Europa Aircraft XS Monowheel Motorglider, Owner'S Manual

Page: 77 / 96

Once airborne the Europa is entirely conventional in its handling. It has
positive stick free stability and the controls are responsive without being
twitchy. In short, it is a real “pilots” aeroplane.
Ground tests
Prior to taxi testing run the engine without the top cowl so that oil, coolant,
fuel leaks and vibration problems can be spotted and remedied
immediately.
Run the engine at various power settings from idle to full power.
Caution: Make sure that the area is clear of objects and small stones and
the aircraft is not facing towards or away from anything. Have a fire
extinguisher close by outside the aircraft and know how to use it.
Monitor the temperature gauges to avoid overheating the 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 first flight. The engine
should be fully cowled and the full power run should be for a minimum of 2
minutes. Park the aircraft into wind for best cooling and close the engine
down if excessive oil or cylinder head temperature are reached.
The reason for doing this is that after two minutes on its first flight the
aircraft should be in a position 1,000 feet down wind to glide back to the
field should it become necessary.
XS Monowheel Motorglider Issue 2 Page 9 - 3
Owners Manual November 2006