Air Tractor, Inc.

Inspection Page 3-i

AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 3 - INSPECTION
Page No.

GENERAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

SCHEDULED INSPECTIONS....................................................................................................................... 3-1

General............................................................................................................................................. 3-1

Propeller ........................................................................................................................................... 3-1

Engine and Mount ............................................................................................................................ 3-2

Electrical System .............................................................................................................................. 3-3

Fuel System ..................................................................................................................................... 3-3

Oil System ........................................................................................................................................ 3-4

Power and Propeller Speed Coordinating System .......................................................................... 3-4

Induction System .............................................................................................................................. 3-5

Main Landing Gear and Brakes ....................................................................................................... 3-5

Tail Gear .......................................................................................................................................... 3-6

Fuselage Frame ............................................................................................................................... 3-6

Fuselage Fixed Skins ....................................................................................................................... 3-7

Control System ................................................................................................................................. 3-7

Wings ............................................................................................................................................... 3-8

Ailerons ............................................................................................................................................ 3-8

Flaps................................................................................................................................................. 3-9

Empennage ...................................................................................................................................... 3-9

Cockpit ........................................................................................................................................... 3-10

Dispersal Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 3-11

Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-ii
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 3 - INSPECTION
(Continued)
Page No.

Air Conditioning System ................................................................................................................. 3-12

Hydraulic System, Fire Gate .......................................................................................................... 3-12

FLIGHT INTO TURBULENT AIR AND POST FLIGHT INSPECTIONS ..................................................... 3-12

FLIGHT INTO THUNDERSTORMS AND POST FLIGHT INSPECTIONS ................................................. 3-12

UNSCHEDULED INSPECTIONS ............................................................................................................... 3-13

HARD / HEAVY LANDING INSPECTION ................................................................................................... 3-14

Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-1
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

GENERAL

The inspections listed in this section are general visual inspections unless otherwise specified. They include
scheduled (periodic) inspections and unscheduled inspections, and are subject to certification that
maintenance was performed in accordance with the applicable standards of airworthiness.

Daily (walk-around) inspections are performed by the pilot and are not scheduled inspections. These daily
inspections do not require certification.

SCHEDULED INSPECTIONS

The figures in parenthesis indicate flying hours between inspections. An annual inspection program is required
and should include all annual items listed below, all 100, 200 & 300 hour items, and those listed in the
applicable engine and propeller maintenance manuals (Refer to Description Section, INSTRUCTIONS FOR
CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS). The time between inspections should not exceed those indicated below
except that a tolerance for periodic inspection is +/-15% for 100, 200, and 300 hour inspections. For inspection
intervals greater than 300 hours, the specified interval should be held as the maximum allowable interval.

The symbol (---) indicates a reference to additional INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS.
The 100, 200, and 300 hour inspections are line maintenance inspections. This work can be accomplished by
simple means and does not require extensive disassemblies or elaborate inspections.

General

1. (---) Check Maintenance and Lubrication sections of this manual for necessary
maintenance and lubrication tasks.

Propeller

1. (100) Examine all exterior parts of propeller blades for corrosion, nicks, bends, etc.

2. (100) Remove engine cowling and spinner and inspect for signs of fuel and oil leaks,
loose screws, cracks, security of lines and controls, fretting and chafing, etc.

3. (100) Reinstall spinner and examine spinner installation for loose screws, cracks.

4. (100) Check propeller overspeed-solenoid circuit as described in the Maintenance

Section, PROPELLER MAINTENANCE.

5. (200) Inspect and clean beta-block and beta-ring.

6. (1000) Dynamic-balance propeller.

7. (---) Refer to propeller maintenance manual for other inspections.

Page 3-2 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
June 21, 2018 AT 802/802A

Engine and Mount

1. (100) Remove side cowling and examine exhaust pipe connections and check for
cracks.

2. (100) Check security of fuel and oil lines and controls at all connections. Inspect for
fretting/chafing of all lines and controls.

