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Europa Aircraft XS Monowheel Motorglider, Owner'S Manual

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Europa Aircraft XS Monowheel Motorglider Owner'S Manual Download Page 7

Section 1

Introduction

The purpose of this manual is to explain how to operate your Europa aircraft
safely.

General description

The Europa is a modern two seat, high performance homebuilt aircraft
which uses the latest aerodynamic design in wing sections and composite
construction techniques. The Europa was designed to be an efficient
touring aircraft with safe handling characteristics for grass field operation.
By incorporating a 3 blade propeller and efficient exhaust silencer system
the Europa complies easily with all international noise requirements for
light aircraft.

A purpose built transporter is used so that the aircraft may be quickly rigged
and de-rigged for storage at home. The Europa has either a retractable
mono wheel main gear and outriggers, or a conventional tricycle
undercarriage. The Motor glider wing has rotating trailing edge airbrakes.

Principal Features and Dimensions

*

Engines

Rotax 912 - 80 bhp / 60 kW
Rotax 912S - 100 bhp / 73.5 kW
Rotax 914 - 115 bhp / 86 kW

*

Wing span

47 ft 3 in

(14.40 m)

*

Wing area

143 ft

2

(13.30 m

2)

XS Monowheel Motorglider

Issue 2

Page 1 - 1

Owners Manual

November 2006

Summary of Contents for XS Monowheel Motorglider

Page 1: ...OWNERS MANUAL AFFIX PHOTOGRAPH OF YOUR AIRCRAFT HERE XS Monowheel Motorglider Owners Manual Issue 2 November 2006 Aircraft Registration Europa Construction Number ...

Page 2: ...permission of the publisher Copyright November 2006 by Europa Aircraft 2004 Ltd All rights reserved Printed in Great Britain WARNING This manual is obsolete unless updated by newsletters 42 and onwards Mandatory flight safety improvements may be included so do not fail to do this Remember the responsibility is yours XS Monowheel November 2006 Issue 2 Motorglider Owners Manual OWNER S DETAILS Built...

Page 3: ...rocedures Section 4 Rigging and de rigging Section 5 Normal operations Section 6 Weight and balance Section 7 Initial systems check Section 8 Service and maintenance Section 9 Flight testing procedures Section 10 Safety information Section 11 Pilot experience requirement Section 12 Performance XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 1 1 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

Page 4: ...November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 1 2 Issue 2 Owners Manual INTENTIONALLY BLANK ...

Page 5: ...aircraft built to Europa manufacturing manuals Any modifications may alter the applicability to your aircraft List of Revisions Issue Revision Pages affected Date 1 All July 2004 XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 1 3 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

Page 6: ...November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 1 4 Issue 2 Owners Manual Three view drawing ...

Page 7: ...d efficient exhaust silencer system the Europa complies easily with all international noise requirements for light aircraft A purpose built transporter is used sothat the aircraft may be quickly rigged and de rigged for storage at home The Europa has either a retractable mono wheel main gear and outriggers or a conventional tricycle undercarriage The Motorglider wing has rotating trailing edgeairb...

Page 8: ... m Tailplane area 22 sq ft 2 05m2 Fuselage width 44 1 12 m Baggage capacity 80 lb 36 kg Gross weight 1370 lb 622 kg Wing loading 9 58 lb ft2 46 77 kg m2 Main wheel tyre 8 00 x 6 Fuel capacity 15 Imp gall 68 litres November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 1 2 Issue 2 Owners Manual ...

Page 9: ...tion and maintenance of an aircraft All airworthiness directives ADs issued against an airframe engine or propeller must be complied with Flying itself is not inherently dangerous but to an even greater extent than any other mode of travel it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness incapacity or neglect The builder pilot is entirely responsible for the manufacture maintenance inspection flight...

Page 10: ...craft performance build quality maintenance standards propeller settings builder modifications pilot techniques etc etc The aircraft operator pilot should carefully measure and record the performance of their aircraft to assist in the safe operation of their particular aircraft November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 1 4 Issue 2 Owners Manual ...

