Annual Condition Inspection page 4
Tailwheel
Moving on to the tailwheel assembly, the wheel was removed and the bearings
were removed , cleaned and inspected and then re-packed with wheel bearing
grease. The tailwheel assembly was disassembled and all components were cleaned
inspected and the lower arm bearing was re-packed:
The tailwheel forks and welds were carefully inspected for cracks.
The tail spring and attachment hardware and bolts were checked for wear and
cracks. All bolts were checked for proper torque.All parts were cleaned,
inspected, greased and re-assembled.
Wings
No discrepancies were found in the wings so all pulleys, bellcranks and rod
ends were lubricated. The flap drive bearings were checked and greased.
Empennage
No discrepancies were found in the tail assembly. All moving parts were greased
or lubricated with LPS-2
Interior
A couple of little housekeeping chores were accomplished on the inside of
the cabin while I had it all apart for this annual condition inspection.
First, I installed some rubber gap seals around the openings of the doors
and windows. I also adjusted the door skins for a tighter fit with
the fuselage sides, especially the mouse trap doors.
I installed a Halon Fire Extinguisher (Aircraft Spruce P/N RT A400) just
in front of the pilot's control stick where I could reach it, but it's out
of the way. This was
Russ Erb's
suggestion and is a good one - thanks Erbman. I also installed a bit
of insulation (Aircraft Spruce P/N 09-00283) between the forward floorboard
and the firewall tunnel (where the exhaust exits) in hopes of keep some of
the noise and vibration down:
After taking this picture, the floor board was reinstalled. The
insulation is held in place with some spray-on adhesive.
The control stick assembly, bell crank, and rudder pedal assembly were all
inspected and lubricated. The instrument panel wiring was all checked and
no discrepancies were found.
With the inspection complete, all inspections covers, wing tips and gap fairings
were re-installed. The bottom skin was also reinstalled (after cleaning
the gascolator of course).
With the inspection complete, N57EN "Miss'ippi Mudbug" is ready for a little
test flight:
It's been almost a month - I couldn't wait to get her back up in the air!
I found that with right magneto properly timed, the engine is much smoother
and more powerful than ever. I have also noticed a marked reduction
the cockpit vibration and noise levels with the exhaust being bent down slightly
to clear the tunnel area better and with insulation on the top of the tunnel
skin.
The operating limitations that came with my Airworthiness Certificate spell
out the exact language to use in the logbook for noting the completion of
the annual condition inspection. I made the following notation in my logbook.
-
"I certify that this aircraft has been inspected on May 25, 2009
in accordance with the scope and detail of Appendix D of Part 43 and found
to be in a condition for safe operation."
The logbook was then signed and I recorded my Repairmen's Certificate
number next to my signature.
I also updated the engine logbook with the compression check results as well
as the mag check and adjustment made there.
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