3. (100) Remove top cowl and check controls on primary governor and controls on
fuel control. Have someone in cockpit move start lever and then power lever
through range of travel and look for loose connections, binding parts, rubbing,
etc.

CAUTION
Do not move power lever into reverse position with
engine stopped or controls will be damaged.

4. (100) Inspect all cowling parts for cracks, especially at screw connections and in
the corners of cut-outs.

5. (100) Inspect engine oil scavenge tubes and fuel lines at engine firewalls for signs
of chafing. (Reference Service Letter #126).

6. (200) Inspect ITT wires and connectors.

7. (300) Inspect engine vibration insulators for cracks, swelling, or separation of

elastomer.

8. (300) Examine engine mount for cracks (Reference Service Letter #253) and check
torque at firewall connections. Torque is 4000 in-lbs on head of upper bolts
and 1100-1300 in-lbs on nuts of lower bolts. Reinstall safety wire and cotter
pins.

9. (Annual) Remove and inspect P3 filter.

10. (2 Years) Verify calibration of ITT Indicating System. (See Maintenance Section, ITT
INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION CHECK for procedures).

11. (2 Years) Verify calibration of Torque Indicating System

12. (---) Perform Hot-Section Inspection at Pratt & Whitney Canada recommended
interval.

13. (---) Conduct all other inspections according to “Pratt and Whitney Engine
Maintenance Manual” at the recommended interval.
Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-3
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

Electrical System

1. (100) Check batteries for condition, charge, and water level.

2. (100) Inspect wires and under battery box and along engine mount tubes for chafing
or loose connections.

3. (100) Inspect relays and other electrical components in vicinity of battery box and
on firewall for loose connections, signs of shorts, corrosion, etc.

4. (100) Inspect starter-generator connections to engine, and wiring to terminals.

5. (100) Remove R/H side skin below hopper and check wire bundle for security and
chafing. Check for chafing at firewall pass-throughs.

6. (100) Inspect under instrument panel for loose wires or chafing or evidence of
shorting. (It may be necessary to remove the control stick for comfort).

7. (100) Turn on master switch (Batt) and check all external and internal lights. Check
rheostats.

8 (100) Turn on master switch (Batt) and push to test all caution/warning lights.

9. (300) Inspect starter-generator brushes per manufacturer’s instructions.

10. (Annual) Check calibration of engine instruments.

Fuel System

1. (100) Inspect the fuel-filter element in the firewall mounted fuel filter and replace if
necessary. (Air Tractor p/n 52351-1). If contamination is found, replace the
filters (2) on the FCU pump. See Engine Maintenance - FUEL. Also see
Service Letters #229 and #229A for the firewall mounted fuel filter. See the
appropriate Pratt & Whitney maintenance manual for the FCU pump filters.

2. (100) Check all drain fittings and valves for leaks.

3. (100) Check for fuel line chafing from fuel tanks to header tank.

4. (100) Check fuel tank for leaks.

5. (300) Replace high-pressure fuel-pump filter element. (See Engine Maintenance –

FUEL for removal and replacement procedures).
Page 3-4 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
June 21, 2018 AT 802/802A

6. (Annual) Check operation of the fuel filter warning system by removing the hose and
attaching a gauged vacuum source to the bottom of the vacuum switch. Apply
decreasing pressure gradually (vacuum). The battery switch should be “ON”,
and someone in the cockpit to tell when the “FUEL FILTER” warning light
goes on. This should occur at 80 (+/- 1) inches of water (vacuum).

7. (Annual) Drain fuel tanks and check E position of fuel receiver. (Reference
Maintenance Section, FUEL TANK RECEIVER).

8 (Annual) Check functionality of Low Fuel Warning Light. Light should illuminate when
approximately 16 gallons of fuel remain in each wing tank.

9. (Annual) Inspect exterior of header tank on lower side for signs of corrosion from within
tank, and interior of tank for contamination per S/L #148.

