Avionics Manual for the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk · Avionics Manual
Overview
This document serves as the avionics manual for the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk, providing essential information regarding the aircraft's avionics systems. It is intended for pilots and maintenance personnel who require detailed knowledge of the avionics equipment installed in the aircraft. The manual includes specifications, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guidelines for the avionics systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. Key topics covered include system descriptions, installation instructions, and maintenance practices relevant to the avionics components.
- Familiarize yourself with the avionics systems before flight.
- Conduct thorough pre-flight checks of all avionics equipment.
- Follow operational procedures for in-flight use of avionics.
- Refer to troubleshooting guidelines for any issues encountered during flight.
- Adhere to maintenance schedules to ensure avionics reliability.
Document
Source
Originally published by business.desu.edu. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Avionics Manual
- Pages
- 11
- File size
- 4.9 MB
- Publisher
- business.desu.edu
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
More Piper PA-38 Tomahawkmanuals & documents
See all 30 →- SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1284BService Bulletins
- PA38-112 PIPER TOMAHAWK PREFLIGHTPilot's Operating Handbook
- AAIB Bulletin: 4/2015 G-BNDE EW/C2014/08/03Other Documents
- AAIB Bulletin: 3/2014 G-BGBN EW/C2013/06/01Other Documents
- AAIB Bulletin: 7/2013Other Documents
- Airworthiness Directive ScheduleService Bulletins
- AAIB Bulletin: 7/2009 G-RVRG EW/C2008/07/03Other Documents
- SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1200Maintenance Manual
- AAIB Bulletin: 9/2009 G-BOLF EW/C2008/10/03Other Documents
- AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVEAirworthiness Directives
- AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AD/PA-38/21 Amdt 1Service Bulletins
- AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AD/PA-38/16 Amdt 2Service Bulletins
In this document
Introduction
The introduction outlines the purpose of the avionics manual, detailing the systems covered and the intended audience. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the avionics for safe flight operations.
Avionics Systems Overview
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the avionics systems installed in the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk, including communication, navigation, and flight instruments. Each system is described with its functions and operational principles.
Operational Procedures
Operational procedures for the avionics systems are detailed here, including pre-flight checks, in-flight operations, and post-flight procedures. This ensures pilots are well-prepared to utilize the avionics effectively during all phases of flight.
Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting section offers guidance on diagnosing and resolving common issues with the avionics systems. It includes flowcharts and checklists to assist pilots and maintenance personnel in identifying problems quickly.
Maintenance Guidelines
Maintenance guidelines for the avionics systems are provided, including recommended inspection intervals, servicing procedures, and replacement parts. This section is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of the avionics equipment.
Safety notes
- Always verify the functionality of avionics systems before flight.
- Report any malfunctions to maintenance personnel immediately.
Full document text
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION master switch should be turned off for 1 second to reset the overvoltage relay. If the ammeter continues to indicate no output, electrical load should be maintained at the absolute minimum and the flight should be terminated as soon as practicable. 7.17 INSTRUMENT PANEL The instrument panel (Figure 7-13) is designed to accommodate instruments and avionics equipment for VFR and IFR flight. Radio equipment is mounted in the center and right instrument panel; flight instruments are mounted on the left. An engine instrument cluster in the lower instrument panel just right of the control quadrant includes a fuel pressure gauge, an ammeter, an oil temperature gauge and an oil pressure gauge. Fuel quantity indicators for each tank are mounted in the control quadrant on either side of the fuel selector. The tachometer is located to the left of the control quadrant. The alternator warning light is in the upper left instrument panel. Circuit breakers are on the lower right of the instrument panel and electrical switches are just left of the control quadrant. Heater controls are to the left of the pilot's control wheel. Fresh air vents are located to the extreme left and right lower corners of the instrument panel. Standard instruments include a compass, an airspeed indicator, a