Systems Flashcards
The duchess has ___ propellers
Counter rotating. (so there is no critical engine)
In a plane with counter-rotating props (CRP), which way do they spin?
As viewed from cockpit, left prop spins clockwise and right spins counterclockwise/
Disadvantages of CRP
One propeller must have an additional reversing gearbox, or the engines themselves must be adapted to turn in opposite directions. (Meaning that there are essentially two engine designs, one with left-turning and the other with right-turning parts, which complicates manufacture and maintenance.)
In a single vs multi engine aircraft - what happens to your constant speed prop when you lose engine power?
Low oil pressure causes:
Single-engine aircraft - prop to low pitch, hi RPM
Multi engine aircraft - prop will feather
Describe the engines in the BE-76 Duchess (9)
4-cylinder Lycoming horizontally opposed direct drive (crankshaft connected to prop) 360 cubic inch carbureted 180 HP at 2700rpm piston driven normally aspirated
What model engines are on the Duchess?
Left O-360-A1G6D
Right LO-360-A1G6D
(Opposed, 360 cubic inch)
Describe the props on the Duchess (6)
Hartzell 2-bladed (Macauley actually?) controllable pitch constant speed full feathering aluminum alloy 76" normal (74" min fo rrepair) HC-M2YR-2CEUF/FC7666A (left) HC-M2YR-2CLEUF/FJC7666A (right)
Describe the landing gear on the Duchess (4)
Fully retractable
tricycle gear
Magnesium and Aluminum
hydraulically actuated
What keeps the gear up?
Hydraulic pressure of 1250-1550 +/-100
What keeps the gear down?
Springs assist in extension and lock the gear in the down position. Springs and hydraulic pressure hold the over-center brace/joints in position until hydraulic pressure is released by reversing the pump.
Where is the hydraulic fluid reservoir? Where is the motor (electric pump)?
Both are behind the baggage compartment
What is a squat switch?
Some planes have a squat switch which senses if the weight of the aircraft is resting on the gear. The usually fail in an always on (weight on the gear) state; so the gear will fail to retract rather than failing to extend
What prevents accidental gear retraction in the Duchess?
pitot tube (airspeed) switch for fault protection
Switch is open on the ground, preventing pump from receiving current
Switch closes at 59-63 KCAS
What extends/retracts the gear? What powers it?
electric reversible hydraulic pump.
What can you do during a hydraulic malfunction?
Pull gear motor circuit breaker. Open emergency gear extension valve (90deg clockwise) to release hydraulic pressure directly into reservoir and allow gear to free-fall down. Limited to 100 kts due to air-load on nose gear and corrosive hydraulic fluid returning to reservoir will overflow
Describe the brake system
hydraulically actuated disc brakes on main gear
wear down to 0.45 in
master cylinder for each set of pedals
reservoir inside nose section on left
Describe the flaps on the duchess
Plain flaps (no slots/slats). Electric motor beneath passenger seats. Settings 0-35deg
slots & slats:
https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/aircraft-systems/leading-edge-slat-lift-device/
Describe the electrical system in the Duchess
28V single-wire, negative ground, DC system with push/pull circuit breakers
converter turns AC from alternator to DC
Describe the stall warning system on the Duchess
Two electric stall tabs
Left provides stall warning at 0-16deg flaps
Right provides stall warning at 16-26deg flaps
What’s the time delay relay? What is its purpose?
For the landing gear - pump stops after 30 seconds of operation, pilot must recycle gear lever to reset. So if there’s a leak and pump can’t maintain 1250 PSI, it won’t be continuously on.
Is the gear system protected by any circuit breakers?
2: gear motor and control
Landing gear retraction moment
1177 in/lb
Describe the gear down cycle
Current to pump Fluid to actuators Gear extends Switches turn on lights Pump off, system depressurized Over center gear and springs hold gear down
Gear up cycle
Check pitot switch for 59-63kts Send electricity to pump Pump sends fluid to actuators gear retracts at 1550 PSI, pump shuts off (on below 1250)
When does the gear warning horn go off?
throttle too low to maintain flight (12”) or flaps beyond 16
Tire pressure and Strut pressure
What gas is in the tires & strut?
all tires 38 PSI
nose gear 250
main gear 300
Nitrogen
Describe the oil system
6qt min, 8qt max.
Dipsticks not interchangeable
Oil cooler (thermostatically controlled)
1st 50 hours - MIL-L-6082C then MIL-L-22851
Describe the ice protection in the Duchess
Carb heat (unfiltered air) Pitot heat Windshield defrost
Cowl Flaps - max temp
CHT (cylinder head temp): max 500deg F
Starters - how long can you leave them engaged? How long do you need to wait afterward?
30secs, 2 mins off