VFR COCKPIT CHECKLIST FLIGHT PLANNING ASSISTANT, OPERATIONS and TRAINING GUIDE AEROLITE103 With Hirth F-23 Version 4.0 Date Created: 12/11/2014 Date Modified: 12/1/2016 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... 2 AEROLITE 103 SPECIFICATION... 3 HIRTH F-23 OPERATING RANGE... 4 FLIGHT RISK EVALUATOR (BEGINNER)... 5 PREFLIGHT PLANNING & INSPECTION... 5 ENGINE OPERATION... 7 ENGINE START... 7 TAXI CHECK... 8 RUN-UP... 8 BEFORE TAKEOFF... 9 NORMAL TAKEOFF... 9 ENROUTE CLIMB... 9 CRUISE... 9 IN-RANGE... 10 DESCENT... 10 APPROACH... 10 SHUTDOWN... 11 ENGINE FAILURE... 11 EMERGENCY LANDING... 12 METAR, AIRPORT SIGNS, FREQUENCIES, IMTERCEPT PROCEDURE... 13 PART 103-ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES... 14 ULTRALIGHT OPERATIONS DIAGRAM... 17 SECTIONAL LEGEND... 18 ULTRALIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM... 22 2
AEROLITE 103 SPECIFICATION Type Legal Part-103 Ultralight Configuration Single Place Empty Weight (1) 235 lbs Gross Weight 600 lbs. Length 16 ft. 3.25 in. Wing Span 26 ft. 10.25 in. Wing Area 121 sq.ft. Wing Loading @ Gross Weight 4.54 lbs / sq.ft. Design Load Limits @ Gross Weight +4 / -2 Engine Power Requirements 28 hp. - 50 hp. Propeller Max. Diameter 60 in Stall Speed, Flaps Extended 26 mph (22.6knots) Stall Speed, Clean 28 mph (24.3knots) Cruise Speed (2) 45-63 mph (39-54knots) Top Speed 63 mph (54.7knots) Rate Of Climb 500-1000 fpm Sink Rate 350-400 fpm. Roll Rate 45 to 45 bank / 2.5 seconds Take Off Distance 100-200 ft. Landing Distance 100-200 ft. Fuel Capacity 5 U.S. Gallons Endurance 1.5-2.5 hours Fuel Consumption 2-4.5 US Gallons / hour Range 80-120 miles 3
HIRTH F-23 OPERATING RANGE RPM EGT CHT DO NOT EXCEED 6350 max at full power - 1256 max 535 min. idle - 1600-2200 max at mid-range - 1330 continuous full power 450-480 run-up 3800 operating range at cruise - 1180-1230 operating range at cruise - 385-435 max. @ takeoff 6150 (max. 5min.) cruise 4800-5200 HIRTH F-23 PERFORMANCE GRID 4
FLIGHT RISK EVALUATOR (BEGINNER) Based on the following: Flight Conducted = Day VFR Flight = Local Under = VFR Weather Factors NOTE: CLASS G (1v, CoC) & CLASS E (512 & 3v) Ceiling min 3000 Visibility min 6 miles Wind max 25 mph. (21.7 knots) including gusts Wind max x-wind 50% of aircraft limit (50% of 15mph = 7.5 mph) Operational Factors Terrain - No operations in designated mountainous areas without special training, and No terrain more than 2,000 above airport within 20 nm Runway At least 50 feet wide, and 50% longer than specifications (50% = 400ft), NO flights from contaminated runways (snow, rain, etc.) Fuel Complete flight with no less than 1 hour remaining Recent Experience: Previous 90 days, at least 10 hours and at least 6 takeoff/landings PREFLIGHT PLANNING & INSPECTION Engine: Hirth F-23 Oil: 80:1 MIX Fuel: Unleaded EF 90 OCT/Leaded 100ll Fuel Capacity: 11G Max Take Off Wt.: 600lb Max Ramp Wt.: 550lb Tire Press: 30psi TBO: 1000hrs Check the ultralight thoroughly in a walk-around inspection Check all bolts, 1 thread show Check operations on all exterior lights 5
PREFLIGHT PLANNING & INSPECTION (cont.) PREFLIGHT 1. COMPLETE PREFLIGHT HIRTH F23 ENGINE CHECK (separate checklist) 2. Obtain weather, document flight plan NOTE AIRSPACE RULES FOR ULTRALIGHTS G airspace: Clear of Clouds and 1 mile visibility (CoC & 1) E airspace: 500 ft below, 1000 above, 2000 away with 3 miles visibility (5,1,2 & 3) Additionally: when visibility is less than 3 Miles and flying/departing/landing within a transition area remain in class G airspace at 700 AGL or lower however in clear weather this does not apply 1 - CABIN 1. Flaps up 2. Master switch on 3. Confirm electric fuel pump