Page 11: ...al spins prohibited No smoking in or near aircraft Flight in icing conditions prohibited Canopy warning do not open in flight Registration letters numbers and name and address of registered owner To be engraved on a stainless steel plate Occupant warning This aircraft has not been certificated to an international requirement Daytime VFR only Depending on nationality Throttle FULL IDLE XS Monowheel...

Page 12: ...operating range Yellow arc 97 127 kts operate with caution only in smooth air Red line 127 kts maximum speed for all operation Engine limitations Refer to engine operating and maintenance manual supplied by engine manufacturer Weight limits Maximum take off weight 1370lb Maximum landing weight 1370lb Maximum baggage weight 80lb Refer to weight and balance section 6 November 2006 XS Monowheel Motor...

Page 13: ...Calibrated airspeed expressed in knots GS Ground speed is the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground IAS Indicated airspeed is the speed of an aircraft as shown on the airspeed indicator KIAS Indicated airspeed expressed in knots TAS True airspeed is the airspeed of an aircraft relative to the undisturbed air which is the CAS corrected for altitude temperature and compressibility Va Manoeuvri...

Page 14: ...ollable with gear and flaps retracted Vs0 Stalling speed is the minimum steady flight speed at which the aircraft is controllable with gear and flaps extended Vx Best angle of climb speed is the airspeed which delivers the greatest gain of altitude in the shortest possible horizontal distance Vy Best rate of climb speed is the airspeed which delivers the greatest gain in altitude in the shortest p...

Page 15: ...tly to stop the propeller from windmilling and so stop the oil pump before resuming the best glide speed Engine failure Modern aircraft engines of the type fitted to the Europa are extremely reliable Catastrophic failure without any warning is most unlikely Pilot induced failures on the other hand are quite common Running out of fuel mistaking mixture and carburettor heat control complex fuel mana...

Page 16: ...d be made If the engine stops Don t panic The first and most important rule in any emergency in the air is FLY THE AIRCRAFT keep control Every year lives are lost because pilots lose control of the aircraft stalled or spun in whilst experiencing what was possible a relatively minor emergency The Europa has good speed stability so even if you become inattentive the aircraft should maintain the sele...

Page 17: ...ry a restart using the starter if required Note If the propeller stops windmilling diving to Vne will not restart it due to the high compression and geared engine If height and time permit Fuel off Ignition off Mayday call Brief passenger to tighten harness adopt brace position and pull feet back Master switch off XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 3 3 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

Page 18: ... is available can a 180 turn be made to return to the airfield You are much more likely to survive an emergency landing following an EFATO by landing straight ahead than a stall and spin resulting from a steep slow turn back to the field Only if there is time and you have maintained control of the aircraft should you try to restart the engine NOTE If engine stoppage was due to fuel starvation and ...

Page 19: ...hilst trying to close it Ditching Gear should be down to give minimum speed and cushion impact Landing into wind on the back of a swell is best or along a trough if that is not possible Regularly practice all emergency procedures because you never know when you will need them XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 3 5 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

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Page 21: ...are held in place by two dia pins that pass through both wing spars and the fuselage seat back bulkhead These pins take the wing bending loads Two 12mm diameterpins fitted to the wing root forward and aft ribs locate in receptacles on the fuselage sides to lift the fuselage and take torsional loads 1 4 pip pins are inserted vertically through the rear 12mm pins and receptacles to take the wing dra...

Page 22: ...damage and corrosion pitot static connection tubes for damage Note Rigging the wings is a two person operation With the fuselage supported upright slide the port wing part way into the fuselage and connect the pitot static tube connections Then slide the wing fully home Witness marks on the fuselage adjacent to leading and trailing edges will help with correct wing incidence alignment As the wing ...

Page 23: ...sdriven by two 1 4 drivepins whichlocateintobushes built into the tailplane inboard rib The anti servo trim tab drive is also located into the drive tube passing through a slot in the fuselage sides Rigging the tailplanes Inspect the individual tailplane for damage Inspect the tailplane torque tube for damage scoring or corrosion It should be kept well greased A plastic tube can be slid over it fo...