recording tachometer, an altimeter, the engine instrument cluster, the fuel quantity gauges and the alternator warning light. The magnetic compass is mounted in the center of the cockpit at the top of the windshield. A variety of optional items are available for installation in the instrument panel. These options include a suction gauge on the upper left; an attitude gyro, a directional gyro, a true airspeed indicator, a vertical speed indicator and a turn coordinator in the flight instrument group; and an aircraft hour meter on the extreme right of the panel. The gyros are vacuum operated through the optional vacuum system, and the turn coordinator is electric. An optional primer system* is operated by a primer pump to the lower right of the control quadrant. An electric clock is available for installation in the upper left corner of the panel. The optional outside air temperature gauge is located in the overhead cockpit area. *Standard on aircraft with serial nos. 38-79A0001 and up. Optional on earlier aircraft. ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REVISED: NOVEMBER 2, 1981 REPORT: 2126 7-13 7-14 REPORT: 2126 2 ( INSTRUMENT PANEL Figure 7-13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 26 2728 29 30 21/2223 24 25 34. (3) 3132 SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK 1. CLOCK TTT 2. ADF INDICATOR 3. AIRSPEED INDICATOR 4. TURN COORDINATOR 5. ARTIFICIAL HORIZON 6. DIRECTIONAL GYRO 7. VACUUM GAUGE 8. ALTERNATOR WARNING 9. ALTIMETER 11. NAV 1 INDICATOR 12. NAV 2 INDICATOR 13. AVIONICS INSTALLATIONS 14. HOURMETER 15. CABIN VENT 16. CONTROL WHEEL 17. MAGNETO SWITCH 18. TACHOMETER 19. ELECTRICAL SWITCHES 10. RATE OF CLIMB INDICATOR 20. CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL 21. HAND BRAKE 22. ALTERNATE STATIC SOURCE (S/N 38-78A0001 THRU 38-81A0XX06) 23. THROTTLE 24. FRICTION CONTROL 25. FUEL SELECTOR 26. PRIMER 27. MIXTURE CONTROL 28. FUEL QUANITY GAUGES 29. ENGINE INSTRUMENTS 30. LIGHT DIMMER CONTROLS 31. CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL 32. CABIN HEAT 33. STATIC DRAIN (S/N 38-78A0001 THRU 38-81A0006) ALTERNATE STATIC SOURCE AND DRAIN (S/N 38-81A0007 AND UP) 34. FLAP CONTROL LEVER REVISED: APRIL 28, 1989 ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 .33 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION 7.19 VACUUM SYSTEM* The vacuum system is designed to operate the air driven gyro instruments. This includes the directional and attitude gyros when installed. The system consists of an engine-driven vacuum pump, a vacuum regulator, a filter and the necessary plumbing. The vacuum pump is a dry type pump. A shear drive protects the engine from damage. If the drive shears, the gyros will become inoperative. A vacuum gauge mounted on the upper left instrument panel provides a pilot check for the system during operation. A decrease in pressure in a system that remained constant over an extended period may indicate a dirty filter, dirty screens, possibly a sticky vacuum regulator or leak in the system. Zero pressure would indicate a sheared pump drive, defective pump, possibly a defective gauge or collapsed line. In the event of any gauge variation from the norm, the pilot should have a mechanic check the system to prevent possible damage to the system components or eventual failure of the system. A vacuum regulator is provided in the system to protect the gyros. The valve is set so the normal vacuum reads 5.0+ .1 inches of mercury, a setting which provides sufficient vacuum to operate all the gyros at their rated RPM. Higher settings will damage the gyros and with a low setting the gyros will be unreliable. The regulator is located behind the instrument panel. Vacuum pressure, even though set correctly, can read lower at very high altitude (above 12,000 ft), and at low engine RPM (usually on approach or during training maneuvers). This is normal and should not be considered a malfunction. *Optional equipment ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REPORT: 2126 7-15 SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 7.21 PITOT-STATIC SYSTEM PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK The pitot-static system supplies pressure to operate the airspeed indicator, the altimeter and the optional vertical speed indicator (Figure 7-15). Pitot pressure is picked up by a pitot head installed on the bottom of the left wing and static pressure is picked up by the pads on both sides of the aft fuselage. A static valve located below the center instrument panel under the left side of the control quadrant provides an alternate static source for the system when opened.* A static drain and static valve located on the lower left