operating 4. Set Altimeter local pressure or known field elevation 5. Exterior Lights on, visually check 6. Master switch & lights - off 7. Fuel fill tank 2 LEFT WING 1. Check all wing strut screws, nuts and pins 2. Leading edge inspect 3. Wing tip & lights inspect 4. Aileron check (do not push down) 5. Flap check security, condition & linkage, safety wired 6. Main wheel check brakes, tire inflation & condition 7. Wing tie-down & chocks remove 8. Inspect cable ties on BRS bridal (replace every 6 months) 3 EMPENNAGE 1. BRS Checklist a. Check service dates on data label for expiration b. Check security of airframe connections c. Check integrity of airframe bridals d. Check routing of airframe bridal e. Check parachute container and rocket mounts, direction f. Check stainless steel link security g. Check sealed cap security (canister and VLS) h. Check exterior cap security (canister only) i. Check Velcro flap security (softpack only) 2. Check all fuselage screws and nuts 3. Elevator & rudder check movement, condition & linkage 6
PREFLIGHT PLANNING & INSPECTION (cont.) 4 RIGHT WING 1. Check all wing strut screws, nuts and pins 2. Flap check security, condition & linkage, safety wired 3. Aileron check (do not push down) 4. Wing tip & lights inspect 5. Leading edge inspect 6. Main wheel check brakes, tire inflation & condition 5 NOSE 1. Windshield inspect 2. Nose wheel check turning linkage, tire inflation & condition 3. Pitot tube cover Remove, check for pitot stoppage ENGINE OPERATION BEFORE START 1. Engine & Preflight complete 2. Seatbelt locked and adjusted 3. Remove BRS deployment pin 4. ipad & GPS on 5. Ram Mounts check, adjust & tighten 6. Master switch on Confirm electric fuel pump on 7. Strobe light on 8. Landing light as needed 9. Position lights as needed 10. Helmet - on/adjusted, plugged into radio ENGINE START 1. COLD START UP a. Set throttle to idle b. Set choke on c. CLEAR PROP d. Ignition on (both) e. Engage starter switch (no more than 5-7 sec) f. After engine starts, increase throttle slightly, decrease choke slowly, then off g. Run engine at around 1800-2500 RPM for 10-15 sec. Note: If engine running rough find new position h. Increase to 2500 RPM for 2 min. 7
ENGINE OPERATION (cont.) WARM, HOT START UP a. Set throttle 10%-20% position b. Set choke off c. CLEAR PROP d. Ignition on (both) e. Engage starter switch (no more than 5-7 sec) f. When engine starts, move throttle to idle for 2 min. 1800 2500 RPM 2. Volts/Amps check AFTER START, PRE-TAXI 1. Flaps - up 2. ipad check GPS connection, signal & open flight plan set 3. Flight controls free & correct 4. Note GPS Altitude versus known altitude on sectional 5. Radio Set (local CTAF channel) 122.8 6. COM obtain radio check 7. Brakes check RUN-UP 1. After >2 min. @ 1600-2200 RPM throttle to 3000-4000 RPM, 3-4 min. 2. No strange or unusual noises 3. CHT well below maximum temp Max 535 4. EGT well below maximum temp Max 1256 5. Check for smooth running and then return to idle 1800-2500 RPM 6. Mag check left, note smooth drop of 50-100 RPM, 1sec., back to both 7. Mag check right, note smooth drop of 50-100 RPM, 1sec., back to both 8. Throttle up between 5200 5800 RPM (85%-95% of 100% BHP) 9. CHT is within range 450-480 10. EGT is within range 1080-1150 11. Check for smooth running and then return to idle 1800-2500 RPM 8
