Lancair IV/IVP
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 700; Flight Crew Type 50
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
We had a hydraulic pump that was performing erratically and after maintenance inspection the plane was returned to service; but we pulled the circuit breaker on the hydraulic pump and placarded it as inoperable for the flight as a precaution after initially charging the hydraulic pressure in case any was needed. As a further safety precaution we elected not to raise the gear and flew below gear extension speed limits. We flew filed IFR (but entirely in VMC conditions) directly to the location of the builder of the airplane; to have the pump inspected by the people most knowledgeable about the plane; who designed and built the system; as the plane is experimental and there is no stock maintenance guide for an unfamiliar mechanic to follow.
LNP4 pilot reported ferrying the aircraft for maintenance after a hydraulic pump malfunctioned.