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12-08-2013, 10:22 AM
Mike | So What Would I L@@K For If I Were Purchasing A Seawind Today?
So What Would I L@@K For If I Were Purchasing A Seawind Today?
I was sent an email the other day that asked; What Would You L@@K For If You Were Purchasing A Seawind Today? Good question. The following is what I would consider the most important to look at in a pre-buy. It is not by any means complete and should only be used as an additional reference for the person conducting the pre-buy.
Engine – The engine compartment and engine need a though checkout for:
1-All Ad’s for the installed engine.
2-If fuel injected, check fuel spider for loose and or cracked lines. Also check for proper line support against vibration.
3-All lines feeding the engine shall be rated for the fuel flow at max flow (1/2” Lines for an IO-540).
4-Engine fuel strainer – Remove – Examine for very fine particles – clean thoroughly – replace or reinstall.
Propeller –
1-Check for cracks, dents, nicks….
2-Check for lubrication
3-Note the distance between the prop tip and turtle deck – record.
Wings –
1-Check for fuel seepage at the bottom of the spar. Can be checked thru the bottom inspection ports with a camera.
2-All lines feeding the engine rated for the fuel flow at max flow (1/2” Lines for an IO-540).
3-Check sponson tips for scrapes (not a major concern unless the sponson is missing).
4-Check for the “stiffness” of the control surfaces from the cockpit. If I remember correctly the manual says 28 pounds; I think it might be more like 18 on the cables.
5-The mixer has been disabled in my plane. The plane was very squirrelly at slow speeds with the mixer and flaps at 40*. Even without the mixer, caution should be used when using 40*, one must keep and eye on the power settings.
Hydraulics –
1-Check for leaks, cracked hoses and bad fittings.
2-Was Granville Phillips added?
Landing Gear –
1-Are the brakes old or newer style?
2-Check for the matching of the inner tube and tire.
3-Fold marks in the inner tube = wrong inner tube.
4-Pressures?
5-What is the version of the oleos that are on the plane? Newer oleos have a pinned nut at the end of the shaft to prevent separation.
6-When moving the plane on the ground does the NLG bounce? If so check oleo for proper PSI loading.
7-Is the plane level when looking from the front? Check fuel levels first then check MLG oleo PSI loading.
Fuselage –
1-Check for cracks & scrapes at the step, tail, & turtle deck. Depending on the size and location, they might not be a concern.
Fuel System –
1-Now this is a bucket of worms…… I have always believed that the header tanks MUST BE VENTED. I have proven that this is a must or air will get trapped in the header tank.
2-Header tanks MUST HAVE level sensors…!!!
3-All lines feeding the engine rated for the fuel flow at max flow (1/2” Lines for an IO-540).
Electronics –
1-The type of electronics, radios……etc…… were the personal preference of the builder. I personally prefer a glass cockpit although I also have a partial six pack under the glass.
Do a complete NEW ANNUAL ( http://seawindpilots.com/forums/showthread.php?t=557 ), check here before you fly the plane. A second or even a third set of eyes will always be a good way to go.
Flying the Seawind – Finally you have purchased the Seawind, Now what?
I remember the day Jack meet me in Florida for the pre-buy of N20W. He mentioned that he has taught people with no experience all the way up to ATP’s, CFI’s CFII’s….., people with lots of flying experience. Mike, “you will not get it the first time in the plane”. How hard can it be? Well Jack was right. By the end of the first day of flying my knees were knocking. A few drinks that night took care of the knocking knees….. The next day it all gelled and by the third day I was flying home to NY by myself. Water landings and take off’s another story. You will need many land take off’s and landings before you even think of getting water instruction.
The seawind is a great, fun plane to fly however YOU do need to go with someone that has flown seawinds. I would not recommend the local flight instructor or the local seaplane flight instructor. You need someone that has type time..!! The plane does not react like other planes you have flown. It’s a plane, like all others, you need to keep ahead of.
- Check your pride at the door
- Know your limitations
This thread is by no means complete and therefore I invite the rest of the group to add to this thread. Please comment below good or bad…..