Page 24: ...ate sockets Engage 1 4 pip pins to secure tailplanes and ensure the plunger springs back into the locking position De rigging the tailplanes is the reverse of rigging however it would be good practice to rotate them to their maximum trailing edge up position before removing the first tailplane and so prevent the mass balance weight from crashing down onto its stop once the drive pins disengage Nov...

Page 25: ...stems check out Flight test procedures and Performance data before attempting any ground or flight operations Recommended Speeds Best rate of climb speed Vy 75 Kts 139 kph Best angle of climb speed Vx 61 Kts 113 kph Stall speed 39 Kts 72 kph Pre flight Walk Around Cockpit 1 Throttle closed 2 Master switch off 3 Ignition switches off both 4 Fuel on 5 Main wing pins engaged and locked XS Monowheel M...

Page 26: ...nnector connection and condition 4 Outrigger down and locked mechanism springs not broken 5 Aileron condition and operation free from backlash 6 Upper and lower free from stress cracks fractures wing skin and buckles 7 Pitot static tube clear no damage 8 Inboard forward engaged into fuselage socket Pip and aft wing pins pin in and secure Check pip pin spring action November 2006 XS Monowheel Motor...

Page 27: ...cks or damage 6 Spinner secure and free from cracks 7 Rotate engine through four blades to check that no engine oil hydraulic locking is present Note Always treat an aircraft propeller as live External starboard side 1 Main gear wheel tyre for creep condition inflation 2 Brake brake pad wear caliper secure 3 Windscreen and door Plexiglas for cleanliness and freedom from cracks XS Monowheel Motorgl...

Page 28: ...acks fractures or buckling Tailplanes 1 Tailplanes attached pip pins engaged and sprung back to locked position 2 Anti servo trim tabs connected 3 Tailplane check full and free movement balance and correct tab operation tailplane trailing edge up tab trailing edge up 4 Rudder and fin for cracks and fractures 5 Rudder hinges and push rod attachment 6 Tail wheel push pull rear fuselage to check move...

Page 29: ...s with the doors open where large power inputs are not necessary In gusty or soft wet grass conditions where large power inputs are necessary to start the aircraft moving it is prudent to close the canopy This is also wise in dry dusty conditions when dry grass and debris may be blown into the cockpit area by the propeller Pilot position The Europa is designed to accommodate pilots up to 6 4 1 93m...

Page 30: ...e press to release operation similar to many motor cars Theseare fullyadjustable andshould be tight particularly in the take off and landing stages of the flight Door latch operation should be checked before flight and clearly placarded on both the inside and outside of the door showing the open and closed position and a warning Do not open in flight Engine starting Engine starting on the Rotax en...

Page 31: ...eck each ignition circuitat 3 850rpm Maximum drop with one circuit inoperative 300 rpm Maximum differential 115 rpm Hot start Same as cold start but do not use choke Opening the throttle slightly may help during hot starts Note Refer to Rotaxenginehandbook for engine operating limitations and placard accordingly Pre take off check list vital actions 1 Trim set for take off neutral 2 Throttle close...

Page 32: ...ntactthe firewall Cables stretch inserviceandanything less than full movement of the tail wheel rudder must be remedied before flight 11 Flight instruments set altimeter etc radio GPS and transponder tuned if fitted 12 Look out Passenger safety brief It is good practice always to brief passengers on all flight safety aspects At Europa our brief consists of Entry and exit of aircraft from trailing ...

Page 33: ...s will if necessary bend through 90 Note The Europa has a turning circle of approximately 14m 45 feet but owing to the single wheel design care should be taken when taxiing into confined spaces In all but strong winds the Europa should be taxied with the control stick held in the aft stick position In strong tail winds 20kts the control stick should be in the neutral position Take off The Europa i...