10. (Annual) Remove finger strainers (steel elbow) from fuel tank and clean. Inspect for
fuel contamination per Service Letter #148.

11. (Annual) Fill fuel tanks and check F position on fuel receiver.

12. (---) Clean fuel nozzles, check flow and pattern. (See Engine Maintenance - FUEL
for instructions).

Oil System

1. (100) Check oil cooler mounting and check fittings for leaks.

2. (100) Check oil hoses for chafing or leaks.

3. (100) Turn master switch ON and check Chip Detector Warn Light. Should be OFF.
Push to test warn light. If light is ON initially, remove chip detector(s), inspect,
clean and reinstall. Perform operational check of Chip Indicating System.

4. (100) Check breather line on accessory gear box for leaks.

5. (200) Remove and clean chip detector.

6. (200) Remove and clean oil screen.

7. (---) For oil change recommendations, refer to the applicable Pratt and Whitney
Service Bulletin.

8. (---) Make all other oil system checks as called out in the Engine Maintenance
Manual.

Power and Propeller Speed Coordinating System

1. (Annual) Check engine rigging as called out in Engine Manuals. (Or more frequent
intervals if required).
Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-5
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

Induction System

1. (100) Remove side engine cowling and air scoop assembly and check condition of
induction tubes, clamps, and filter attachments. (For planes without nose-
mounted ram air induction system)

2, (100) Without removing filters (unless necessary) visually inspect for dirt
accumulations, proper sealing at all sealing edges, and filter condition. A soft
bristle brush, like a paintbrush, can be used to brush excess dirt and debris
off the face of the filter.

3. (300) Remove the large plenum cover (attached with worm drive bands) and check
cleanliness of plenum. Check for leaks in the forward and aft firewalls and
around tubes and hoses.

4. (300) Remove filters and clean as described in Air Tractor Service Letter #257. (Or
at more frequent intervals if conditions require) (For Donaldson pleated filters
only)

5. (Annual) Check operation of the pressure differential switch by attaching a vacuum

gauge to the 1/4” aluminum tube inside the plenum. Apply decreasing
pressure gradually (vacuum). The battery switch should be ON, and someone
in the cockpit should tell when the air filter light goes on. This should occur at
15 (+/- ½) inches of water decreasing pressure. (18 (+/- ½) inches of water
for the 802/802A equipped with PT6A-67R, -67F, -67AF engines).

Main Landing Gear and Brakes

1. (100) Inspect tires for cuts, wear, and inflation. [60 psi (Unloaded) and 62 psi
(Loaded)].

2. (100) Inspect brakes for lining wear, condition of disc, brake fluid leaks, etc. Check
torque plate for cracks. Inspect inside and outside edges of wheel for cracks.
Inspect for security of brake line.

3. (100) Check master cylinders for leaks, test firmness of brakes and bleed (if
necessary), check for ample fluid in brake reservoir. (See Maintenance
Section, BRAKE BLEEDING).

4. (100) Check operation of parking brake and look for leaks.

5. (100) Check main gear leg visually for cracks, nicks, or corrosion.

6. (100) Check main gear clamp block for security and for straightness using a straight
edge. Check attach bolts visually. (Refer to Maintenance Section, MAIN
GEAR SPRING.)

7. (Annual) Hoist aircraft and check for looseness in main gear attachments. This would
be a good time to change any bolts that are nearing end of safe life.

8. (300) Check torque on main gear attach bolts. (See Maintenance Section MAIN
GEAR SPRING).
Page 3-6 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
June 21, 2018 AT 802/802A

Tail Gear

1. (100) Inspect tire for cuts, wear, and inflation (60 psi.)

2. (100) Check lock pin operation and condition of centering springs.

3. (100) Jack tail wheel clear of ground and check for looseness of housing on spring.
(See Maintenance Section TAIL WHEEL FORK HOUSING).

