Astra / Westwind Summer 2003

• RVSM Thank You!
• Intermittent Operation of Flaps/Slats
• 2003 Intelli-Conferences

RVSM Thank You!

- Steve Elofson

To all who participated in our Astra RVSM group approval — thank you! The RVSM group approval process is no small undertaking and we truly appreciate your patience during this lengthy process. For those who have watched from a distance, our program timeline went like this:

• 07/01: First Astra flown for data collection.
• 08/01: Astra 1125 equipment STC awarded for the ADC-87A / IS&S ADDU RVSM solution.
• 07/02: Fifth Astra flown for data collection.
• 12/02: Astra 1125SP equipment STC awarded for dual ADC 85A RVSM solution.
• 01/03: RVSM group certification awarded for the Astra 1125 and 1125SP.

Intermittent Operation of Flaps / Slats

- Tim Garity

Problems related to intermittent operation of the Flaps/Slats, during cold weather or long flights can usually be attributed to excess friction build-up in the drive actuators in the wings. A typical failure would be that the slats will not extend during descent after a long, cold flight. This failure will result in the computer (FSECU) tripping and rendering the slats/flaps inoperative (depending on which FSECU is installed). Once the aircraft is on the ground and the components warm up, the systems can be reset by pushing the reset button on the FSECU (located in the aft lavatory, just aft on the potty).

Troubleshooting is difficult because it will typically not fail in the hangar. Consider complying with S.I.L. 1125-27-082, which describes how to perform a “Health Check,” of the system components. This basically involves removing all the drive actuators, cold soaking them in dry ice (to -60 F) and measuring the torque of each. The results will tell if an excess amount of torque exists in the system at cold temperatures, causing the FSECU to trip. Continued operation of the aircraft with excess torque, will lead to premature failure of the drive motors. There are varied opinions to the validity of the “Health Check,” but at this time, it is the best and most accurate way of determining the condition of the actuators. It’s also noteworthy that if an actuator fails the test, it is not considered unairworthy because the test is being done under an optional S.I.L. It simply means it has high torque and should probably be replaced.

2003 Intelli-Conferences

- Steve Gade

Duncan Aviation is offering one-day Intelli-Conference symposiums this fall in the following cities:

• Battle Creek, Michigan, Sept. 9
• Van Nuys, California, Oct. 29
• Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 11
• Dallas, Texas, Nov. 13

Class topics include: Aging Aircraft Issues, Cockpit Avionics Update, Effective Prepurchase, Planning and Managing Completions Projects, Human Factors Maintenance, TFE731 Troubleshooting and Emergenetics.

For details or to register, visit DuncanAviation.com/Conference or call Gina Cacek at 800.228.4277 or 402.475.2611, ext. 1288.

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