Handling Notes & Tips

Following is for General Information Only - Refer Aircraft Flight Manual For All Operational Details

* Download Microsoft Excel weight and balance calculations spreadsheet here (updated JUL 2019)

* Check you are using the correct (larger) key to start the aircraft. If the smaller cabin lock key is inadvertently used it may actually turn and start the aircraft, but will tend to be stiff and not spring back properly after starting.

* The Com 2 radio antenna is mounted on the underneath of the aircraft, and may not perform as well on the ground as the Com 1 antenna which is mounted on top of the aircraft. We have found some locations on the ground at Richmond where Com 2 is noisy with Richmond Tower/Ground. 

* Check fuel selector drain cover is secured properly. If this comes open in flight it can contact the Com 2 antenna causing poor radio transmissions and reception

* Confirm the fuel drains have completely shut off after fuel checks. You may need to sometimes open them fully and ensure they snap back to close properly without dripping

* As part of your pre takeoff and landing checks, and after practicing manual gear extensions, confirm that the manual gear extension handle is properly stowed (folded down against floor). If the handle is inadvertently lifted (eg snagged by a handbag strap....don't ask me how I know...) it will engage, allowing it to turn rapidly during gear operation, and could jam.

* Periodically check the connector on the "curly cord" from control column where it enters the instrument panel. If this happens to disconnect for some reason, the radio PTT and autopilot switches mounted on the control handle will become inoperative.

* Check that loose co-pilot seatbelt straps have not become caught in the door. A loose strap flapping outside can make a substantial noise and become an unnecessary distraction during takeoff.

* Please always use the cockpit cover (in the orange bag) if the aircraft is parked outside for any period of time, or whilst away. High temperatures build up quickly, and will damage the interior and cause instruments and other aircraft equipment to fail prematurely. Take care not to snag the OAT probe when installing or removing the cover, and avoid laying the cover on the ground where it can pick up grit, or dragging the cover over the windows which can cause scratching.

* Also, always ensure the aircraft has the control gust lock installed, pitot cover installed, cabin and baggage doors are locked, wheels chocked, and tied down when parked outside overnight. The tie down kit is normally stowed in the baggage compartment under the rear seats. When installing the control gust lock, ensure pin is completely inserted to lock both the elevator and the ailerons. As a precaution, always wrap the "remove before flight" tag on the control gust lock around the mixture and throttle. 

* Record VDO hours for hire charges. Use the Tacho Hrs for recording aircraft TTIS on Maintenance Release.

* Record any Oil Uplift onto the Maintenance Release in the column headed "oil". This is for maintenance purposes to track trending of oil consumption.

* Please report any issues you may notice with the Aircraft (no matter how minor) to the RRFC or the Owner.

* Following is a summary of the basic performance and airspeeds taken from the aircraft flight manual.

GENERAL:
ENGINE	Six Cylinders, horizontally opposed Continental IO-470-K 225 BHP at 2600 RPM Fuel Injected
PROPELLER	McCauley - Constant Speed - 2 Blade - 84" Diameter
FUEL	Total Usable - 280 L (300L total) Slot in Tab - 240 L Bottom Tab - 200 L
OIL	Oil Capacity = 10 qts Do Not Operate Below 8 qts
ELECTRICAL	12 V 33 Amp/Hr Battery with 50 Amp alternator
TYRE PRESSURES	(Mains) - 30 PSI (Nose) - 40 PSI
FLIGHT PLANNING	280 L @ 55L/HR = 305 Mins (No Reserve) 145 K TAS = 737 NM (No Reserve)
MTOW=MLW	1386 KG
EMPTY WEIGHT	(Including Unusable Fuel) 946.2 kg
MAX BAGGAGE	123 kg
NORMAL OPERATING AIRSPEEDS
Take-off Rotate	(10 degrees Flap) - 68 KIAS
Climb	(normal) 25 MP 2500 RPM - 90 KIAS
Best Angle	(clean) - 74 KIAS
Best Rate	(clean) - 90 KIAS
Best Glide	(clean, Prop Pull Low RPM) - 105 KIAS
Stall	(Clean) 57 KIAS (Full Flap & Gear Ext) - 47 KIAS
Normal Landing	(Final) - 80 KIAS (Short Final) - 70 KIAS
Flapless Landing	(Final) - 85 KIAS (Short Final) - 80 KIAS
Max Crosswind	(Demonstrated) - 17 KIAS
Cruise	Circuit - 19MP - 2300 RPM - 125 KTAS (50%) Cross Country - 22 MP - 2450 RPM - 145 KTAS (65%)
LIMITATIONS
Vne	(Never Exceed) - 197 KIAS
Vno	(Max Struct Cruise) - 162 KIAS
Va	(Max Manouvre) - 128 KIAS
Vfe	(Max Flap Ext) - 104 KIAS
Vlo & Vle	(Max landing gear operating/extended) - 144/153 KIAS