Aero-Tips!
A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard
this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer
statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of
"there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation
so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it
all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.
Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner,
master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us
-- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as
representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have
heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we
might never have considered before, or something that didn't
"stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for
the practical test.
It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers
become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our
ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those
strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow
them to soar magnificently through it.
Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you
through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are
always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips.
Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this
together.
Aero-Tips 01.16.06
Have a question about the operating limitations that apply to an
airplane? Want to know what engines or propellers are authorized to
be installed on an airframe? What are the limiting airspeeds and
c.g. limits? Does the airframe or any component have a maximum
service lifetime? Can an airplane be flown aerobatically, and if
so, within what limits? All these questions, and more, are answered
on the Type Certificate Data Sheet.
TCDS
The Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) is the formal regulatory
description of the aircraft, engine or propeller. It lists
limitations and information required for type certification
including airspeed limits, weight limits, thrust limitations, and
other criteria. Limitations information in the Pilot’s
Operating Handbook (POH) is taken from the TCDS, but if there are
discrepancies or omissions in the POH, the TCDS takes
precedence.
To locate the specific TCDS for an airplane, propeller or engine
type:
- Go to the FAA’s on-line TCDS database.
- Selected “Current models by make” from the column
on the left of the page.
- Select the letter corresponding to the manufacturer’s
name.
- Click on the triangle to the left of the manufacturer’s
name.
- Then click on the airplane model.
You’ll find each model has a Type Certificate number (for
instance, most Beech Bonanzas are under 3A15, while the Cirrus SR20
and SR22 share TC A00009CH). Go take a look... you’ll see
limitations and parameters—for instance, the SR22 is limited
to 17,500 feet maximum altitude (with approved portable oxygen
systems), and has a maximum airframe life of 12,000 hours.
Aero-tip of the day: Go to the TCDS to
definitively answer questions about aircraft, propeller and engine
design features and limitations.