Pilot Operating Handbook
Cavalon Pro
SECTION 9-1
Variable Pitch Propeller
RotorSport_POH_Cavalon Pro
Revision 1.0 – Issue Date 12 04 2015
9-9
Pre-flight inspection - Visual:
Check each of the propeller blades for damage, small nicks or delamination of the rubber
edge protector, and security of attachment to hub.
Check the aluminium hub parts (where visible) for cracks or damage and security of
attachment to engine
Check the security of the spinner and presence of 9-off attachment screws
Check the fabricated bracket holding the brush carrier for security of attachment and
absence of cracks
Check the condition of the two carbon brushes (no pieces broken-off) and security of
attachment screws.
Pre-flight inspection - Functional:
Turn on the master switch and without starting the engine, use the toggle switch
10 to cycle the propeller to MAX-pitch (i.e. full-coarse) then back to MIN-pitch (i.e.
full-fine). Verify visually that the two indicator LED’s function correctly, and
audibly and visually that the propeller blades have changed pitch.
Engine start
Before starting the engine turn on the master switch and using the toggle switch select
RPM-INC (i.e. MIN-pitch setting). However, it is likely to be still fine from the previous
inspection.
Run-up and power checks
For the engine run-up, the propeller pitch should be kept at MIN-pitch.
Make sure the brakes are applied!
Take-off
For take-off, keep the propeller at MIN-pitch (i.e. full-fine).
Monitor the engine RPM to ensure that the high RPM time limit specified by Rotax is not
exceeded.
It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that the recommended time limit is not
exceeded.
Cruise
When the aircraft, in the climb phase, reaches the required cruising level, level-out and
adjust the throttle to the desired power level/manifold pressure. Then select the pitch setting
required.
Climb
To enter a climb while cruising in at any coarse setting, the following sequence of actions
should be carried out:
1. raise the nose to start the climb
2. as the airspeed reduces progressively open the throttle to the desired setting
3. If the climb rate is not sufficient (e.g. below 400fpm) select the MIN-pitch (i.e. full-fine
pitch setting
4. Before levelling-out or initiating descent consider the manifold pressure/engine RPM and
re-select a coarser pitch when required
CAUTION
Flying at low airspeeds with the propeller set MAX-pitch (i.e. fully-coarse)
means that there may be little ram-airflow through the propeller, increasing the
chance of engine stall at low or idle rpm. In the unlikely event that the engine
does stall set the propeller to MIN-pitch before re-starting.