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side panel provides an alternate static source for the system when opened.** A correction card, indicating the change in altimeter reading and indicated airspeed when the alternate static source is in use, is mounted on the left side of the control quadrant cover. Static lines can be drained through a valve located inside an opening on the lower left side of the fuselage interior. A heated pitot head which alleviates problems with icing and heavy rain is available as optional equipment. The switch for the heated pitot head is located on the electrical switch panel to the left of the control quadrant. To prevent bugs and water entering the pitot hole, a cover should be placed over the pitot head while the airplane is moored. A partially or completely blocked pitot head will give erratic or zero readings on the instruments. NOTE During preflight, check to make sure the pitot cover is removed. *S/N 38-78A0001 thru 38-81A0006 **S/N 38-78A0001 thru 38-81A0006, and S/N 38-81A0007 and up. REPORT: 2126 7-16 ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REVISED: APRIL 28, 1989 REVISED: APRIL 30, 1981 ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 2 3 4 PITOT-STATIC SYSTEM Figure 7-15 REPORT: 2126 7-17 PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION 1. ALTERNATE STATIC SOURCE (S/N 38-78A0001 THRU 38-81A0006) 2. ALTIMETER 3. RATE OF CLIMB INDICATOR 4. AIRSPEED INDICATOR 5. STATIC PICKUP PADS 6. STATIC LINE 7. PITOT LINE 8. STATIC DRAIN (S/N 38-78A0001 THRU 38.81A0006) STATIC DRAIN AND ALTERNATE STATIC SOURCE (S/N 38-81A0007 AND UP) 9. PITOT HEAD 6 78 SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK 1 12 13 10 11 6 7 8 1. DEFOG OUTLET 2. DEFOG AIR CONTROL 3. CABLE GUIDE 4. DEFOG CONTROL CABLE 5. CLIMATE CONTROLS 6. MUFFLER HEAT COLLECTOR 7. HEATER CONTROL 8. HEATED AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX 9. HEATER CONTROL CABLE 10. AIR VENT INTAKE 11. VENT DRAIN 12. VENT CONTROL AND OUTLET 13. HEAT DUCT OUTLETS S/N 38-78A0001 THRU 38-80A0198 6 7 8 12 10 1. DEFOG OUTLET 2. DEFOG AIR CONTROL 3. CABLE GUIDE 4. DEFOG CONTROL CABLE 5. CLIMATE CONTROLS 6. MUFFLER HEAT COLLECTOR 7. HEATER CONTROL 8. HEATED AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX 9. HEATER CONTROL CABLE 10. AIR VENT INTAKE 11. VENT DRAIN 12. VENT CONTROL AND OUTLET 13. HEAT DUCT OUTLETS S/N 38-81A0001 AND UP HEATING AND VENTILATING SYSTEM Figure 7-17 ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REVISED: JANUARY 15, 1981 REPORT: 2126 7-18 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION 7.23 HEATING AND VENTILATING SYSTEM Heat for the cabin interior and the defroster system (Figure 7-17) is provided by a shroud attached to the mufflers. Fumes in the cockpit could be an indication of an exhaust leak; therefore, if unusual odors are detected, the heater should be turned off and the system inspected before further operation. The amount of heat and the routing of airflow can be regulated with the controls located on the left instrument panel. Heater air may be directed to the outlets in the lower firewall below the instrument panel and the ducts mounted along the center tunnel on the right and left cockpit floor or to defroster outlets at the base of the windshield. Fresh air intakes are located on each side of the fuselage in the area aft of the engine cowling. Adjustable outlets on each lower corner of the instrument panel allow fresh air to be admitted and directed. An on-off lever is mounted below each fresh air outlet. 7.25 CABIN FEATURES For comfort and visibility, the seats are adjustable forward and aft. The seat tracks are inclined and provide automatic vertical adjustment; the seat is raised in the forward position and lowered in the aft position. The seat adjustment levers are on the centers of the seat frames just below the forward edges of the cushions. Both seat backs tilt forward to allow access to the baggage compartment. Safety belts are standard equipment on both seats. Interia reels for the shoulder straps are offered as optional equipment. For normal body movements, the inertia reel extends or retracts as required, but during sudden forward movement, the reel locks in place to prevent the strap from extending. Standard interior equipment includes a pilot storm window, door pulls with integral armrests, a glare shield, an ash tray, and a carpeted floor. The microphone and earphone jacks are between the seats on the center console. A tinted rear window is also standard equipment. Standard equipment on later model aircraft incorporates a glare shield with hand holds and side panel map pockets. Each cabin door has an interior latch below the side window. The latch is engaged when the handle is in the down position. The overhead latch in the center of the cockpit secures both doors (Figure 7-19) Before flight, the ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REVISED: JANUARY 15, 1981 REPORT: 2126 7-19 SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK REPORT: 2126 7-20 UPPER LATCH MAIN LATCH UPPER AND MAIN DOOR LATCHES Figure 7-19 ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION latches on both doors plus the overhead latch should be secured in the latched position. A key lock is installed on the exterior overhead latch. Optional equipment available for the cabin includes a tinted windshield and side windows, sun visors and entrance steps. 