Page 18 - Volume 16 Number 2

sides, while the inboard panels are removable. Induction air is taken from inboard airscoops; big intercoolers are under the louvers atop the cowlings and huge exhaust stacks are under the outboard side of the nacelles. Oil capacity is 13 quarts per engine, checked through a door near the nosecap; separate dipsticks and filler caps are used. A flush inlet on the outboard side of the right nacelle feeds the air conditioner’s condenser; it closes when not in use.
The 421C’s hydraulic landing gear is operated by dual engine-driven pumps, but electrical power is also required to actuate valves during the sequence. Cycle time is normally 4.5 to 6 seconds. Main tires are a beefy 6.50 x 10 size, while a 6.00 x 6 tire is on the nose, originally fitted with a fender to keep debris out of the wheel-well.
The wing’s split flaps extend electrically to 45 degrees in preselected amounts. Aftermarket Fowler-type flaps, similar to those on the 404 Titan, are found on a few 421C’s. The battery is in the left wingroot, with the ground- power plug under the tail of the left wing locker, where it can be disconnected safely with the engine running. The wet wing is sealed to hold 103 usable gallons on each side, serviced through filler caps near the wingtip. Partial fuel loads cannot be verified visually, requiring trust in the capacitance-type gauging system and flowmeters.
The imposing 421 tail is 13 feet tall, with a stabilizer 17 feet wide. The elevator is trimmed by a single right-hand tab, while the rudder has a servoed tab to lower Vmc and the left aileron carries an adjustable tab. There’s a bungee-type rudder/ aileron interconnect and a healthy elevator downspring, all to enhance stability. An optional rudder gust lock is engaged by lifting a lever on the left side of the tail; it will disconnect automatically when up elevator is applied.
KING AIR LANDING GEAR
• Complete Sets
• Individual Components
• Removal and Installation
601.936.3599 www.traceaviation.com
FAA CRS R39R997X
Your Source for King Air Landing Gear
16 • TWIN & TURBINE
FEBRUARY 2012
brian Henry Photo