4. (100) With tail wheel off ground, rotate wheel for signs of dry wheel bearings. Check
for looseness on axle, check locking pin for free engagement to fork, check
fork for looseness in housing, check for wear on brass wear plate. (See
Maintenance Section TAIL WHEEL FORK)

5. (100) Check tail gear spring visually for cracks or nicks.

6. (300) Check torque of tail spring attach bolts. Check torque of tail spring to tail gear
bolts.

7. (Annual) Remove tail wheel lock pin housing, slide out locking pin, and check for
straightness and wear. Lubricate, re-install and check alignment as called out
in the TAIL WHEEL LOCK PIN AND HOUSING of the Maintenance Section
of this manual.

8. (Annual) Jack under the stabilizer strut fitting and check for looseness of the tail spring
to the fuselage frame. (See Maintenance Section, TAIL GEAR SPRING).
Also change the forward spring attach bolt. Check condition of aluminum pad
under spring.

Fuselage Frame

1. (100) Check for cracks in upper and lower aft fuselage structure, especially upper
aft L/H longeron per S/L #195. Check for cracks around tail spring attach
area. Check for cracks around main gear attach area.

2. (100) Check condition of paint and re-finish where necessary.

3. (Annual) Inspect engine mount attach bushings and surrounding tubes for cracks.
Inspect area around wing attach bushings for cracks.

4. (Annual) Inspect all other highly stressed areas for cracks such as rear spar fittings,
skin attach brackets, spray boom attach tubes, flap control attachments,
control stop brackets, etc.

5. (Annual) Conduct general inspection of entire fuselage frame. Check for cracks and
corrosion.
Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-7
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

Fuselage Fixed Skins

1. (100) Inspect dispersal equipment boots at fuselage skin attachments for wear.

2. (100) Inspect for skins chafing on other parts, such as the vertical fin, or in the area
around the tail spring.

3. (Annual) Tighten all screws attaching the fixed skins. Look for elongated holes in the
angles if loose screws are found.

4. (Annual) Inspect for cracks or corrosion on all fixed skins. A corroded part should be
replaced or else stripped and repainted as described in the Maintenance
Section, STRIPPING AND REPAINTING PARTS.

Control System

1. (100) Check rudder cables for wear at pulley locations and at entrance to fuselage.
Check to see if cotter pin guard is installed per Service Letter #200.

2. (100) Check tail wheel lock cable for wear at pulley and at entrance to fuselage.
Check spring on end of lock cable for wear.

3. (100) Check all elevator pushrods and bellcranks for bearing condition, clearance
to other parts, loose check nuts, end-play on bellcranks, wobble in idlers.

4. (100) Check cockpit controls for end-play or slack.

5. (100) Check for missing neoprene washers at aileron and elevator stops.

6. (100) Cycle flaps and listen for unusual rubbing noises. Check for wobble in 90°
flap bellcranks, and torque on the AN6 attach bolts. Check for bent arms on
the 90° bellcranks. Check that flaps do not exceed marking in down position.

7. (100) Check rubber coupling in flap motor connection. Check for loose wires around
flap actuator.

8. (100) Check all trim/boost tabs for excessive free play.

9 (100) Read Maintenance Section on Rudder Controls, Elevator Controls, Cockpit

Controls, and Trim Tab Controls and perform inspections called out in those
sections.

10. (100) Read Maintenance Section on Gate Box Controls, Spray Lever Controls and
perform inspections called out in those sections.

11 (100) Inspect torque tube for cracks, proper attachment, bearing condition.
Page 3-8 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
December 10, 2019 AT 802/802A

12. (100) Check all flight controls are free and correct with no chafing, jamming, or
binding through all possible combinations of control positions.

13. (100) Check elevator downspring in control system in aft fuselage for breakage or
wear in spring ends.

14. (300) Visually inspect the flap actuator attachment plates on the flap torque tube
per SL 347.