7.27 BAGGAGE AREA A 20 cubic foot baggage area, located behind the seats, is accessible from the cabin. Maximum capacity is 100 pounds. Tie-down straps are available and they should be used at all times. NOTE It is the pilot's responsibility to be sure when the baggage is loaded that the aircraft C.G. falls within the allowable C.G. range. (See Weight and Balance Section.) 7.29 STALL WARNING An approaching stall is indicated by an audible alarm located behind the instrument panel. The indicator activates at between five and ten knots above stall speed. 7.31 FINISH All exterior surfaces are primed with etching primer and finished with acrylic lacquer. To keep the finish attractive, economy size spray cans of touch-up paint are available from Piper Dealers. 7.33 EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER* The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), when installed, is enclosed under a hinged cover on the aft portion of the cockpit center console. The unit meets the requirements of FAR 91.52. The transmitter operates on a self-contained battery. *Optional equipment ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REPORT: 2126 REVISED: OCTOBER 13, 1978 7-21 SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK A battery replacement date is marked on the transmitter label. To comply with FAA regulations, the battery must be replaced on or before this date. The battery must also be replaced if the transmitter has been used in an emergency situation or if the accumulated test time exceeds one hour, or if the unit has been inadvertently activated for an undetermined time period. When installed in the airplane, the ELT transmits through the antenna mounted on the fuselage. The unit is also equipped with an integral portable antenna to allow the locator to be removed from the airplane in an emergency and used as a portable signal transmitter. The locator should be checked during the preflight ground check to make sure that it has not been accidentally activated. Check by tuning a radio receiver to 121.5 MHz. If there is an oscillating sound, the locator may have been activated and should be turned off immediately. Rearm the unit and then recheck. NOTE If for any reason a test transmission is necessary, the test transmission should be conducted only in the first five minutes of any hour and limited to three audio sweeps. If tests must be made at any other time the tests should be coordinated with the nearest FAA tower or flight service station. NARCO ELT 10 OPERATION On the unit is a switch placarded “ON," "OFF," and "ARM." the "ARM" position allows the unit to be set to the automatic mode so that it will transmit only after activation by impact and will continue to transmit until the battery is drained to depletion or until the switch is manually moved to the "OFF" position. The "ARM" position should be selected whenever the unit is in the airplane. The "ON" position is provided so the unit can be used as a portable transmitter or in the event the automatic feature was not triggered by impact or to periodically test the function of the transmitter. The "OFF" position should be selected while changing the battery or to discontinue transmission after the unit has been activated. REPORT: 2126 7-22 ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REVISED: JANUARY 15, 1981 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK SECTION 7 DESCRIPTION & OPERATION A button labled "RESET" is located above the selector switch. To rearm the unit after it has been turned off or after it has been activated, the "RESET" button should be pressed in after the selector switch has been placed in the "ARM" position. This will end transmission and rearm the unit. CCC CIR 11 OPERATION On the unit itself is a three position selector switch placarded “OFF,” "ARM" and "ON." The "ARM" position is provided to set the unit to the automatic position so that it will transmit only after impact and will continue to transmit until the battery is drained to depletion or until the switch is manually moved to the "OFF" position. The "ARM" position should be selected whenever the unit is in the airplane. The "ON" position is provided so the unit can be used as a portable transmitter or in the event the automatic feature was not triggered by impact or to periodically test the function of the transmitter. Select the "OFF" position when changing the battery, when rearming the unit if it has been activated for any reason, or to discontinue transmission. NOTE If the switch has been placed in the "ON" position for any reason, the "OFF" position has to be selected before selecting "ARM." If "ARM" is selected directly from the "ON" position, the unit will continue to transmit in the "ARM" position. 7.35 SERIAL NUMBER PLATE The manufacturer's name plate is located on the underside of the aft fuselage, forward of the tail skid. The serial number should always be used in referring to the airplane in service and warranty matters. ISSUED: JANUARY 20, 1978 REPORT: 2126 7-23