Light Aircraft Association

If it's a MATCO braking system, as in our 701, the fluid is not the usual brake fluid. In fact it's a hydraulic fluid (part code Mil-H-5606) normally used in rams etc. The RAF code is OM15 but we purchased ours fluid from Transair under Aeroshell Fluid 41. Also MATCO instructions tell us to pressure...

Well for me it is not hyperbole; I am far from prone to exaggeration. The chart is inferior to previous versions and, if others feel they can accept this, then that is their prerogative; I do not decry this. My critique of the current chart is based on what I perceive personally, a subjective view o...

I personally do think it an issue. We have all paid good money to purchase the latest chart. It is inferior to earlier versions. Not only does it look more cluttered (we could get used to that) but the script is fuzzy and makes for hard work at times in a busy cockpit, trying to decipher what should...

Ref. electric blanket. Many years ago (PFA days, circa 1984) I visited a chap who had left an electric blanket on his aircraft; I forget for how many hours. Anyway he came back to a quarter of it nicely charred. It really did look a mess. Even if he had remained in his workshop, I would imagine that...

Hi gasax, That's the very filter I have purchased but at the moment reluctant to fit. I see it is exactly as mine is and will not unscrew internally as the previous ones could do. However, I am still uncertain of the integrity of the internal filter element, as it is this that has "clogged up" causi...

What I have done in the past when using a garage of limited dimensions is to extend it temporarly. In this I mean utilizing a side door (if there is one), or even just making an opening in a suitable wall if there isn't. Then, if there is room on your land, fit a timber lean-to (a shed with 3 sides)...

Hi again John, I can see arguments both ways, as most of us do. It is comforting to see the innards of a fuel filter prior to flight, even though it can be construed as a whim perhaps and not entirely necessary. However, in the case of a fire in the engine bay I would imagine the plastic filter not ...

Hi John, Many thanks for the reply. However, that looks to be plastic and perhaps should not(?) be located in the enclosed type engine bay. There are many other fuel filters that can be located in the engine area but all these are mainly metal and hence non see-through. Even the Andair one depicted ...

I have been looking at various options for fuel filters over the past few months. Now, the latest LAA magazine discusses that very subject. However, I still cannot source a "see-through" type fuel filter that I can locate in the Rotax 912 enclosed engine bay; other than the glass one I purchased fro...

Hi Bill, I have no actual experience of this but my understanding is that it can be shrunk using a hot air gun. Hopefull Bill Scott will see this and add his experience to your question. He did say though that it is best to leave a day or so after fully tightening as it will stretch and allow you to...

Hi Bill, The penny has finally dropped after your last reply. One of the previous owners (probably the actual builder - who did a great job) has added an extra padding to the engine side of the firewall (soundproofing methinks). This has what looks like a metallic foil covering which I thought was t...

Hi Bill, Yes, I have the build and spares manuals but neither seem to show lacing up with the firewall in place. Now that you say it can be done, I will have a bit more confidence - even though I still cannot actually see how I can get to do the lacing up with the firewall in place. Thanks for the t...

In the next few months I intend to renew all the skins except the wings which were done last year. I have studied the build and spares book and looked at as many on-line pics as I can, so feel confident about the job. Except for the front part of the fuselage. How do I get at the lace strings at the...