.
What type of switch is used for elevator trim adjustment on the pilot’s control stick?
Split-style electric trim switch
This switch allows for fine adjustments to the pitch trim.
What does the left side switch of the electric trim system do?
Arms the electric trim system
This prepares the system for operation.
What does the right side switch of the electric trim system command?
Desired trim movement
This switch allows the pilot to adjust the trim to the required setting.
What activates the motor under the copilot seat?
When both switches are moved together
This motor turns the trim wheel.
What does the Red AP DISC button do?
Overrides malfunctioning, runaway pitch trim
It should be tested before each flight.
How is electric trim powered?
Through the AUTO PILOT circuit breaker on the AVIONICS Bus
This is essential for the operation of the electric trim.
Where is the elevator trim tab cable actuator located?
On the left, connected to the control cable
This actuator is crucial for elevator trim adjustments.
What prevents aerodynamic flutter if the trim cable breaks?
Friction dampener
This is a white nylon block located on the right.
What should be done if the safety wire on the connector is missing or broken?
Terminate flight preparations until maintenance can be performed
This is a critical safety warning.
What is the purpose of the variable elevator backstop?
Limits normal 15.5˚ up-elevator deflection to 13˚
It reduces the likelihood of an inadvertent stall during a go-around.
When does the variable elevator stop become active for DA42 aircraft with TAE 125-01 or TAE 125-02-99 engines?
When flaps are LDG and power on both engines exceeds 20%
This is a specific condition for these engine types.
What conditions activate the variable elevator stop for DA42 aircraft equipped with TAE 125-02-114 engines, DA42NG, and DA42VI?
Any flap position
The activation criteria for these specific aircraft models differ from others.
What is the first step in the variable elevator backstop test?
Complete the variable elevator stop test before engine start
What should you do with the stick during the variable elevator backstop test?
Hold stick fully aft with continuous, firm back pressure
What action should be taken with the power levers during the test?
Increase the power levers to full
What should be verified after increasing the power levers to full?
The backstop is gradually pushing the stick forward
What should you do after verifying the backstop during the test?
Reduce power levers to idle
What should be verified after reducing the power levers to idle?
The backstop is allowing the stick to move backward
What should you do if ‘STICK LIMIT’ is displayed before takeoff?
Terminate flight preparations, maintenance is required
What action should be taken if ‘STICK LIMIT’ is displayed during flight?
Avoid stalling in any configuration and terminate the flight as soon as practicable
What is the construction material of the rudder?
Sandwich construction of GFRP
How do rudder pedals actuate the rudder?
Through bowden cables
How is the position of the rudder pedals adjusted?
By pulling the black T-handle to unlock the pedals and pushing or pulling the pedals to the desired position.
Optional electric rudder pedals can be adjusted using a rocker switch located behind the pilot’s left knee or co-pilot’s right knee.
Is the front seat fore/aft position adjustable?
No, the front seat fore/aft position is not adjustable.
This means that the seat position remains fixed, and only the rudder pedals can be adjusted.
What is the function of the cable-actuated trim tab on the rudder?
It is used for rudder trim adjustments.
The trim tab helps to maintain the aircraft’s heading without constant input from the pilot.
How do you input right rudder trim?
Turn the trim knob clockwise.
This adjustment helps to counteract any left-turning tendencies during flight.
How do you input left rudder trim?
Turn the trim knob counterclockwise.
This adjustment is essential for maintaining balanced flight and controlling yaw.
What should you do when setting rudder trim?
Make small, slow adjustments, then wait a few seconds to see the effect.
This practice helps avoid overcorrection and ensures effective trim adjustments.
What is the construction type of ailerons?
Sandwich construction of GFRP/CFRP
GFRP: Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic, CFRP: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic
How many aluminum bracket hinges are each aileron attached with?
4 aluminum bracket hinges
What mechanism actuates the ailerons?
Control rods
What happens when an aileron is deflected up?
A paddle on the lower outboard section extends downward to create drag and reduce adverse aileron yaw
What should be ensured regarding the paddle area during preflight?
The paddle area is free of obstructions
What is the construction type of wing flaps?
Sandwich construction of GFRP/CFRP
What design connects the inner and outer segments of each flap?
Tongue-and-groove style design
How many aluminum bracket hinges are attached to each flap?
10 aluminum bracket hinges
How are the inner and outer segments of the flaps actuated?
Each segment has a separate actuator connected through control rods to a single electric motor
Where is the motor for the flaps located?
Under the left rear passenger seat
What design feature allows the flaps to extend normally if one actuator becomes detached?
Fail-safe design
What are the three positions of the flap switch?
- UP
- APP - 20˚
- LDG - 42˚
What indicates that flaps are in transition between two positions?
Two flap position lights illuminate simultaneously
What is the only approved flap setting for takeoff?
Flaps UP
For which aircraft is Flaps APP the approved setting for short field takeoff procedure?
DA42 aircraft equipped with TAE 125-02-114 engines, DA42NG, and DA42VI
What caution should be taken regarding the Instrument Light dimmer knob?
