Section 4
Normal Procedures
Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG)
RC050002
Initial Issue of Manual: November 10, 2004
4-36
Latest Revision Level/Date: -/11-10-2004
climb at a slightly higher than normal airspeed and turn the vapor suppression on. Be sure the
mixture is set properly to full rich, and do not operate at maximum power for any longer than
necessary. Temperatures should be closely monitored and sufficient airspeed maintained to
provide cooling of the engine.
NOTE
Heat soaking is usually the highest between 30 minutes and one hour after
shutdown. At some point after the first hour the unit will stabilize, though it
may take as long as two or three hours (total time from shutdown)
depending on wind, temperature, and the airplane’s orientation (upwind or
downwind) when it was parked. Restarting attempts will be most difficult in
the period 30 minutes to one hour after shutdown.
NOISE ABATEMENT
Many general aviation pilots believe that noise abatement is an issue reserved for the larger
transport type airplanes. While larger airplanes clearly generate a greater decibel level, the pilot
operating a small single or multiengine propeller driven airplane should, within the limits of safe
operations, do all that is possible to mitigate the impact of noise on the environment. In some
instances, the noise levels of small airplanes operating at smaller general aviation airfields are
more noticeable. This is because at larger airports with frequent large airplane activity, there is
an expectation of airplane ambient noise.
The general aviation pilot can enhance the opinion of the general public by demonstrating a
concern for the environment in terms of noise pollution. To this end, common sense and
courteousness should be used as basic guidelines. Part 91 of the Federal Air Regulations (FARs)
permit an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle over congested areas. However, an
altitude of 2,000, where practicable and within the limits of safety, should be used. Similarly,
during the departure and approach phases of the flight, avoid prolonged flight at lower heights
above the ground. At airports where there are established noise abatement procedures in the
takeoff corridor, the short field takeoff procedure should be used. This is a courteous thing to do
even though the noise abatement procedure might be applicable only to turbine-powered aircraft.
The certificated level for the Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG) at 3600 lbs. (1633 kg) gross weight is
81.5 dB(A). The FAA has made no determination that these noise levels are acceptable or
unacceptable for operations at any airport.