Page 34: ...uropa so it is possible to raise the tail up before the ailerons and rudder have achieved sufficient control authority to counter engine torque blade effect cross winds or asymmetric aircraft loading heavy pilot with no passenger If the tail of the aircraft has been raised too early and the aircraft starts to weather cock into wind the pilot only has the rudder control to counter the swing and doe...

Page 35: ...ially at 55 kts to clear any obstacles allowing the aircraft to accelerate to 60 kts before retracting the landing gear Note With the Warp Drive propeller fitted you may find that the engine RPM in the climb will be slightly less than the static RPM This is due to the propeller becoming more effective as the aircraft accelerates during the take off run The landing gear should be operated in one sm...

Page 36: ...This will simply stall the main wing create increased drag and slow down or even stop theacceleration By trying toforcethe aircraft off the ground tooearly the take off distance can easily be doubled and in the worst case extended indefinitely High density altitude take off Since every aircraft is different accurate high density altitude take off distances are difficult to predict Many factors aff...

Page 37: ...rque the rotating prop wash and gyroscopic precession of the propeller makes a cross wind from the port side the worst case If the wind is at 90 to the runway take off with the wind from the right Hold sufficient aft stick in the early part of the take off run to keep the tail wheel firmly on the ground to give positive directional control and start with full into wind aileron Hold full into wind ...

Page 38: ...esigned so that the pilot or passengers can tilt their feet inwards and relax them in a stretched out position in front of the rudder pedals This places more of your weight on the thigh support rather than the spine and greatly increases comfort on long flights The instrument module has a moulded tray area which is level in the cruise This can be used for drinks and refreshments The double silence...

Page 39: ...pproach checks F Fuel sufficient R Radio tuned E Engine Temperatures within limits and Pressures D Direction Indicator synchronized with compass A Airframe surplus equipment stowed Approach and landing Circuit or pattern speeds are best flown at 80 90 kts Gear limit speed is 83 kts Down wind checks B Brakes off U Undercarriage and flaps down and locked trim for 70 Kts XS Monowheel Motorglider Issu...

Page 40: ...first This is because the main wheel is well ahead of the aircraft c of g to enable firm braking and also to help the tail wheel steering during the early part of the take off run and during the landing If the aircraft were landed on to the main wheel the wing would not be stalled and the weight acting behind the main wheel would pitch the aircraft nose up thus increasing the angle of attack and h...

Page 41: ...pared to use a heavy boot on the rudder pedals to maintain directional control Tie down Parking Control locks The Europa is best tied down by ropes through the outriggers and tail wheel assemblies Controls can be secured by placing the seat belt around the controlcolumn and tightening them Therudderis directly connected to the tail wheel so does not require a separate lock in gusty conditions Stal...

Page 42: ...contained by use of aileron but by using rudder to prevent further yaw and therefore further wing drop Recover the stall in a wing down attitude then once flying speed is re established level the wings and pull out of the dive Power off stalls When practicing power off stalls remember to first carry out HASELL safety checks H Height recovery by 3 000 ft A G L A Airframe flaps gear as required S Se...

Page 43: ... be required to keep the aircraft in balance with clockwise rotation of the propeller as viewed from the cockpit As power is increased there is more likelihood of a wing drop during the stall Recovery is always the same ailerons neutral stick forward countering any wing drop with rudder Warning Power on stalls can more easily lead to a spin entry Give yourself plenty of recovery height The Europa ...

Page 44: ...tion of spin Slight pause Stick forward to neutral Centralise rudder as spin stops Recover from dive to a climbing attitude applying power as the nose passes above the horizon November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 5 20 Issue 2 Owners Manual ...

Page 45: ...5 forward of the rear edge of the cowling joggle in the fuselage moulding Empty weight and C of G calculations Before any flight is made an accurate weight and balance check needs to be carried out on your completed aircraft Use the aircraft prepared for service APS weight The APS weight of youraircraftwillbe the basicweightof the aircraft completewith engineoil and unusable fuel plus all equipmen...

