SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS

VELOCITY 173 Elite RG

Roland Brown

In addition to the schedule listed below, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection/maintenance on items such as the engine, accessories, wheels, brakes, batteries, etc.

Each 25 Hours:

  1. Inspect the prop and spinner for damage/cracks
  2. Prop bolts check torque (wood prop 35 to 45 Ft Lb, but check mfg recommendations) and resafety. Check after initial run, at 10 hours and 25 hours thereafter.

CAUTION: Prop bolts recheck torque before next flight when a transition is made from a wet climate (high humidity) to dry conditions. Wood shrinkage in dry environment can loosen prop bolts and result inflight loss of the entire propeller.

  1. Engine Cowl remove and check baffling for cracks, loose bolts/nuts, oil leaks.
  2. Engine Oil Change 50 hours
  3. Fuel Filters remove and clean. Perform this inspection each 25 hours until 100 hours, then each annual/100 hours thereafter.

NOTE: Any contaminates (foam flox, dust/chips, etc.) left in the fuel system during construction could take 50 hours or more to be completely purged from the system. Check the filters often during the first 100 hours. If this happens, remove.

  1. Exhaust System check for cracks, leaks and security. Carefully check the four exhaust gaskets for leaks. Never reuse an exhaust gasket.
  2. Air Filter check and replace if necessary
  3. Brake Fluid Levels check
  4. Cables push rods, fuel/oil lines and electrical wires check for chaffing
  5. Fuel System pressure check (electric pump on) for leaks and correct pressure
  6. Engine Run check for leaks, mag drop, mag grounded, idle speed/mixture and idle mixture cut off.
  7. Landing Gear Attach Fixings check for security or damage
  8. Fuel Vents check open
  9. Doors Check hinges for damage, locking mechanism for rig/snug
  10. Tires and Brakes check tire inflation (4555 psi mains, 45 psi nose).
  11. Check wear on brake pads, replace if less than 1/8” thick.
  12. Adjust nose wheel friction damper as required.(15-20 lbs)
  13. Lights nav. landing, strobe, cockpit check operation

Annual Inspection

Accomplish all the items listed in the 25 hour inspection guide, plus all items in the “annual inspection check list” which follows.

  1. Review the Velocity newsletter and subsequent for any “Kit Plans Changes (KPCs) / airworthiness directives. Also any FAA ADs that would apply to certified components/ accessories. Be sure all are complied with prior to returning to service.
  2. Check Squawk list.
  3. Review the weight and balance/equipment list for currency. (Airplanes are like people they get heavier with age). The aircraft should be reweighed at the first annual.
  4. Update the weight and balance form. Reweigh every 3 years, or after any major modification.
  5. Main Wheel Bearings Repack
  6. Air filter replace
  7. Check engine controls, throttle, mixture, lube and check for freedom of operation.
  8. Control System Inspect and lube all hinges, rod ends, jam nuts, bearings; check for binding.
  9. Canard remove the canard (See below for instructions).

Caution: The nose will be very light after removing the canard. Ballast must be added to prevent the airplane from falling over onto the tail and prop.

  1. Inspect rudder pedals and cables, battery and wiring, nose gear retraction mechanism, canard lift tabs for damage/elongation, elevator torque tubes for damage, elevator balance weights for security/binding.
  2. Pitot Static System check for leaks.
  3. Door Locking Pins check rig and proper engagement.
  4. Wings remove both wings (first annual only, thereafter optional) and inspect the glass areas around the center section spar and wing attach fittings. Look for cracks, delaminations, etc. Note that the reason for this inspection is not based on any anticipated problem or failures, but to insure that the aircraft, at least once each year, is given a thorough structural inspection. It should not be necessary to remove the wings for subsequent annual inspections. All attach bolts, however, should be checked for proper tightness. “Coin tapping” performed to check for any delamination.
  5. Inspect the entire surface of the aircraft. Look for evidence of cracking/delamination or deformity of any kind.

Canard Removal/lnstallation

  1. Remove the nose access cover
  2. Tie nose down or use 5 gallon bucket of water to keep plane from tipping backwards
  3. Remove the retaining screws and hinge pins holding the canard cover.
  4. Remove canard cover
  5. Disconnect the GPS antennae.
  6. Position trim motor in the full forward postion (actuator retracted),
  7. Disconnect trim motor wiring.
  8. Remove bolt connecting elevator to elevator actuating rod.
  9. Remove the two AN6 main canard attach bolts.
  10. Remove the two AN4 rear attach bolts.
  11. With the canard removed, a through inspection of the trim springs, counterweights, and all pivot points between canard and elevator can be completed. Also a thorough inspection of all RG parts can be conducted along with any changes or repairs to the instruments/ avionics.
  12. Reinstall the canard in the reverse manner as removal.

