Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:20:49 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-2552015@logan.com>
Received-SPF: none
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=211.29.132.198; envelope-from=gerardoconnell@optusnet.com.au
Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Disposition: inline
Content-Transfer-Encoding: binary
Mime-Version: 1.0
From: gerardoconnell@optusnet.com.au
Subject: gear dump valve-LNC2

The wings were recently removed for repairs on the fuselage on my 320. I assumed retract and free fal tests were performed by the LAME but this may be a false assumption.

The first flight since repair was a  check ride for pilot currency during which the  instructor sneakily pulled the circuit breaker whilst we were on base leg and prior to my selecting gear down to see if I would notice.

 I noticed immediately that the motor did not run and reached for the dump handle to allow free fall but nothing happened. I then noticed the pulled breaker and reset it and the gear went down normally. 

I have not yet put the aircraft on jacks to check the free fall. Any thoughts on why pulling the handle  would fail to relieve pressure? I thought the handle worked on placing horizontal regardless of whether it is placed fore or aft, but perhaps it is directional?  As we were on final I did not continue to trouble shoot the problem whilst in the air.

Your thoughts before I fly again....?

Gerard