Page 46: ...lacing the spirit level on the port side door rebate placing foam blocks or similar under the tailwheel or rear fuselage 2 Hang a plumb bob from the rear edge of the cowling fuselage joggle on the portside downto thefloorandmark the position repeatonthe starboard side Join the two marks together and find the centre Construct a line at right angles going forward from the centre of the first line an...

Page 47: ... main wheel and tailwheel weigh the aircraft in this level attitude Start a record similar to the one below for your aircraft NOTE Make sure that you subtract the weight of any blocks or chocks placed on the scales to steady or support the aircraft The fuselage stations of the main and tail wheel or arm is in inches in our calculations and the weight is in pounds lb however you may convert the arm...

Page 48: ...wheel and tail wheel Now add together the moments to give a total moment Similarly add together the weights to give your total or A P S weight Divide the total moment by the total weight and this will giveyou thearm or C of G position for your A P S weight TOTAL MOMENT TOTAL WEIGHT A P S C of G Once you have completed the A P S C of G calculations which will require re doing if equipment is added ...

Page 49: ...o 180lb adults and full fuel Note Both zero fuel C G and take off C G should be within the C G limits bearing in mind that all weight limitations are adhered to Weight lb Arm inches Moment A P S 813 3 59 71 48560 4 Pilot 180 56 10080 0 Passenger 160 56 8960 0 Baggage 50 88 4400 0 Zero fuel weight 1203 3 C of G 59 84 72000 4 Fuel 110 76 8360 0 Take off weight 1313 3 C Of G 61 19 80360 4 Refer to th...

Page 50: ...rtical plane from which all horizontal distances are measured for balance purposes Station A location along the aircraft fuselage usually given in terms of distance from the reference datum Arm The horizontal distance from the reference datum to the centre of gravity cg of an item November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 6 6 Issue 2 Owners Manual ...

Page 51: ...moments taken at the aircraft and dividing the sum by the total weight C G Limits The extreme centre of gravity locations within which the aircraft must be operated at a given weight A P S Weight Weight of an aircraft prepared for service which includes unusable fuel engine oil and fluids and optional equipment Maximum gross weight Maximum gross weight approved for flight operations Maximum useful...

Page 52: ...Zero fuel weight Weight of aircraft without useable fuel November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 6 8 Issue 2 Owners Manual ...

Page 53: ... and photocopy this page to keep with the aircraft Note You will need to carry out a new APS C of G check if the aircraft is repainted or has equipment removed or added XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 6 9 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

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Page 55: ...Make a list engine mounting exhaust wiring oil system cooling system induction system engine controls propeller and spinner etc and then methodically inspect every part of that particular system before moving onto the next Never be afraid to ask other perhaps more knowledgeable people for advice Independent final inspections by two people is strongly recommended and is a mandatory requirement in m...

Page 56: ...oil system is properly primed according to the Rotax Operators Manual failure to do this could result in engine seizure Check that the ignitions are not live when in the off position The Rotax engines have a magneto ignition system which needs to be grounded back to the engine to be dead Check all engine controls and instruments for correct operation If in doubt cylinder head and oil temperature g...

Page 57: ...r security and chafing Oil system for leaks and chafing hoses Exhaust system for security leaks and cracking Propeller Install and check according to the manufacturers instructions Check pitch is as recommended in the Rotax912 or 914 Engine Installation Manual Torque and safety wire propeller bolts Spinner for true running cracks and security Idle check set idle to be 1400 1600 rpm Static rpm appr...

Page 58: ...t the aircraft under the inboard ends of the wings under the main spar Strong trestles and scraps of styrofoam can be used so that the wing is not marked Weight down or tie down the tail of the aircraft Landing gear Check Main gear tailwheel outriggers brake attachment bolts and axle bolts are secure Main gear and tailwheel bearings packed with grease main gear pivot bearing bolts wire locked Brak...

Page 59: ...pen slow the aircraft to 60 kts where the flap loads will be lighter before extending the gear flaps If the bungee cord has insufficient tension then the gear flaps will be difficult to retract particularly the last few degrees Cycle the gear up and down several times and have someone else under the aircraft to observe the mechanism and also simulate an air load Get used to the feel of the operati...