Maintenance/lnspection Check Lists

N#:

SN:Date:

Propeller:

  1. Inspect spinner and backplate for cracks
  2. Inspect blades for nicks or delamination
  3. Inspect for oil leaks
  4. Inspect prop mounting bolts for security. If safety wire is broken, recheck bolt torque.
  5. Inspect hub for leaks and cracks
  6. Check blades for looseness
  7. Check electric brushes and slip rings

Engine Group

  1. Remove and inspect engine cowling for cracks
  2. Inspect engine for oil leaks
  3. Wash engine and cowling
  4. Drain oil from sump
  5. Inspect and clean the suction screen
  6. Replace oil filter
  7. Open old oil filter and inspect for contamination
  8. Inspect oil temp sender unit for leaks and security
  9. Inspect oil cooler for leaks and security
  10. Service engine with 8 quarts of oil
  11. Inspect spark plugs for condition, clean and gap to .018”
  12. Check cylinder compression

#I /80 #2 /80 #3 /80 #4 /80

  1. Inspect cylinders for broken and cracked fins
  2. Inspect valve rocker covers for oil leaks
  3. Inspect push tube seals for oil leaks
  4. Inspect engine accessories for leaks and security
  5. Inspect ignition harness for condition
  6. Inspect magneto points for gap and condition
  7. Inspect magnetos for oil leaks
  8. Lubricate breaker felt
  9. Inspect distributor block and springs for cracks/security
  10. Check magneto to engine timing
  11. Inspect magneto switch and “P” leads for operation
  12. Inspect air induction system
  13. Replace air filter
  14. Inspect fuel injectors for leaks
  15. Inspect fuel divider and lines for leaks and security
  16. Inspect intake tubes/seals for leaks and condition
  17. Inspect flexible fuel lines for condition
  18. Inspect fuel control/injector for leaks and security
  19. Inspect vent lines and engine breather tube for condition
  20. Inspect fuel pump
  21. Inspect vacuum pump for operation/security
  22. Inspect exhaust stacks, connections and gaskets.
  23. Inspect throttle, mixture, prop controls for travel and rigging
  24. Lubricate engine controls
  25. Inspect engine mount for cracks and security
  26. Inspect engine mount bolts for condition and torque
  27. Inspect engine baffles for cracks and security
  28. Inspect engine mount cushions for condition
  29. Inspect alternator and belt for condition and security
  30. Inspect starter for condition and security
  31. Inspect starter brushes for wear
  32. Inspect starter ring gear for wear and security
  33. Safety removed components
  34. Reinstall engine cowling

Cabin Group

  1. Inspect cabin door and windows for cracks and condition
  2. Inspect upholstery for tears and condition
  3. Inspect seat belts for tears, fraying and security
  4. Inspect trim operation and indication
  5. Inspect rudder pedals for operation and security
  6. Inspect brake operation
  7. Inspect brake master cylinders for leaks and condition
  8. Service brake master cylinders as required
  9. Inspect control stick and wiring for condition
  10. Check nav lights, taxi, landing lights, and strobe lights for condition and operation
  11. Inspect all panel instruments for condition, security and operation
  12. Inspect pitot/static system plumbing for condition
  13. Inspect, clean or replace vacuum filter
  14. Inspect altimeter for security and calibration IAW FAR 91.170
  15. Inspect fuel selector for leaks, condition and operation
  16. Inspect fuel system drains for operation and contamination
  17. Inspect cabin heater controls and ducting for condition and operation
  18. Inspect cabin air vents
  19. Inspect all radios and avionics for operation and condition
  20. Inspect cabin door latches for operation and condition
  21. Inspect wet compass for calibration card and security

Fuselage and Canard Group

  1. Inspect battery for security
  2. Service battery with water
  3. Inspect electronic components in nose gear well for security and condition
  4. Inspect hydraulic power pack for condition and security
  5. Service hydraulic fluid as required
  6. Inspect landing light and lens for operation
  7. Inspect fuselage structure for cracks and condition
  8. Inspect speed brake for condition, fit and operation
  9. Inspect antennas, mounts for condition and security
  10. Inspect canard for nicks, condition and security
  11. Inspect elevator for condition and travel
  12. Inspect and lubricate elevator hinges
  13. Inspect speed brake actuator
  14. Lubricate speed brake hinge
  15. Inspect elevator rod ends for freedom
  16. Inspect elevator trim actuator for condition and rigging
  17. Inspect all wiring for condition and safety
  18. Inspect ELT for operation and security
  19. Check ELT battery for expiration date, replace batteries if needed.

