Citation Spring 2006

• 560 Cockpit Heat Ducting
• Consider an FMS Upgrade That Will Take You Into the Future
• Proper Tension for Electric Flap System Cables
• Care for Cockpit Oxygen Masks
• Trivia Question

560 Cockpit Heat Ducting

— Joe Austin

We have seen airplanes come into our facilities that have the most outboard floor panel in the cockpit covering the “foot warmer” duct. An easy way to check to see if yours is misplaced is to look on the outboard side of the control column by the carpet and if you see primer, then the floor panel is misplaced.

Consider an FMS Upgrade That Will Take You Into the Future

— Dennis DeCook

Make sure you do your research when considering an FMS upgrade. You will want to make sure that the equipment you purchase now will meet the future requirements of CNS/ATM flight environments.Will your current FMS comply with FAA AC90-100 and how will it affect your capabilities?

You should evaluate RNP/ANP requirements, WAAS, LAAS, graphics display options and two-way Datalink capabilities for any FMS you are considering.

Need help? Contact Dennis DeCook by phone at 800.525.2376.

Proper Tension for Electric Flap System Cables

— Joe Austin

Citation model 500 and 550 airplanes use two electric motors to drive chains and cables to actuate the flaps.When the flaps are in the up position the cable tensions can be as high as 175 pounds.

During the rigging of the flaps, the maintenance manual requires the up limit switch to be set so that the cable tensions are between 75 and 175 pounds.

To extend the life of the flap system cables, be sure to set the flaps at the approach setting when the plane is not flying. At the approach or the full down setting, the cable tensions should be approximately 60 pounds.

Care for Cockpit Oxygen Masks

— Joe Austin

There are different manufacturers for the Eros style cockpit oxygen mask (inflatable head harness). The Puritan Bennett style of masks have specific instructions on stowing the head harness inside the stow cup. These instructions need to be followed for proper and long-life operation.

Trivia Question

— Joe Austin

The previous question was: In the early 1960s Cessna made helicopters.What were they called and how many did they make?

The answer: The official number of Skyhooks has yet to be determined, but estimates range from 30 to 40 units. The Skyhook managed to achieve numerous “Aviation Firsts” during it’s short life. Cessna stopped making the Skyhook in 1962 due to maintenance cost and a business decision to focus on fixed-wing aircraft. If you are an aviation history enthusiast, you may want to enter “Ceesna Helicoptors” into your favorite internet search engine.

This edition’s question: On Citation model 650 there is one exterior difference that will help you determine whether the plane is a Citation III/VI or a Citation VII. What is that exterior difference? Clue: It's not the sticker on the side of the plane by the cabin door.

To answer, contact Joe Austin at 800.525.2376. The first 10 people to answer correctly will receive a small gift.

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