Brake System; Flight Control System - Piper PA-44-180 Seminole 1979 Pilot's Operating Handbook And Faa Approved Airplane Flight Manual

SECTION 7 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION PA-44-180, SEMINOLE
The nose gear is steerable through a 30 degree arc either side of center by
use of a combination of full rudder pedal travel and brakes. A . gear
centering spring, incorporated in the nose gear steering system, prevents
shimmy tendencies. A bungee assembly reduces ground steering effort and
dampens shocks and bumps during taxiing. When the gear is retracted, the
nose wheel centers as it enters the wheel well: and the steering linkage
disengages to reduce pedal loads in flight. ·
The main landing gear carries 6.00 x 6, 8-ply tires. The nose wheel has a
5.00 x 5, 6-ply tire. For information on servicing the tires, see "Tire Inflation"
in Section 8 of this Handbook.
Struts for the landing gear are air-oil assemblies. Strut exposure should
be checked during each preflight inspection. If a need for service or adjust-
ment is indicated, refer to the instructions printed on the units. Should more
detailed landing gear service information be required, refer to the Service
Manual.
7.11 BRAKE SYSTEM
The brake system is designed to meet all normal braking needs. Two
single-disc, double puck brake assemblies, one on each main gear, are
actuated .bY toe brake pedals mounted on both the pilot's and copilot's
rudder pedals. A brake system hydraulic reservoir, independent of the
landing gear hydraulic reservoir, is located in the rear top of the nose
compartment. Brake fluid should be maintained at the level marked on the
reservoir. For further information see "Brake Service" in Section 8 of this
Handbook.
The parking brake is engaged by depressing the toe brake pedals and
pulling out the parking brake knob located on the lower instrument panel
adjacent to the throttle quadrant. The parking brake is released by
depressing the toe brake pedals and pushing in the parking brake knob.
7.13 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM
Dual flight controls are installed as standard equipment. The controls
actuate the control surfaces through a cable system. The horizontal tail
surface (stabilator) is of the all movable slab type with an anti-servo tab
mounted on the trailing edge. This tab, actuated by a control mounted on the
console between the front seats, also acts as a longitudinal trim tab (refer to
Figure 7-11).
REPORT: VB-860
7-12
ISSUED: MARCH 23, 1978