System Checkout – Normal Run Up

Start the Engine

Start you engine using whatever procedure you have previously defined.

After the engine oil temperature has reached the desired run-up temperature follow the steps below. My engine supplier recommends that run-ups be done only after the engine has reached 120F.

Pre-flight Runup โ€“ Normal Operation

The tests below should be done before each flight as part of the normal run up process.

The runup process for the SDS system is similar to the process for a conventional dual magneto aircraft. Once oil temperature has reached 120F+ the following steps are suggested:  

  1. Ensure all circuit breakers are “in”.
  2. Ensure both Coil Packs are on
  3. Ensure ECU select switch is on Both
  4. Throttle up to 2,100 rpm

Coil Pack Test (this is analogous to a magneto check)

  1. Switch Coil Pack 1 off. A 75-150 RPM drop should be noted.
  2. Switch Coil Pack 1 On.
  3. Switch Coil Pack 2 off. A 75-150 RPM drop should be noted.
  4. Switch Coil Pack 2 On.

ECU Injector Control Test (Confirms each ECU can control all 6 injectors)

  1. Select ECU 1. No change in engine rpm / operation should be noted.
  2. Select ECU 2. No change in engine rpm / operation should be noted.

Fuel Pump Operation Test

It is imperative that both fuel pumps are operating correctly for safe flight.

Switch both fuel pumps on and note fuel pressure.

  1. Switch fuel pump # 1 off โ€“ there should be only a minimal change in fuel pressure.
  2. Switch fuel pump # 1 on and number 2 off. Again, the fuel pressure drop should be minimal

Fuel flow check

Check that fuel flow is nominal. I typically see a +/- 8 GPH fuel flow during a 2,100 RPM run up at 4,000′ ASL.

Prop Check

  1. Cycle prop in accordance with prop manufacturer recommendations.

After completion of these tests, close throttle return engine to idle RPM.

If any anomalous behavior is detected, the underlying issue(s) must be identified and corrected before flight.

Before Take Off Checks

  1. Ensure all circuit breakers are โ€œinโ€. Do not take-off if any circuit breaker(s) have failed. Identify and resolve cause before further flight.
  2. Ensure ECU select switch is on โ€œbothโ€.
  3. Ensure Coil Packs 1 & 2 are both โ€œonโ€.
  4. Ensure Fuel pumps 1 & 2 are both โ€œonโ€.
  5. Ensure LOP (lean of peak) is โ€œoffโ€.
  6. Ensure mixture knob is set to desired position.
  7. Complete any other required pre-takeoff checks.

After Take Off Checks

If during flight any engine related circuit breaker fails, land as soon as safely possible and identify and resolve the cause.