TAKEOFF CLIMB CRUISE Limitations & V-Speeds Vne - Never exceed speed 70 mph. (60 knots) Va - Design maneuvering speed 50 mph. (43knots) Vfe - Maximum flap extended speed 70 mph. (60knots) Vy - Best rate of climb speed 45 mph. (39knots) Vx - Best angle of climb speed 40 mph. (34.8knots) Vsi - Stall Speed, Clean 28 mph (24.3knots) Vso - Stall Speed, Flaps Extended 26 mph (22.6knots) Vr - Rotation speed 30 mph. (26.1knots) Max. Crosswind Component 15 mph (13knots) Max. Wind Speed 25 mph. (21.7knots) Max. Bank Angle 45 Max. Pitch Angle 30 BEFORE TAKEOFF 1. Seatbelt, Helmet locked and fastened 2. Flight controls free & correct 3. Gauges & engine CHT well below 535, EGT well below 1256 4. Press record on GoPro NORMAL TAKEOFF 1. Flaps set (if required) 2. Throttle full power CAUTION: DO NOT EXCEED 6150 RPM, max 5 minutes 3. Elevator lift nose wheel at 30 MPH 4. Climb speed Vy (best rate) 45 mph., Vx (best angle) 40 mph. 5. Flaps retract at safe altitude ENROUTE CLIMB 1. Flaps up 2. Throttle full (full power 6150 RPM, max 5 minutes) 3. Airspeed between 40 to 45 mph. CRUISE 1. Reduce power between 4800 5200 RPM (45-63mph) 2. Altimeter reset as required 9
APPROACH LANDING - SHUTDOWN IN-RANGE ATIS / ASOS obtain 1. Altimeter set 2. Approach Brief (freq., heading, altitudes) DESCENT 1. Power as desired 2. Flaps as desired APPROACH 1. Radio set 2. Power as desired 3. Landing light - on BEFORE LANDING 1. Seatbelts secured & locked 2. Landing light on 3. Flaps set 4. Brakes check for resistance BALKED LANDING 1. Throttle full, 6000 rpm 2. Flaps retract 20% 3. Climb speed 40 45 mph 4. Flaps retract slowly at safe altitude and 45mph AFTER LANDING 1. Flaps up 2. Strobes off 3. Landing/Taxi light as required 4. Communication once clear of runway announce 10
APPROACH LANDING SHUTDOWN (cont.) SHUTDOWN 1. STOP Recording on GoPro, turn off 2. Throttle 1800-2500 RPM for 2 minutes 3. TACH & HOBBS record 4. Mag check left, note smooth drop of 50-100 RPM, 1sec., back to both 5. Mag check right, note smooth drop of 50-100 RPM, 1sec., back to both 6. Magnetos off 7. Master avionics - off 8. Short idle 15-30 sec, apply choke for a moment 9. Close Flight Plan if applicable 10. Radio, Headset, ipad equipment off 11. Pitot cover, tie downs install ENGINE FAILURE ENGINE FAILURE DURRING TAKEOFF ROLL 1. Throttle close 2. Brakes apply 3. Magnetos off 4. Master avionics off ENGINE FAILURE JUST AFTER TAKEOFF 1. Flaps up 2. Throttle off 3. Fuel Shutoff valve - off 4. Magnetos off 5. Master avionics off 6. Land straight ahead, minimize turning 7. Deploy BRS if allowable ENGINE FAILURE DURING FLIGHT 1. Maitain best glide above stall 2. Suitable landing area locate 3. Fuel Shutoff valve on 4. Throttle - ¼ power, choke off 5. Magnetos both or start if propeller stopped 6. Magnetos off (cant restart) 7. Throttle off 8. Fuel shutoff valve - off 9. Master avionics off 10. Land straight ahead, minimize turning 11. Deploy BRS if necessary 11
EMERGENCY LANDING LANDING WITH A FLAT MAIN TIRE 1. Approach setup - standard 2. Flaps - full 3. Touchdown on good wheel first, hold bad wheel off with aileron 4. Runway centerline maintain using rudder and brakes LANDING WITH A FLAT NOSE WHEEL 1. Approach setup - standard 2. Flaps as required 3. Touchdown on main wheels (hold nose wheel off) 4. Nose wheel hold off, maintain up elevator until stopped DITCHING 1. Mayday transmit 121.5 2. Seatbelt fastened 3. Flaps - 20 to full 4. Approach high winds, large waves upwind light winds, large waves parallel to waves 5. Touchdown level pitch attitude 6. Head & Face protect during landing 7. Aircraft Evacuate 12
GENERAL INFORMATION METAR / TAF WEATHER CODES FG FOG TS THUNDERSTORM BR MIST DR LOW DRIFTING FU SMOKE SH SHOWERS DU DUST FZ FREEZING SA SAND MI SHALLOW HZ HAZE BC PATCHES PY SPRAY BL BLOWING VA VOLCANIC ASH PR - PARTIAL RA RAIN DZ DRIZZLE SN SNOW PL ICE PELLETS SG SNOW GRAIN IC ICE CRYSTALS AIRPORT SIGNS GENERAL FREQUENCIES EMERGENCY 121.5 FLIGHT WATCH 122.0 FLIGHT SERVICE 122.2 INTERCEPT PROCEDURES 1. FOLLOW THE VISUAL SIGNALS OF THE INTERCEPTING AIRCRAFT 2. NOTIFY ATC IF POSSIBLE 3. ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH COMMUNICATIONS WITH INTERCEPTING AIRCRAFT ON 121.5 13