Page 60: ...urity Check the Anti Servo trim tabs for correct operation and freedom of movement Tailplane movement should be trailing edge down 4 1 0 trailing edge up 12 1 0 With the tailplanes in the neutral position set the anti servo trim tab with the trim switch so that its trailing edge lines up with the tailplane trailing edge andconfirmthatthepitch trim indicatorneedlealso indicates neutral With the tai...

Page 61: ...itch trim rocker switch for nose up trim the indicator needle moves up and the anti servo trim tab moves trailing edge down With the tailplanes held in the neutral position operate the trim motor to confirm that the anti servo trim tab will move up and down at least 6 Flettner strips Flettner strips are fitted to the trailing edge of the tailplane tabs to assist in damping out the short period osc...

Page 62: ...back to its original angle of attack Because the tab is attached to the trailing edge of the tailplane it has a tendency to float slightly within the turbulent boundary layer of air This makesthetabless effective atdamping out any oscillations ofthetailplane To give the tab an immediate bite into the airstream the trailing edge of the tab is thickened slightly These areas of extra thickness are ca...

Page 63: ...rly it is out of balance and will require adjusting accordingly Once you get to the fine tuning stage we found that the best way to do this was to simply rotate the tailplane gently each way in a rocking motion by pushing down on the upper surface forward and aft of the pivot point checking for the same force being required to reverse the direction once the balance is correct Firmly secure all bal...

Page 64: ...ement should be 30 2 0 each way None of the company s three Europas have ever experienced any flutter of the control surfaces but this does not guarantee that slight builder inaccuracies will not act as a trigger for flutter on other Europas Check all wing attach pins for cracking or corrosion wing spar and fuselage bushes for wear corrosion or looseness Check doors seals hinges and latches for co...

Page 65: ...nkle in the skin Remove the paint around the crack by sanding and inspectthe glass structures Do notuse any lacquer or paint remover on your Europa If the glass structure is damaged it will have a white appearance indicating either torn tension or crushed compression fibres If there is no glass damage it will be smooth and transparent when sanded Plexiglas screens Due to the uniform bonding and la...

Page 66: ...Clean terminals Clean battery box Check electrolyte level and top up if required Inspect drain tube and vent lines for obstruction and correct routing Inspect all electrical wiring for security and chafing Clean induction air filters Check coolant level all hoses for chafing cracking and leaks Check radiator and oil cooler for security damage leaks and blockages of fins Check oil lines and cooler ...

Page 67: ...es for correct pitch Spinner for cracks tracking and security Check cowlings for chafing and security Start engine and warm up thoroughly Engine run up Take note of Oil pressure Voltage output Left ignition RPM drop Right ignition RPM drop Suction gauge if fitted Static max RPM Idle RPM Ignition cut off ground XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 8 3 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

Page 68: ...pection cover and inspect aileron bellcrank and rod ends for security and smooth operation Aileron and attachment for security cracking hinge wear Ailerons for smooth operation No chafing or binding Pitot static connect Airbrakes for correct operation cracking hinges Security of airbrake drive Check outriggers for security damage Check outrigger wheel and tyre for condition Check pitot for blockag...

Page 69: ...nd security on rear fitting Check also pin freely springs to locked position Pitch and roll control systems for correct operation security of all rod ends etc Tailplane mass balance weight and control stops for damage and security Tailwheel assembly for correct operation tyre wear inflation damage and cracking Grease all bushes Tailplane torque tube for security cracking and corrosion both inside ...

Page 70: ... chafing and correct operation Important note The correct brake fluid must be used otherwise brake failure may result Monowheel aircraft use DOT3 or DOT4 fluid Tri gear aircraft use aviation type mineral based fluid Tailplane and Anti servo trim tab Check Skins for signs of cracking or buckling Tab hinges for binding and wear Tab drive pin and bracket for corrosion cracking Main tailplane bushes f...