15 (900) Perform a dye penetrant inspection of the flap actuator attachment plates on
the flap torque tube per SL 347.

16. (Annual) Check for wear in the aluminum rudder adjustment channel.

17. (Annual) Check rudder pedal attach brackets and tube for cracks.

18. (Annual) Check all aileron push-rods and bellcranks for bearing condition, clearance to
other parts, loose check nuts, end-play in bellcranks.

19 (Annual) Check elevator controls friction device for proper adjustment as described in
“Elevator Controls” under HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS AND ELEVATORS
in the Maintenance Section of this manual. Check the diameter of the friction
device wear ring on the elevator control idler. The minimum diameter is 1.0
inch. Replace the idler if wear is excessive. (Aircraft s/n 802-0376/-4004 and
subs and aircraft modified in accordance with Service Information Letter
#802-0090 do not have the Friction Damper installed and this inspection does
not apply).

Wings

1. (100) Remove inspection covers and check for cracks in ribs or spar webs.

2. (100) Inspect wing skins for cracks, loose rivets, and for corrosion. Keep clean.

3. (Annual) Inspect wing attach angles for wear, cracks or missing nuts.

4. (1,000) Remove and inspect the rear spar bolt per instructions in the Maintenance
Section, WING ATTACHMENT TO FUSELAGE.

5. (2,000) Inspect the wing center splice connection as described in the Maintenance
Section, WING CENTER SPLICE CONNECTION.

6. (2000) Loosen (one at a time) the four AN6 bolts through the wing attach angles and
rotate ¼ turn to insure that they are not frozen. (See Section 2 – WING
ATTACHMENT TO FUSELAGE).

Ailerons

1. (100) Inspect all skins, spar, and ribs for cracks, loose rivets. Inspect around
counterweight support structure for cracks.

2. (100) Check condition of counterweight attachment.

3. (100) Check condition of aluminum hinges and attachment to spar, check steel
hinges for corrosion or cracks.

4. (Annual) Check aileron push-rods for cracks in threads and bearing condition.

5. (Annual) Check aileron travel: 17° up, 13° down, +/- 1°.
Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-9
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

Flaps

1. (100) With flaps full down, move ailerons through full travel to check clearance
between flap and aileron push-rods.

2. (100) Inspect all skins, spar, and ribs for cracks, loose rivets, or corrosion.

3. (100) Check condition of steel hinges and attachments to spar. (Reference S/L
#216).

4 (400) Inspect flap actuator shaft, bushing and bearing for wear, per S.I.L. #602-
0004. Significant wear requires replacement of parts or the complete actuator
and is defined as ½” or more of flap trailing edge movement with moderate
hand pressure on the trailing edge.

5. (Annual) Inspect flap push-rods for bearing alignment, dragging on other parts,
freedom of movement.

6. (Annual) Check flap travel and rigging. (See Maintenance Section, AILERON AND
FLAP RIGGING.)

7. (Annual) Check flap pushrod bolt for straightness. (See Maintenance Section, FLAPS.)

8. (Annual) Inspect flap actuator and mount for security, cracks, and for proper operation,
fluid leaks, worn motor brushes in Commercial Aircraft Products p/n D-145-
00-35 actuator.

Empennage

1. (100) Check vertical fin front spar attach bolt torque at fuselage fittings (420 inch-
pounds at nut).

2. (100) Inspect vertical fin rear spar for cracks near top longeron connection.

3. (100) Check stabilizers and vertical fin for skin cracks, loose rivets, cracks in spars,
ribs, corrosion.

4. (100) Check trim tab attachments to elevators. Check horn.

5. (100) Check Neoprene washer at elevator down stop. (See Maintenance Section,
ELEVATORS.)

6. (100) Check stabilizer attaching pedestal for cracks per S/L #180A. When the
replacement pedestal is installed, inspections may be performed on an annual
basis.

