The Fairchild Environmental System

[Mark S]

Not much discussion about this particular unit.
The 690B Fairchild unit is a heavy duty reliable 75 lb. monster of a machine.  Seems reliable.
I do get some unusual fluctuations on the pressure system though.
Occasionally, but not always, the cabin pressure will change when I select a different cabin temp. in the AUTO mode.  Sometimes the pressure change is small, other times its an 800 or 900 FPM change.

Very sloooww change in temp. selection helps.
I wonder if this in common to the type, or I should have it looked at?

[donv]

That is all pretty common stuff.

Commanders (well, other than the 900/1000) tend to have fairly leaky cabins, so the airflow in matters a lot. The more heat you ask for, the more air flow you will get, which can result in a decrease in cabin altitude. The opposite is true for asking for more cold air-- you will get less air flow.

It may be a sign that your cabin is starting to get a bit leakier than normal, not a big deal-- often it's the rudder pedal boots which are at fault, although any good Twin Commander shop or service center should have no issues trouble shooting and improving it. But to some extent, it is just how it is, even with the tightest cabin.

[Bruce Byerly]

The cabin should not fluctuate in auto if it’s tight. If it’s marginal, auto will lead to fluctuations so manual mode (override) will stop the fluctuations auto brings every time the system calls for additional bleed air aka heat. It’s a battle but maintaining the cabin so it’s tight is the best approach imho.

[flyawaboy]

Does anyone overhaul the Fairchild system these days?

[donv]

I am sure that someone does. I don't think that system is specific to the Commanders, and heck, there are companies which will overhaul the Sundstrand!

[Adam Frisch]

Never needs overhauling compared to the Sundstrand

[donv]

The Fairchild in the 690A I have been flying has a few small oil leaks, so I would guess at some point they will need some attention.