Mike | So What Would I L@@K For If I Were Purchasing A Seawind Today?
So What Would I L@@K For If I Were Purchasing A Seawind Today?
I was sent an email the other day that asked; What Would You L@@K For If You Were Purchasing A Seawind Today? Good question. The following is what I would consider the most important to look at in a pre-buy. It is not by any means complete and should only be used as an additional reference for the person conducting the pre-buy.
Engine – The engine compartment and engine need a though checkout for:
1-All Ad’s for the installed engine.
2-If fuel injected, check fuel spider for loose and or cracked lines. Also check for proper line support against vibration.
3-All lines feeding the engine shall be rated for the fuel flow at max flow (1/2” Lines for an IO-540).
4-Engine fuel strainer – Remove – Examine for very fine particles – clean thoroughly – replace or reinstall.
Propeller –
1-Check for cracks, dents, nicks….
2-Check for lubrication
3-Note the distance between the prop tip and turtle deck – record.
Wings –
1-Check for fuel seepage at the bottom of the spar. Can be checked thru the bottom inspection ports with a camera.
2-All lines feeding the engine rated for the fuel flow at max flow (1/2” Lines for an IO-540).
3-Check sponson tips for scrapes (not a major concern unless the sponson is missing).
4-Check for the “stiffness” of the control surfaces from the cockpit. If I remember correctly the manual says 28 pounds; I think it might be more like 18 on the cables.
5-The mixer has been disabled in my plane. The plane was very squirrelly at slow speeds with the mixer and flaps at 40*. Even without the mixer, caution should be used when using 40*, one must keep and eye on the power settings.
Hydraulics –
1-Check for leaks, cracked hoses and bad fittings.
2-Was Granville Phillips added?
Landing Gear –
1-Are the brakes old or newer style?
2-Check for the matching of the inner tube and tire.
3-Fold marks in the inner tube = wrong inner tube.
4-Pressures?
5-What is the version of the oleos that are on the plane? Newer oleos have a pinned nut at the end of the shaft to prevent separation.
6-When moving the plane on the ground does the NLG bounce? If so check oleo for proper PSI loading.
7-Is the plane level when looking from the front? Check fuel levels first then check MLG oleo PSI loading.
Fuselage –
1-Check for cracks & scrapes at the step, tail, & turtle deck. Depending on the size and location, they might not be a concern.
Fuel System –
1-Now this is a bucket of worms…… I have always believed that the header tanks MUST BE VENTED. I have proven that this is a must or air will get trapped in the header tank.
2-Header tanks MUST HAVE level sensors…!!!
3-All lines feeding the engine rated for the fuel flow at max flow (1/2” Lines for an IO-540).
Electronics –
1-The type of electronics, radios……etc…… were the personal preference of the builder. I personally prefer a glass cockpit although I also have a partial six pack under the glass.
Do a complete NEW ANNUAL ( http://seawindpilots.com/forums/showthread.php?t=557 ), check here before you fly the plane. A second or even a third set of eyes will always be a good way to go.
Flying the Seawind – Finally you have purchased the Seawind, Now what?
I remember the day Jack meet me in Florida for the pre-buy of N20W. He mentioned that he has taught people with no experience all the way up to ATP’s, CFI’s CFII’s….., people with lots of flying experience. Mike, “you will not get it the first time in the plane”. How hard can it be? Well Jack was right. By the end of the first day of flying my knees were knocking. A few drinks that night took care of the knocking knees….. The next day it all gelled and by the third day I was flying home to NY by myself. Water landings and take off’s another story. You will need many land take off’s and landings before you even think of getting water instruction.
The seawind is a great, fun plane to fly however YOU do need to go with someone that has flown seawinds. I would not recommend the local flight instructor or the local seaplane flight instructor. You need someone that has type time..!! The plane does not react like other planes you have flown. It’s a plane, like all others, you need to keep ahead of.
- Check your pride at the door
- Know your limitations
This thread is by no means complete and therefore I invite the rest of the group to add to this thread. Please comment below good or bad…..