Challenger Winter 2005

• Battery Technology
• AOA Linearity Checks

Battery Technology

- Karl Detweiler

Securaplane and Enersys have developed a true, solid lead acid main aircraft battery. This technology has been used in military and commercial applications since 1973, and is now available for corporate aviation. STCs exist for Challenger 600, 601 & 604 model aircraft and are available for many other corporate aircraft as well. This battery has many advantages over liquid and gel cell lead acid batteries and NiCad batteries. It can be stored fully charged for 24 months with no required maintenance and when in use, it only requires servicing every 18 months. It has improved performance at hot and cold temperatures, eliminating thermal runaway potential and can be completely discharged and recharged.

Since it is a true, solid battery, it is rated nonhazardous and can be shipped by standard means. Turning over or tipping will not cause damage.

This battery includes a 30 month warranty (not pro-rated) that begins at the time of installation, and is in addition to the 24 month shelf life. A lead acid battery’s life span is usually 15-18 months, but this battery has a 30 month warranty, and therefore should have the same life span as NiCad batteries.

Battery manufacturers rate their batteries at full capacity when new. So a 25 amp/hour battery is considered 25 amp/hour at full capacity when it leaves the production line.When Securaplane says its battery is a 25 amp/hour battery, it is rated 25 amp/hour at 80% of battery capacity. Therefore a new Securaplane 25 amp/hour battery, at full capacity, will have 31 amp/hour performance. This cost is approximately 1/2 the cost of NiCad batteries and there is no need to ever replace the battery. If the battery eventually requires cells, its two cells can be “re-blocked” for about 2/3 the cost of a new battery and again has a full 30 month warranty.

Call Chris Gress for further information at 800.228.4277, ext. 1664.

AOA Linearity Checks

- Scott Shefke

The Angle of Attack Linearity Check is often confusing and the proper sign off and repetitive checks difficult to understand. Currently AD, 2003-22-12, Stall AOA tolerance check amendment, 39-13360 document 2002-nm-157, dated December 12, 2003, is the AD that requires this repetitive inspection. This AD refers back to the SB for the repetitive inspection check. However, in the latest revision of the SB(R1) part C has been removed and the notes direct you to the TLMC for repetitive inspections.

There also is an advisory wire, AW600-27-2228, that provides an alternate means of compliance to the AD. This refers you to the TLMC for compliance of the repetitive portion of the AD. The TLMC also has the repetitive portion of the linearity check at 300 hours (component hours). At Duncan Aviation we automatically do this check at the airframe 300 hour inspection interval. This eliminates tracking issues and having the inspection fall out of the regular maintenance cycle. The sign off may look something like this:

Complied with AD 2003-22-12, Stall AOA tolerance check amendment 39-13360 document 2002-nm-157 effective date December 12, 2003, paragraph H and N of this AD and using Alert Service Bulletin ___________ Dated__________ and AMOC Advisory wire 600-27-2228 dated April 8, 2004, which moves repetitive check to the aircraft Time Limits and Maintenance Checks.

If you have questions about this or any Challenger maintenance issue, please contact me at 800.228.4277 ext. 1681.

( Return to top )