MEL Training Homework

A charter operator owns a PA23-250.  The aircraft is a standard piper Aztec D with GNS430W, Altimatic IIIB autopilot and strike finder.  A client of his has a dry lease arrangement for the aircraft for an hourly rate. The client and 3 friends have been elk hunting and need to come home.  They were successful but with only one elk.

You have been asked as a contract pilot to fly the client and his party back home from Searle, NE  (KOGA) to Columbia Regional, MO.  (KCOU).  They would prefer to go non-stop.  You are well qualified and current in the aircraft.  The aircraft is in annual with the only squawk being the WAAS receiver is inoperative.

Trip Data:

Passengers:    Joe 235#, Trent 180#, Jimmy 250# and Bill 220#.  Assume you weight 180#

Cargo:    elk meat-(3) 60# boxes, camping/hunting gear #95

Current time:  1855z.  They want to leave by 1930z

Departure Airport

Searle KOGA
METAR 1850z 120/15G20 1/4 200 OVC 18/14 29.97

There is no TAF

Winds aloft assume a 10kt tailwind at any altitude

There is no convective weather or airmet for icing or turbulence.  There is a midwest area airmet for ceilings below 1000’.

Arrival Airport Columbia Regional KCOU
FM191700 17006KT 5SM -RA OVC015
FM200000 19005KT P6SM OVC010
FM201000 21004KT 2SM BR BKN003

Notam:  ILS inoperative 191600-202200 maintenance

Assume both KOGA and KCOU have 50’ obstacles.  Assume winds are as reported or forecasted at time of METAR/TAF.  Assume Temp at KCOU at arrival is 18C.

Complete the following tasks/questions:

  1. Can you legally make this flight?  Is this a part 135 operation?  Explain
  2. Can you legally take off?  Explain
  3. Analyze take off requirements in light of density altitude, weight and single engine performance
  4. Do a weight and balance and analysis
  5. Calculate fuel burn requirements with reserves.  Do you need to file an alternate?
  6. Compute take off distance, accelerate/stop distance and landing distance at destination
  7. Provide a flight log for the trip
  8. Explain landing requirements at destination
  9. Provide alternate airport, if required
  10. Provide hard copy documentation for any calculations

Be prepared to demonstrate proper documentation of the aircraft to include:

  1. registration
  2. Airworthiness
  3. Weight/balance
  4. Operating handbook (POH)
  5. Latest annual
  6. 411/413 certification

Be prepared to explain the following aircraft systems:

  1. Hydraulic
  2. Environmental
  3. Pneumatic
  4. Fuel
  5. Propellers
  6. Engine make, model and rated HP

Be prepared to articulate the following:

  1. Vmc demo and all 10 factors used to determine Vmc.  Explain each one as to its effect on Vmc and performance
  2. Engine out procedures
  3. Engine restart procedures
  4. Fuel cross feed procedures
  5. Single engine landing operations and limitations
  6. Effects on drag from flaps and gear

Reference Documents:

Weight/balance
Take off chart
Landing chart
Accelerate Stop chart