7. (100) Inspect for corrosion on internal horizontal stabilizer braces per S/L #98.

8. (300) Check torque on all bolts connecting rudder and elevators to fixed surfaces
and at elevator horn connection to pedestal and push-rod. Torque should be
100 inch-pounds at the nut.

9. (Annual) Inspect horizontal stabilizer struts and fittings for corrosion, erosion, and
cracking as referenced in S/L #198. Check bolt torque and tighten check nuts.
(See Maintenance Section, STABILIZER RIGGING).
Page 3-10 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
June 21, 2018 AT 802/802A

10. (Annual) Check torque of stabilizer eye-bolts. Torque of AN47 eyebolts is 600 in-lbs.
Torque for 9/16” diameter p/n 30775-1 eye-bolts is 100 ft-lbs.

11. (Annual) Inspect all elevator and rudder hinges for wear, loose hardware, and cracking.

12. (Annual) Inspect bushings and bolts through rudder horn for wear.

13. (Annual) Check control surface travel: Elevators 29° up, 15° down. Rudder travel 24°
R. or L. All travels +/- 1°.

14. (Annual) Check elevator trim tab travel: With nose full DOWN Trim, Tab at 8° UP from
centered (+/- 1 ½ °) (Tab Trailing Edge UP). With nose full UP Trim, Tab at
11° DOWN from centered (+/- 1 ½ °) (Tab Trailing Edge DOWN) For
Department of State aircraft, travel is 11° UP, 8° DOWN +/- 1°.

15. (Annual) Remove gap covers from stabilizers and check torque on bolts attaching
stabilizers to fuselage. (See Maintenance Section, HORIZONTAL
STABILIZERS.)

16. (1350) For planes through s/n 802A-0188, replace eyebolts in stabilizer at strut
fittings per S/L #129.
(5000) For planes s/n 802A-0189 and subs, and those modified IAW SL#129A,
replace eyebolts in stabilizer at strut fittings per S/L #129.

Cockpit

1. (100) Check windshield and canopy door glass for missing screws, cracks,
scratches, or crazing.

2. (100) Check door hinges and latches for snug fit. Inspect weather stripping around
door frame.

3. (100) Check radio box fasteners.

4. (100) Perform radio operational check.

5. (Annual) Check condition of seat covers.

6. (Annual) Check condition of seat belt and shoulder harness.

7. (Annual) Check instrument lines for leaks, chafing, security.

8. (Annual) Check condition of markings on instruments and placard condition.

9. (Annual) If AmSafe Airbag system is installed, perform inspection and functional test
of system in accordance with AmSafe Document Number E510500.
Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-11
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

Dispersal Equipment

1. (100) Check gate box seal for leaks, check bottom load flange on gate box for leaks,
check gate box attachment to hopper for leaks.

2. (100) Check condition of hopper lid gasket. Replace if required.

3. (100) Check spray pump strut over-center latches for tension and safety position.

4. (100) Check to see if plumbing on discharge side of pump is safety wired to top of
pump.

5. (100) Check bottom-loading plumbing connection to control valve as loose clamps

will blow off plumbing here.

6. (100) Check boom attach arms for security. Check boom connections to boom
Center Section for leaks.

7. (100) Inspect all quick-couplers to see if coupler arms are safety wired together.

8. (100) Clean strainer screen and check O-ring seal.

9. (100) Check control valve for leaks or loose ball.

10. (100) Check all hoses for deterioration. Tighten all hose clamps.

11. (100) Check for loose hex nipples and loose nozzles in booms.

12. (100) Check condition of boom pressure gauge, tubing, and connection to gauge
and boom.

13. (100) Check fan brake lever for proper adjustment. Rotate fan with brake off to
check for drag.

14. (100) Check bottom load valve for leaks. Remove shims if worn.

15 (Annual) Unplug digital dispersal monitoring gauge, clean contacts with electrical
contact cleaner, and reassemble with Dow Corning 4 Electrical Insulating
compound to prevent water entry into plug. Ensure connectors are locked
tightly together upon reassembly.

