Section 7
Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG) Description of the Airplane and Systems
Initial Issue of Manual: December 9, 2005 RC050005
Latest Revision Level/Date: C/10-10-2006 7-53
Operation and Use – To operate the fire extinguisher, use the following procedures after securing
the ventilation system:
1.
Remove the fire extinguisher from its mounting bracket by pulling up on the bracket release
clamp.
2.
With the unit in an upright position, remove the retaining pin from the handle.
3.
Discharge the extinguisher by pushing down on the top handle. For best results, direct the
discharge towards the base of the fire, near the edge. Use a small side-to-side sweeping motion
while moving towards the back of the fire. The extinguisher has a continuous discharge
capability of approximately eight seconds. Do not direct the initial discharge at the burning
surface at close range since the high velocity stream may scatter the burning materials.
4.
Short bursts from the extinguisher of one or two seconds are more effective than a long
continuous application.
5.
When the fire is extinguished, open all ventilation and return the fire extinguisher to its
mounting bracket. Do not lay it on the floor or in a seat.
6.
Have the fire extinguisher replaced or recharged before the next flight.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION/STATIC DISCHARGE
While composite construction provides both strength and low air resistance, it does have high
electrical resistance and, hence, very little electrical conductivity. Conductivity is necessary for
lightning protection, since it is important that all parts of the airplane have the same electrical
potential. Moreover, in the event of a lightning strike, the energy is distributed to and absorbed by all
the skin area, rather than to an isolated location. One method of lightning protection, which is used
in this airplane, is achieved by integrating aluminum and copper mesh as part of the composite
sandwich. The depth of the mesh varies from 10 to 30 thousandths of an inch below the surface of
the paint and encompasses most surfaces of the airplane. The various parts of the airplane are then
interconnected through use of metal fasteners inserted through several plies of mesh, mesh overlaps,
and bonding straps.
WARNING
The thickness of the surface paint is important for lightning protection
issues, and the color is important because of heat reflection indices. The
owner or operator of the airplane must only repaint the airplane
according to the specifications for Columbia 400 LC41-550FG as shown
in the airplane maintenance manual.
Static wicks are used to bleed an accumulated static electrical charge off the airplane’s surface and
discharge it into the air. An airplane that does not properly dissipate static build-ups is susceptible to
poor or inoperative radio navigation and communication. The wick is made of carbon, enclosed in a
plastic tube. One end of the wick is connected to the trailing edge of the airplane’s surface, and the
other end sticks out into the air. As the airplane flies through the air, static electricity builds up on
the surfaces, travels through the mesh to the static wicks, and discharges into the air. The over
application of wax increases the generation of static electricity. See page 8-19 in Section 8 for
instructions about the care of the airplane’s surfaces. Also refer to page 4-17 in Section 4 for more
information about the static wicks.
PRECISE FLIGHT FIXED OXYGEN SYSTEM
The Precise Flight fixed oxygen system is installed to provide supplemental oxygen for the pilot and
passengers. The system consists of three, 14 cu ft oxygen bottles located in the right wing, a
regulator/valve assembly, a filler port in the aft baggage compartment, an overpressure protection
device, a guarded overhead emergency manual valve, an overhead distribution manifold, and
associated lines, fittings, valves, and sensors. The oxygen bottles are located in the right hand wing
locker between WS 25.0 and WS 46.0 wing rib, and between the forward and aft spars. The total
oxygen capacity of the system is 42 cu. ft (1189 L). The maximum oxygen cylinder pressure is 2000
psi. The low pressure operating pressure is 20 to 33 psi. The bottles are interconnected by bottle
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