Airframe Maintenance
The airframe should be inspected before each flight during the Preflight Inspection. Additional maintenance procedures are performed according to the Maintenance Schedule or as needed.
Airframe Inspection
The Airframe inspection is performed to evaluate the overall health and status of the major structural components of the aircraft including the fuselage, wings, booms, tail, and control surfaces. This procedure also includes inspecting the electrical harnesses, and antennas.
Control Surfaces
The control surfaces on the aircraft are four elevons. Check for tears or separation along the hinge line, delamination on the bottom surface and trailing edge. Confirm that the control horns are securely anchored without signs of loosening or cracking.
The control surface should move freely with the only resistance being from the servo gear train. If a servo movement skips, binds, or does not move at all, the servo may need to be replaced.
Composite Structure
Check for damage to the composite airframe. Look for cracking and buckling on the outer skin of the airframe. Check for delamination, particularly at the trailing edge of the wing. Chipping paint is acceptable, although it may be indicative of further damage beneath the paint.
Inspect the security of the pitot tube, payload mount, and avionics mounts.
Damage detection in composites is difficult due to the pattern of the fabrics and the fact that much of the damage often occurs beneath the top surface of the laminate or paint.
Engine Mounts
Inspect the engine vibration isolation mounts for cracking, degradation, and security. Replace as needed.
Avionics Mounts
Inspect the avionics tray vibration isolation mounts for cracking, degradation, and security. Replace as needed.
Fasteners
Confirm all fasteners are fully tightened. Some critical fasteners have torque stripe applied to the screw head. Ensure that the torque stripe is not broken.
Wiring
Check wiring for any visible chaffing, kinks, or cuts. Where applicable, ensure the wiring is properly routed and secured to the zip tie mounts. The zip tie mounts should not show any signs of peeling. The protective braided cable sleeve should be secured with a lacing cord knot. Check all connectors for bent or partially seated pins.
Antennas
Verify that all antennas (radio, GPS, transponder if installed) are securely mounted and that all RF connections are fastened. Check RF cables for visible chaffing, kinks, or cuts. RF cables must maintain a minimum bend radius of at least one inch.