PART 103-ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES SUBPART A-GENERAL 103.1 Applicability This part prescribes rules governing the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States. For the purposes of this part, an ultralight vehicle is a vehicle that: a) Is used or intended to be used for manned operation in the air by a single occupant; b) Is used or intended to be used for recreation or sport purposes only; c) Does not have any U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate; and d) If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds; or e) If powered: 1. Weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices which are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation; 2. Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons; 3. Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight; and 4. Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated airspeed. 103.3 Inspection requirements a) Any person operating an ultralight vehicle under this part shall, upon request, allow the Administrator, or his designee, to inspect the vehicle to determine the applicability of this part. b) The pilot or operator of an ultralight vehicle must, upon request of the Administrator, furnish satisfactory evidence that the vehicle is subject only to the provisions of this part. 103.5 Waivers No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part except under a written waiver issued by the Administrator. 103.7 Certification and registration a) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to certification of aircraft or their parts or equipment, ultralight vehicles and their component parts and equipment are not required to meet the airworthiness certification standards specified for aircraft or to have certificates of airworthiness. b) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to airman certification, operators of ultralight vehicles are not required to meet any aeronautical knowledge, age, or experience requirements to operate those vehicles or to have airman or medical certificates. c) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to registration and marking of aircraft, ultralight vehicles are not required to be registered or to bear markings of any type. Subpart B-Operating Rules 103.9 Hazardous operations a) No person may operate any ultralight vehicle in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons or property. 14
b) No person may allow an object to be dropped from an ultralight vehicle if such action creates a hazard to other persons or property. 103.11 Daylight operations. a) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except between the hours of sunrise and sunset. b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, ultralight vehicles may be operated during the twilight periods 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset. 103.13 Operation near aircraft; right-of-way rules. a) Each person operating an ultralight vehicle shall maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid aircraft and shall yield the right-of-way to all aircraft. b) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in a manner that creates a collision hazard with respect to any aircraft. c) Powered ultralights shall yield the right-of-way to unpowered ultralights. 103.15 Operations over congested areas. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons. 103.17 Operations in certain airspace. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over that airspace. 