Page 71: ...rakes cannot hold aircraft during static run up allow brakes to cool completely and repeat steps 1 to 3 Caution Due to the efficiency of these brakes extremely hard braking on aircraft with tail wheels could result in lifting the tail from the ground These conditioning procedures will wear off any high spots and generate sufficient heat to create a thin layer of glazed material at the lining frict...

Page 72: ...ll initial systems checks and items in the 50 hour check list except a weight and balance unless painting or modifications have been carried out that would affect the weight and balance of the aircraft Also Remove both fuel tank outlet fittings and flush the tank with clean fuel The aircraft needs to be in a nose down attitude when this is carried out to guarantee flushing any debris from the tank...

Page 73: ...peration of main gear operation Paper work Make sure that all work carried out is recorded in the aircraft log books with any discrepancies and other pertinent information Check that any A D airworthiness directives issued against the aircraft engine or other equipment have been carried out and duly recorded Check currency of certificate of airworthiness or Permit to Fly Check that Insurance is in...

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Page 75: ...ere are several things that you need to be aware of One is a tendency to rush the last stages to get the aircraft flying maybe you have set yourself a deadline or the promised attendance of a major air show could be colouring your judgment Two is simply ego I ve built it so I will fly it Who knows more about my aircraft than me The builder is understandably proud of his creation and becomes very p...

Page 76: ...s no hot ship in the same category of a Pitts Special in the ground handling situation but more like a Piper Cub or an Aeronca Champ The big difference is that it has a mono wheel landing gear arrangement with outriggers that are aft of the main wheel This means that if the tail wheel is raised early in the take off run the Europa will then have to be balanced on one wheel with use of ailerons and...

Page 77: ...e engine Have someone who is fully briefed to keep clear of the propeller observe the engine and related systems from the outside whilst you control and monitor from inside the aircraft After each engine run check each system carefully wiring oil and water hoses for chafing and leaks Use nylon ties to secure parts that are found to vibrate and chafe A full power engine check should be made before ...

Page 78: ...is half open and the altimeter is showing 870 feet although you have only just cleared the boundary hedge More importantly you were not mentally prepared for a first flight and the aircraft may not even have been loaded to bring it into the allowable C of G envelope To start make sure that when you sit in the cockpit you are comfortable and that your head is within 2 5 cm 1 of the top of the door ...

Page 79: ...ns maximumwind 10 kts down the runway Therunwayshouldbe800m 2 600 feet minimum length and 30 m 100 ft minimum width As speed is increased with the stick held in the midway position and with the absence of any significant cross wind the pilot will be able to rock the wings from one outrigger to the other by the use of ailerons only As power is applied be prepared to apply a little right rudder pres...

Page 80: ...flight After completion of your taxi testing the aircraft will require a thorough inspection before first flight Check all the items in the initial systems checkout Do this work carefully take nothing for granted remember the next step is the big one the one you have been waiting for months or years to accomplish Important considerations 1 The pilot should be relaxed and confident don t fly if you...

Page 81: ...a controlled airfield plan your first flight when they are least busy early morning is usually best 6 You should have atleast 800m of runway for firstflightwith aclearclimb out area 7 Wear a parachute and practice getting out of the aircraft quickly 8 Your first few flights should be with 20 25 litres 6 7 gallons of fuel and secure ballast to bring the aircraft into the C of G first flight box at ...

Page 82: ... throttle and land ahead within the remaining runway If all is well allow the aircraft to accelerate to 55 60 kts before climbing Once established in the climb trim to maintain climb speed of 55 60 kts Climb to 500 ft before retracting the main gear having established a speed of 60 65 kts Once this has been carried out continue climb at 80 kts Make a gentle turn downwind and monitor engine tempera...

Page 83: ...nt Keep the ball centred as you approach the stall and prevent any further wing drop by use of rudder preventing further yaws Make a note of the airspeed and verify this with another stall Climb back to 5 000 ft and now carefully lower the gear at 70 kts Familiarize yourselfwiththehandling of theaircraftinthis configuration Note any roll or yaw tendencies in this configuration Keep an eye on the e...

