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:

1. Go to the FAA’s on-line TCDS database.
2. Selected “Current models by make” from the column on the left of the page.
3. Select the letter corresponding to the manufacturer’s name.
4. Click on the triangle to the left of the manufacturer’s name.
5. 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.

FMI: Aero-Tips