103.19 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in prohibited or restricted areas unless that person has permission from the using or controlling agency, as appropriate. 103.20 Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Certain Areas Designated by Notice to Airmen. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in areas designated in a Notice to Airmen under 91.141 or 91.143 of this chapter, unless authorized by ATC. Notice: Effective October 11, 2001, 103.20 is amended as follows (per Federal Register page 66 FR 47378): No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in areas designated in a Notice to Airmen under 91.137, 91.138, 91.141, 91.143 or 91.145 of this chapter, unless authorized by: a) Air Traffic Control (ATC); or b) A Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued for the demonstration or event. 103.21 Visual reference with the surface. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except by visual reference with the surface. 15
103.23 Flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle when the flight visibility or distance from clouds is less than that in the table found below. All operations in Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D airspace or Class E airspace designated for an airport must receive prior ATC authorization as required in 103.17 of this part. Note: Green indicates most common airspace for ultralight flying Airspace Flight Visibility Distance From Clouds Class D Class E Less than 10,000 feet MSL 512 & 3 Class E At or above10,000 feet MSL 3 statute miles 3 statute miles 5 statute miles 500 feet below. 1,000 feet above. 2,000 feet horizontal. 500 feet below. 1,000 feet above. 2,000 feet horizontal. 1,000 feet below. 1,000 feet above. 1 statute mile horizontal. Class G: 1,200 feet AGL or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude) 1, CoC 1 statute mile Clear of clouds. NOTE: Near most paved airports G drops from 1200 AGL to 700 AGL. This is called transition areas shown on a sectional as a magenta vignette line. SO when visibility is less than 3 Miles (in class E) and we are flying in a transition area we must stay in class G airspace at 700 AGL or lower. Class G More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL Class G More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL 1 statute mile 5 statute miles 500 feet below. 1,000 feet above. 2,000 feet horizontal. 1,000 feet below. 1,000 feet above. 1 statute mile horizontal. 16
ULTRALIGHT OPERATIONS DIAGRAM The following diagram represents where Ultralight operations can occur in shared air space. 17
SECTIONAL LEGEND 18
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ULTRALIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM WARNING: ULTRALIGHT FLYING IS DANGEROUS WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING. PERONS ATTEMPTING THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM SHOULD DO SO UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION WITH CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. 22
GROUND SCHOOL (15 + HOURS) Ground school (10+hours) Preflight with a checklist (1 hour initial, habitually repeated every time before starting engine) Safety Gear, Parachute and Procedures (1 hour) ENGINE (2 hours) Engine Fueling, Starting and Throttle/RPM Control Engine Shut Down Take Off, Cruise and Landing RPMS Engine & propeller Care Gauges FLIGHT INSTRUCTION DAY 1: LOW SPEED TAXI a) Preflight b) All Wheels on Ground (1+ Hour) i. Taxi and Ground Handling ii. Ground S Turns, Forward Elevator to keep plane on ground, repeat c) Nose UP/Off Ground (1+ hour) i. Nose Up/Off