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As a routine part of my IFR checks in preparing to fly, I always double
check that the "little airplane" (LA) on the turn coordinator swings
appropriately when turning on the ramp enroute to the runway.  During the
recent bout of cold weather here in Northern Florida (30-40's) I noticed
that the LA would barely move until after about 10min from start-up, and
then would function normally.  The autopilot works fine despite the lack of
input from the LA (this is an STEC 55 system and turn coord., 460hrs TT).
When the weather warmed up to the 50's, it took about 5min for the LA to
start moving freely.  In the upper 60's yesterday, worked great from startup
on....

Question--Is this a normal temperature related phenomenon I have never
noticed before due to my normally balmy flying environment?  What say you, o
lancair fliers from the North/West.  It is almost as if the darn thing has
arthritis, and needs to warm up before it limbers up.  STEC has no
clue--said they have never heard of such a thing--"it will either work or
not work, and if it is not working, the autopilot will not work either, as
it is an integral part of the system.

Input appreciated.

Douglas W. Johnson MD, FACR
8265 Riding Club Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 642-6016

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