Copyright of RotorSport UK Ltd
Document number RSUK0060
Page 89 of 101 Page issue 3, dated 02.04.12
ENGINE
The engine must be maintained in line with the manufacturers’ engine manual, and
reference must also be made to their service bulletins, available via their website
http://www.rotax-owner.com/.
PROPELLER
Pilot maintenance is limited with HTC propellers to cleaning and visual inspection. An
overhaul is normally only required if significant blade damage is evident, which will require
return to RSUK. Minor chips may be filled with resin – see maintenance manual.
BATTERY
The engine possesses a generator, which charges the battery (rated at 7Ahr) during the
flight. The aircraft is fitted with a discharge-safe gel SBS8 ‘Red top’ battery, which is
maintenance-free. Maintenance is therefore limited to outside soundness, correct
attachment, and cleaning. Monitor also that no contents of the battery have leaked out.
This contains corrosive sulphuric acid, which can lead to heavy damage on contact with
the airframe and attachments.
7.3 REPAIRS
Repairs may be implemented by the owner, but are limited to the exchange of defective
parts in line with relevant CAA publications. Unless documented in the Maintenance
manual, only original spare parts may be used, supplied with an Approved Certificate.
Parts are available from RotorSport UK Ltd. See the maintenance manual for detail
information.
7.4 GROUND HANDLING & ROAD TRANSPORT
Aircraft are generally exposed to larger loads on the ground than in air, especially in road
transport. Since the structure is designed for air use, this can induce a safety risk. Hard
landings and rough ground (especially potholes) all induce high accelerations on the
autogyro framework, as does being bounced around on the back of a road trailer.
Therefore avoid unnecessary road transport, and use trailers with good suspension.
Always protect the aircraft from road salt etc with appropriate packaging.
Warning! Never cover the canopy with bubble wrap or plastic film as they will mark the
surface! Either leave uncovered and clean with soapy water later, or cover with a soft
clean cloth and then wrap over with pallet wrap.
If road transport cannot be avoided, transport with minimum fuel, which reduces airframe
load. It is recommended to remove the rotors for road transport and transport these in a
suitable box, wrapped in bubble wrap or similar. Never strap rotor blades to a trailer bed
with ratchet straps, as the forces induced may distort the blades.
The ideal way to strap a Calidus (without rotors) down is the strap the nose wheel to the
trailer bed both vertically and forward. Fit a suitable wooden block under the lowest point
of the tail, and then strap over this sideways to hold the keel down to the trailer. Then take
another strap through the fork of the keel tube rearwards to stop the aircraft moving
forwards. The aircraft should also be restrained sideways by the use of wooden blocks
either side of all three wheels.