16. (Annual) Check to be sure the lower gate torque tube arm is positioned so as not to
chafe the boot or boot ring in the lower fuselage skin.

17. (Annual) Check all wiring for routing, security, chafing, or pulling.

18. (Annual) Ensure hopper float slides easily along the entire length of stainless steel
probe.

19. (Annual) Inspect for leaks in boom pressure line.

Page 3-12 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
June 21, 2018 AT 802/802A

Air Conditioning System

1. (100) Check compressor drive belt tension and condition of belt.

2. (300) Inspect drive pad quill shaft and grease quill shaft splines.

3. (800) Replace drive pad bearings.

4. (Annual) Inspect general condition of system and check freon charge.

Hydraulic System, Fire Gate

1. (6 Mo.) Check accumulator pressure.

2. (6Mo.) Check low pressure filter.

3. (6 Mo.) Check high pressure filter.

4. (500 Hrs.) Replace hydraulic filter elements (high-and-low pressure).

5. (500 Hrs.) Replace hydraulic oil. (See Section 2-HYDRAULICS).

FLIGHT INTO TURBULENT AIR AND POST FLIGHT INSPECTIONS

When unusually turbulent air conditions are encountered, certain precautions should be taken. A
postflight inspection should be conducted to learn if structural damage has occurred.

Upon entering rough air, the airspeed should be slowed to the maneuvering speed VA at the existing
airplane gross weight. The flight altitude should be adjusted to below 1200 feet or above 4000 feet since the
more severe turbulence in the air mass will occur between these levels.

In extremely severe turbulence, with safety considerations allowing, the hopper contents should be
jettisoned to reduce structural loads and to allow a further reduction in airspeed.

Postflight inspections after encountering turbulent air should include all of the items in the
PREFLIGHT, WALK-AROUND INSPECTION section of the AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUAL.

Wrinkled skins are the best indication of structural damage to the fuselage, wings, empennage, and
control surfaces. Loose rivets may be identified by paint cracks around their heads. Fairings at the wing root
should be inspected for misalignment. Ailerons, flaps, and elevator should be checked for symmetric alignment
with wings and empennage.

The security of all equipment beneath the cowling and fuselage skins should be established. Large
mass items such as batteries, tanks, pumps, and motors should be inspected for security of mounting.

FLIGHT INTO THUNDERSTORMS AND POSTFLIGHT INSPECTION

Air Tractor airplanes are not certificated for instrument flight nor flight where visibility is limited.
However, should flight into a thunderstorm be inadvertently experienced, the first consideration is to maintain
control of the airplane.
Air Tractor, Inc. Inspection Page 3-13
AT-802/802A June 21, 2018

Since flight attitude changes in a thunderstorm are sharp and often quickly reversed, care should be
taken to avoid over-correction of the controls. The application of control forces should be small, steady and
deliberate

Without flight instruments that provide greater horizontal-situation information, the magnetic compass
and altimeter become the primary flight instruments. Airspeed is a secondary indication of pitch. The airplane
should be held on a straight-and-level flight path until an exit from the clouds is sighted. Holding a compass
heading and altimeter steady will reduce the likelihood of encountering unusual flight attitudes.

Changes in airspeed are indications of nose-up or nose-down attitudes, but they should be interpreted
with altimeter information. Strong vertical currents within the cloud can cause sharp increases or decreases
of altitude. An increase in airspeed with an accompanying reduction of altitude or a decrease in airspeed with
an increase in altitude calls for changes in the airplane's pitch. However, increases in both altitude and
airspeed or decreases in both altitude and airspeed call for power adjustments to maintain the desired flight
path.

Do not attempt to turn around to exit the cloud cell at the point of entry. Considering the time spent in
the turn and the horizontal depth of the cell, the cloud will likely be exited in less time on a steady course than
if turns are made.

