Astra / Westwind Summer 2006

• Astra Hydraulic Tank Pressure Light
• Gyros, Protect Your Investment!
• Get Your First Choice
• WSI Inflight Obsolete April 30, 2007!

Astra Hydraulic Tank Pressure Light

• Tim Garity

Do you have one of those aircraft, that after sitting idle for a day or two, the hydraulic tank low pressure light is on? It is a minor nuisance problem, but it seems some aircraft will hold tank pressure indefinitely, while some dissipate almost immediately. While recently troubleshooting an aircraft with a tank pressure leak, we came upon two problems.

The first problem was an o-ring in the tank cap, not the one that seals the cap to the tank (although I recommend replacing these also), but the one that seals the cap plunger in the center of the cap.We found the auxiliary cap to be leaking through this o-ring. While this o-ring is not shown in the IPC, we were able to find a perfect match with a NAS1611-010. The cap disassembles easily.

The second leak was the tee fitting that holds the tank pressure switch. This aluminum fitting (MS21910D4 - IPC 29-10-00, fig 21, item 170) was cracked the length of the threads on both sides of the fitting. We replaced it with a steel fitting, MS21910J4.

If you have any questions about this issue, or any other Astra/Westwind issue, please contact me at 402.479.1546.

Gyros, Protect Your Investment!

• Gerry Schultz

You invest a lot of money keeping gyros airworthy. Duncan Aviation does not want to see your money and effort wasted because of improper shipping, handling and procedures. Here are a few things to keep in mind that relate to your gyro.

• Do not tow your aircraft before the gyro is spooled down.
• Do not unplug or plug your gyro in with aircraft power on.
• Unpack your overhauled gyro at the aircraft to avoid rumbling it across the ramp on a cart. (Dropping a gyro from ½” above a hard surface can do significant damage.)
• Packing your gyro for shipment should be equal to or better than the manufacturer’s packing – call Duncan Aviation with questions.
• Do not handle boxes containing gyros like airline luggage. (Just because the shipping box isn’t damaged doesn’t mean the inside of the gyro isn’t damaged.)

Remember that a gyro is like an egg, unless you want it scrambled, handle accordingly! Contact Gerry Schultz at 402.479.4212 for any questions.

Get Your First Choice

High service activity levels in the industry are making it more and more difficult in securing your first or preferred choice of service centers and schedule.We have some tips that will help you avoid some of the pitfalls when planning your next event.

First and foremost, three months is not enough! With only three months lead time; you are not likely to get your first choice of schedule and facility. Plan at least six months in advance for an average workscope–twelve to eighteen months in advance for a large workscope.

Just a few advantages of advance planning are: getting your first choice of facility and schedule; obtaining the best downtime; having plenty of time for planning and ordering parts and materials.

For more tips, please contact Doug Donahue at 269.968.8905.

WSI Inflight Obsolete April 30, 2007!

• Jim Wheaton

If your aircraft has a WSI AV100 or AV200 Inflight Weather System, look for a notice from WSI in the mail soon. WSI is partnering with Sirius Satellite Radio for improved service and more opportunity for further product enhancements.

Contact Steve Elofson at 402.479.1603 for more information.

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