Page 84: ...our first approach is no bad thing but do not try to fly the Europa onto the ground for a wheeler landing Once on the ground keep straight with rudder and brake gently as required Beprepared forthe noisefromthesmalloutriggerwheels onhardrunways If a large bounce occurs open the throttle slightly to cushion the next landing or simply close the airbrakes and go around using full throttle Don t push ...

Page 85: ...x flights Further flight testing Make a note of pitch trim setting for take off then placard this position on the trim indicator As the pilot becomes more familiar with the aeroplane and the systems the known performance envelope may be expanded The pilot will also become more familiar with the take off and landing technique Note You are test flying a brand new aircraft and you should treat it as ...

Page 86: ...r total by 2 to obtain the actual airspeed Don t forget to take into account the effect of density altitude Envelope expansion Once you have fitted the stall strips you can start to expand the loading and flight envelope of your Europa The important thing here is to do this in small increments Do not simply load it up to gross weight aft C of G and take off in a 15 kt cross wind and dive to Vne Th...

Page 87: ... Similarly extend your weight and C of G envelope in small increments noting the differences in the handling characteristics Do not assume that your aircraft will be exactly as the company prototypes Be prepared to restrict your C of G envelope if necessary XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 9 13 Owners Manual November 2006 ...

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Page 89: ...ith holes in which the main wing pin and pip pins are stored That way they will not get lost or be mixed up with other incorrect pins that you may have in your workshop or tool box Do not become distracted whilst rigging the aircraft If you arrive at an airfield and start rigging your Europa people seem to appear out of the woodwork to see what is going on People asking questions Did you build it ...

Page 90: ...around the sky BUT Don t let it bring out the hooligan in you Always fly responsibly One of the major causes of fatal accidents in home built aircraft is the hooligan fly past Our builder intent on impressing everyone with his new bird beats down the runway the wrong side of VNE pulls up into an impressive zoom climb and then just as he runs out of airspeed and brains decides to do a cross between...

Page 91: ...craft Use the check list in this manual Be sure that your weight and C of G loading are within limits Pilot and passenger must always wear the seat belts Be sure all loose articles and baggage are secured especially for takeoff and landing Check freedom of all controls during pre flight inspection and before take off Practice emergency procedures at safe altitudes and airspeeds preferably with a q...

Page 92: ... could exceed the design loads of the aircraft Don t fly when physically or mentally exhausted Don t trust to luck Warning The Europa because of its composite structure is transparent to an electrical charge and does not comply with certified requirements for lightning protection For thisreasonthe Europa is prohibited from flight in conditions that would expose the aircraft to the possibility of a...

Page 93: ...ircraft will more quickly adapt to the differences in another aircraft type It is recommended that before soloing a Europa a pilot should be experienced on taildragger type aircraft and have flown at least five hours in the last month with two of these within the last week If possible get a ride in a Europa before soloing yourown Initially this may be a problem and for the first few builders the o...

Page 94: ...November 2006 XS Monowheel Motorglider Page 11 2 Issue 2 Owners Manual INTENTIONALLY BLANK ...

Page 95: ...s Europa fitted with a 3 blade 64 diameter Airmaster constant speed propeller Cruise speed 75 at 8 000ft 110 kts RAS Rate of climb sea level 1370 lb 1100 fpm Take off ground roll 500 ft based on hard dry runway Landing ground roll 600 ft Rotax 914 performance figures Europa fitted with a 3 blade 62 diameter 64 diameter Airmaster constant speed propeller Cruise speed 100 10 000ft 151 kts T A S Rate...

Page 96: ...eed Vne 127 kts Manoeuvring speed Va 97 kts Maximum gear extension speed 83 kts Important Note theperformanceofyour aircraftand flyitaccordingly Note If you normally operate at gross weight and want to fly from a short grass strip all year round then it would be prudent to alter the propeller pitch to a finer setting to give a good take off performance and sacrifice maybe 5kts in the cruise Novemb...

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