Instrument Panel Removal (If Needed)

  1. Disconnect Gear Power @ Breaker
  2. Disconnect ESS Bus @ Breaker
  3. Disconnec5t Main Buss @ Breaker
  4. Disconnect 25 Pin Red/Yellow Connector at EIS
  5. Disconnect Transponder Antenna
  6. Remove Fan Ducts to Avionics
  7. Remove Temperature Sensors from Air Inlet NACA
  8. Diconnect Ground at Canard Bulk Head
  9. Remove GNS430 and Transponder from rack
  10. Disconnect 2 Comm Antennas
  11. Disconnect Glide Slope Antenna
  12. Disconnect VOR Antenna
  13. Disconnect Audio Cable Connector
  14. Disconnect all Circular Connectors
  15. Remove Air Ducts
  16. Remove Defroster hose
  17. Remove Vacuum Hose
  18. Remove Static Hose
  19. Remove MAP connection
  20. Place a temporary support under transponder rack
  21. Remove Radio Support Angle from under windshield
  22. Remove Glare shield to Panel screws
  23. Disconnect Glare Sheild Power Connector
  24. Remove Pilot Side and Co Pilot Screws at edge of panel
  25. Remove 2 screws at center console

Wing Group

  1. Inspect wing upper and lower surfaces for cracks and condition
  2. Inspect wing leading edge fences for condition and security
  3. Inspect fuel caps for condition and operation
  4. Inspect fuel tanks for proper placards quantity/grade
  5. Inspect winglets for cracks and condition
  6. Inspect both rudders for condition, travel and security
  7. Inspect rudder hinges and return springs, lubricate
  8. Inspect rudder control horns and cables for security
  9. Check rudder operation
  10. Inspect ailerons for condition, cracks and security
  11. Inspect and lubricate aileron hinges
  12. Inspect gear wells for condition, cleanliness, condition
  13. Inspect aileron bellcranks, cables, and rod ends for condition; lubricate as needed
  14. Inspect aileron torque tubes for condition
  15. Inspect wing attach bolts for condition and security
  16. Inspect wing for fuel leaks

Landing Gear Group

  1. Inspect nose gear strut for condition; lubricate
  2. Inspect nose wheel for cracks, cuts and condition
  3. Inspect nose wheel caster for security
  4. Place aircraft on jacks
  5. Inspect main tires for wear, cuts and proper inflation
  6. Clean, inspect and repack main wheel bearings
  7. Inspect brake linings for condition and wear
  8. Inspect brake rotor for pitting and wear
  9. Inspect brake caliper for condition and leaks
  10. Inspect landing gear doors for condition
  11. Perform gear retraction
  12. Check wheel clearance in gear wells
  13. Check gear door fit
  14. Check operation of gear position lights
  15. Check operation of gear warning horn
  16. Perform operational check of emergency gear extension
  17. Inspect hydraulic lines for leaks and condition
  18. Inspect gear actuators for proper travel, leaks and security
  19. Extend landing gear and check safe indications

Operational Checks

  1. Check fuel pump and selector
  2. Check fuel quantity indicators
  3. Check oil pressure/temperature indication
  4. Check alternator output
  5. Check manifold pressure indication
  6. Check alternate air operation
  7. Check brake and parking brake operation
  8. Check vacuum gauge operation
  9. Check vacuum driven gyros
  10. Check cabin heater
  11. Perform magneto drop (RPM variation)
  12. Check throttle and mixture operation
  13. Check operation of constant speed prop
  14. Check engine idle speed
  15. Check electronic equipment operation
  16. Check operation of all lighting interior/exterior
  17. After shut down check for oil/fuel leaks
  18. Check aircraft documents
  19. Check applicable Airworthiness Directives

Complete paperwork - proper log book entry should read:

“I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with the scope and detail of appendix D of Part 43 and found to be in a condition for safe operation.”

The entry will include the aircraft total timeinservice, the name, signature, and certificate type and number of the person performing the inspection.

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