Ground, Steer Straight with rudder, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground ii. Low Speed Nose off ground, Ground S Turns, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground Day 2: LOW SPEED TAXI a) Preflight b) All Wheels on Ground (30+ minutes) i. Taxi and Ground Handling ii. Ground S Turns, Forward Elevator to keep plane on ground, repeat c) Nose UP/Off Ground (30+ minutes) i. Nose Up/Off Ground, Steer Straight with rudder, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground ii. Low Speed Nose off ground, Ground S Turns, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground DAY 2: HIGH SPEED TAXI a) Preflight b) All Wheels on Ground (1+ hour.) 23
i. Steer Straight, Stick Forward to keep all wheels on the ground, Increase Throttle until you reach 30 MPH, Throttle back to slow roll, Repeat DAY 2: NOSE UP TAXI repeat a) Nose UP/Off Ground (30+ minutes) i. Straight: Nose Up/Off Ground, Steer Straight with rudder, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground ii. S Turns: Low Speed Nose off ground, Ground S Turns, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground DAY 3: LOW SPEED TAXI warm-up a) Preflight b) All Wheels on Ground (10 minutes) i. Taxi and Ground Handling ii. Ground S Turns, Forward Elevator to keep plane on ground, repeat c) Nose UP/Off Ground (10 minutes) i. Nose Up/Off Ground, Steer Straight with rudder, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground ii. Low Speed Nose off ground, Ground S Turns, Full Back Stick, Add Throttle until nose wheel is off the ground DAY 3: HIGH SPEED STAXI warm-up a) All Wheels on Ground (15 minutes.) i. Steer Straight, Stick Forward to keep all wheels on the ground, Increase Throttle until you reach 30 MPH, Throttle back to slow roll, Repeat DAY 3: SHORT HOPS/LOW LEVEL (100+ hops) a) Straight, Full Throttle, +/-25 MPH Airplane Flies, Reduce Throttle, Land b) Repeat DAY 4: Preflight & LOW & HIGH SPEED TAXI WARMUPS (5 minutes) DAY 4: SHORT HOPS WARMUP (25 Hops) DAY 4: LONGER HOPS (50 hops) a) Straight, Full Throttle, Stay above 40 MPH Airplane Flies, Level Flight at +/- 4 feet for 5-10 seconds, Reduce Throttle, Land b) Repeat DAY 5: Preflight & LOW & HIGH SPEED TAXI WARMUPS (5 minutes) DAY 5: LONGER HOPS (50 hops) 24
a) Straight, Full Throttle, +/-35 MPH Airplane Flies, Level Flight at +/- 4 feet for 3-5 seconds, Reduce Throttle, Land b) Repeat DAY 5: S TURNS and LANDING (1+ hours) a) Straight, Full Throttle, +/-35 MPH Airplane Flies, climb to 20-50 feet, Level Flight, S Turns down runway, Throttle Back, Nose Slightly Down, Flare, Throttle, In Ground Effect, Throttle Back as you Land b) Repeat DAY 6: Preflight, Taxi Warm-ups, Short and Longer Hops (10 minutes) DAY 6: First Flight around the pattern. a) Full Throttle (not over RPM) b) Keep Airspeed above 40 MPH c) Compensate for any turbulence with stick input d) Climb to pattern altitude Feet. e) Shallow Turn to the Left f) Go around pattern Once g) Line up on runway into the wind h) Lower Nose/Reduce Throttle to 50%, Maintain 40 MPH+ i) Ground effect, Throttle to IDLE j) Land k) Repeat (10+ times) 25 DAY 7: STALLS a) Preflight b) Taxi Warm-ups c) Short and Longer Hops d) Fly the Pattern e) POWER ON STALLS (10x) i. Climb to 1000 + feet ii. Full Throttle (RPM) iii. Gently Pull Stick all the way back, full up elevator iv. Wing will buffet then stall and drop abruptly forward about 15 feet in altitude v. Level flight to recover airspeed 45+mph vi. Repeat f) POWER OFF STALLS i. Climb to 1000 feet ii. Pull back on stick iii. Reduce Throttle iv. Wing will buffet then stall, then drop about 30 feet v. Add Throttle and maintain level flight at 45 mph vi. Repeat