Setting it to a low setting during the day may make the flap position indicator lights appear inoperative
What secures the flap and aileron hinges?
Roll pins that are pressed into place during assembly
What should be the condition of roll pins in relation to the hinge surface?
Roll pins should be flush with the surface of the hinge
What should be done if a roll pin has worked loose or is missing in any flap or aileron hinge?
Terminate flight preparations until maintenance can be performed
What could the failure of any hinge lead to?
Loss of aircraft control that could result in serious injury or death
What activates the stall warning inside the cabin?
A sufficiently high angle of attack
The stall warning emits a steady tone when the angle of attack reaches a critical level.
Where is the electric stall switch located?
On the left wing leading edge
This switch is crucial for the stall warning system.
What happens when the PITOT HEAT switch is turned ON?
Provides heat to the stall switch
This helps prevent ice formation on the stall warning system.
What inhibits stall heat during ground operations?
A squat switch on the right main landing gear
This is a safety feature to prevent unnecessary stall warning activation on the ground.
What message is displayed on the PFD when stall heat is inhibited?
STALL HT FAIL
This message alerts the pilot to a failure in the stall heat system.
What is required for all operations according to the KOEL?
A functioning stall warning indicator
This requirement is specified in the Limitations section of the Approved Flight Manual.
What should be done when parking the aircraft?
Install the control lock
This immobilizes the elevator, ailerons, and rudder for safety.
How should the pilot side rudder pedals be positioned to install the control lock?
Fully aft
This position allows for proper installation of the control lock.
What should be done with the red straps when installing the control lock?
Loop around the stick and fasten using clips
This secures the control lock in place.
What is a caution regarding the control lock?
Towing the aircraft with the control lock installed will damage the nose wheel steering linkage
This emphasizes the importance of removing the control lock before towing.
How are front seats accessed in the aircraft?
Through the canopy using the external locking latch on the pilot’s side
What is the requirement for the front canopy during flight?
The front canopy must remain closed during flight except for emergency evacuation of smoke from the cabin
What two positions does the canopy have?
Closed position and a latched cooling gap
What is the purpose of the cooling gap?
It provides added ventilation during ground operations
What should be done with the front canopy when not in use on the ground?
Keep the front canopy closed to prevent possible damage from strong surface winds, propeller wash, or jet blast
What is the caution regarding the canopy before starting engine checks?
The canopy should be closed before starting the Before Takeoff engine checks
What is the primary function of the rear door?
Provides access to the rear passengers seats and rear baggage areas from the left side of the aircraft.
What must be done to the rear door before flight?
The rear door must be unlocked to allow emergency egress.
How can the rear door be opened from the outside?
Pull the handle out and press the red button.
What is the procedure to open the rear door from the inside?
Pull the red handle out and lift the smaller red handle located on the left.
What caution should be observed when operating the rear door?
Excessive force, wind loads, and propeller or jet blast can damage the composite hinges.
What should be done when the rear door is not in use?
Keep the rear door closed and latched.
What does pulling down on the overhead emergency release handle do?
Releases the upper hinge pins on the rear door.
True or False: If the rear door opens in flight, control of the aircraft will be compromised.
False.
What happens if the rear door opens in flight?
It will detach from the airframe, but control of the aircraft should not be compromised.
What are the nose baggage doors used for?
Access to nose baggage area, optional de-icing fluid reservoir, and main battery
The nose baggage doors are located on either side of the aircraft.
How many doors are there for the nose baggage area?
Two doors
One door is located on either side of the aircraft.
What safety feature is included on each nose baggage door?
Forward and aft latch with a lock on the forward latch
Micro-switches are also utilized to determine if the baggage doors are closed.
What can cause a DOOR OPEN message to appear?
One or more doors are not fully closed and latched
This indicates a potential safety issue.
What should be done before engine start regarding the baggage doors?
Close and latch the canopy
Ensuring the DOOR OPEN message is extinguished is also important.
What is the consequence of bending or damaging the micro-switches on the front baggage door latches?
Can result in a DOOR OPEN message even when the doors are securely latched
Care should be taken when loading items into the front baggage area.
What is the best practice regarding canopy cooling gap?
Select canopy cooling gap for increased ventilation, if desired
This should be done after ensuring the DOOR OPEN message is extinguished.
What does OÄM 42-188 allow regarding MZFW?
It allows a higher MZFW and requires temperature indicators to be installed on the inboard side of the main gear doors.
What is the maximum structural temperature indicated by the temperature indicators?
55˚C
What should be checked during preflight regarding the temperature indicators?
Ensure the indicators have not turned red.
What is the consequence of a red 55 appearing on the structural temperature indicator?
The MZFW must not exceed 3638 pounds.
True or False: Composite materials cannot ignite under any conditions.
False
What is prohibited inside and around the aircraft?
Smoking
What should always be inspected prior to flight?
The fire extinguisher
List two airframe CAS messages.
- DOOR OPEN
- STICK LIMIT
