Section 7
Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG)
Description of the Airplane and Systems
Initial Issue of Manual: November 10, 2004
RC050002
Latest Revision Level/Date: A/12-01-2004
7-137
2. With the unit in an upright position, remove the retaining pin from the handle.
3. Discharge the extinguisher by pushing down on the top handle. For best results, direct the
discharge towards the base of the fire, near the edge. Use a small side-to-side sweeping
motion while moving towards the back of the fire. The extinguisher has a continuous
discharge capability of approximately eight seconds. Do not direct the initial discharge at the
burning surface at close range since the high velocity stream may scatter the burning
materials.
4. Short bursts from the extinguisher of one or two seconds are more effective than a long
continuous application.
5. When the fire is extinguished, open all ventilation and return the fire extinguisher to its
mounting bracket. Do not lay it on the floor or in a seat.
6. Have the fire extinguisher replaced or recharged before the next flight.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION/STATIC DISCHARGE
While composite construction provides both strength and low air resistance, it does have high
electrical resistance and, hence, very little electrical conductivity. Conductivity is necessary for
lightning protection, since it is important that all parts of the airplane have the same electrical
potential. Moreover, in the event of a lightning strike, the energy is distributed to and absorbed
by all the skin area, rather than to an isolated location. One method of lightning protection,
which is used in this airplane, is achieved by integrating aluminum and copper mesh as part of
the composite sandwich. The depth of the mesh varies from 10 to 30 thousandths of an inch
below the surface of the paint and encompasses most surfaces of the airplane. The various parts
of the airplane are then interconnected through use of metal fasteners inserted through several
plies of mesh, mesh overlaps, and bonding straps.
WARNING
The thickness of the surface paint is important for lightning protection
issues, and the color is important because of heat reflection indices. The
owner or operator of the airplane must only repaint the airplane according
to the specifications for Columbia 400 LC41-550FG as shown in the airplane
maintenance manual.
Static wicks are used to bleed an accumulated static electrical charge off the airplane’s surface
and discharge it into the air. An airplane that does not properly dissipate static build-ups is
susceptible to poor or inoperative radio navigation and communication. The wick is made of
carbon, enclosed in a plastic tube. One end of the wick is connected to the trailing edge of the
airplane’s surface, and the other end sticks out into the air. As the airplane flies through the air,
static electricity builds up on the surfaces, travels through the mesh to the static wicks, and
discharges into the air. The over application of wax increases the generation of static electricity.
See page 8-19 in Section 8 for instructions about the care of the airplane’s surfaces. Also refer to
page 4-21 in Section 4 for more information about the static wicks.
PRECISE FLIGHT FIXED OXYGEN SYSTEM
The Precise Flight fixed oxygen system is installed to provide supplemental oxygen for the pilot
and passengers. The system consists of three, 14 cu ft oxygen bottles located in the right wing, a
regulator/valve assembly, a filler port in the aft baggage compartment, an overpressure
protection device, a guarded overhead emergency manual valve, an overhead distribution