Lightning strikes that contact the airplane may carry large currents through the structure that can melt
mechanical fasteners, fuse bearings and burn wires. This phenomenon is particularly critical regarding flight-
control surfaces and control linkages.

All hinges that support flight-control surfaces and all bearings in the flight, engine, and propeller-control
systems should be inspected for looseness or roughness. Bearing damage may be shown by burn marks or
smoky residue next to the bearings. Bearings found damaged should be replaced.

Damage to the electrical system is usually associated with failure of an electrical component. All
terminal blocks should be visually inspected for damage. Wire bundles next to structure should be inspected
for a breakdown of the wing insulation. This is usually accompanied by burn or smoke marking the point of a
breakdown. All damaged electrical components should be replaced.

Considerations for turbulence in a thunderstorm and postflight inspections for structural damage are
the same as for FLIGHT INTO TURBULENT AIR above.

UNSCHEDULED INSPECTIONS

Unscheduled inspections are those that must be performed after the aircraft has been subjected to
unusual operating conditions or has been affected by external impact while on the ground. If an obstruction is
hit with the main gear, change the forward clamp bolt and check the clamp block for straightness per MAIN
GEAR SPRING in the Maintenance Section of this manual.

For unscheduled inspections affecting the engine or propeller, refer to the applicable engine and/or
propeller maintenance manuals. Some engine mounted accessories are not covered in the engine or propeller
manuals, such as the overspeed governor and starter-generator. If the engine exceeds operating limitations
or is subjected to unusual operating conditions, these items may be affected and will need to be inspected to
ensure proper operation and lack of damage.
Page 3-14 Inspection Air Tractor, Inc.
June 21, 2018 AT 802/802A

In the event of a propeller strike, propeller sudden stoppage, or propeller lightning strike refer to the
current revision of Woodward Service Bulletin No. 33574 for inspection recommendations of the overspeed
governor.

Note 1: Propeller sudden stoppage is defined as an event where the propeller rotation stops due to contact
(propeller strike) with a hard object (e.g. ground, ground service equipment).

Note 2: A propeller strike is defined as an event when either a) a rotating propeller hits an object which causes
a change in the propeller RPM and propeller blade damage or b) a stationary propeller is hit by a
moving object which causes propeller blade damage.

In the event of a suspected starter-generator malfunction or failure, the starter-generator output shaft
and engine starter-generator drive gearshaft should be inspected for pitting or evidence of electrical arcing.

If the starter-generator is replaced in order to solve a reported engine starting issue or generator
problem, refer to the applicable engine maintenance manual for inspection recommendations of the engine.

If the engine must be removed because of engine-generated metal contamination and the main oil
filter is bypassed, the airframe oil cooler must be flushed or replaced and airframe oil tubes and hoses must
be flushed. Failure to do so will cause contamination of the replacement engine.

HARD / HEAVY LANDING INSPECTION

Note 1: A hard landing is defined as a landing in which the aircraft incurred airframe or landing gear damage.

Note 2: For engine inspection recommendations following a hard landing, refer to appropriate Pratt & Whitney
engine maintenance manual.

In the event of a hard landing, the following inspections should be accomplished.

1. Inspect main landing gear for damage or permanent set in the gear springs. If any damage is noted,
replace both main landing gear and associated mounting hardware.

2. Inspect main landing gear clamp blocks for straightness per Maintenance Section, MAIN GEAR
SPRING.

3. Inspect main landing gear attach structure for damage.

4. Inspect tail landing gear for damage or permanent set of gear spring. If any damage is noted, replace
landing gear spring and associated attach hardware.

5. Inspect fuselage tubular structure for evidence of damage, buckling, or cracking of tubes and welded
areas.

6. Inspect engine mount for cracking or evidence of deformation.

7. Inspect wings for evidence of buckling or canning of wing skins or impact damage.

8. Inspect exterior of aircraft for residual damage.