Aircraft Operating Instructions (AOI)
Type:
CT
Series:
CTLS
LSA
Page: 4-13
AU 010 11000
Revision No. 6
Date: 05 Feb 2009
4.9. Cruise
Normal cruise is performed with the flaps set at -6°. The airfoil offers the lowest drag
in this setting and fuselage airflow is the most favorable. This is immediately apparent
when the flaps are adjusted to this setting - the aircraft accelerates markedly.
The ground adjustable propeller installed in the CTLS is set by the manufacturer to
ensure that maximum continuous power (5500 rpm) cannot be exceeded in
horizontal cruise with full throttle. Despite this, attention should be paid to this
limitation as climatic variations (temperature, air pressure) can lead to it being
marginally exceeded.
Efficient cruise performance is achieved at about 4800 rpm. Greater rpm means
greater airspeeds but this can only be achieved at the expense of much higher fuel
consumption. The greatest range is achieved at the relatively low value of 4300 rpm.
The carburetor heat lever should be pulled out if there is a risk of carburetor icing.
Once ice has accumulated it takes more than a few seconds for it to be removed.
Carburetor heat must be left on for a long time. However, carburetor heat should not
be kept on continuously as this leads to an enriching of the air/fuel mixture in the
engine and can lead to fouling of the spark plugs which, in turn, adversely affects the
smooth running of the engine and performance.
Warning:
Never put on carburetor heat during take-off and climb as carburetor
heat reduces engine performance.
During cruise, fuel consumption should be monitored closely. The Dynon EMS (if
installed) shows current consumption, total consumption since take-off and remaining
fuel quantity.
Warning:
In order to achieve an accurate indication of fuel consumption using the
Dynon EMS, the correct amount of fuel available must be programmed
before take-off. Otherwise the values shown are not reliable. It is thus
recommended that you do not rely on values programmed by someone
else.
Fuel quantity should also be continuously monitored during flight by checking the fuel
tank indicators in the wing roots. Despite their simplicity, they do give clear
information about the fuel load in the tanks, particularly as fuel the level drops.
Warning:
A correct indication on the fuel quantity tubes in the wing ribs is only
possible when the wings are completely level.
Warning:
There is a tendency to fly the CTLS with a small sideslip angle. Flight
performance is only marginally affected but it can lead to the tanks
emptying at different rates. In this case, it is recommended that the wing
with the fuller tank be raised in a gentle slip temporarily. This can be
achieved with the help of the rudder trim, if installed. The aircraft should
be returned to level flight after a few minutes and the fuel indication
checked. The amount in the tanks should now be more even.
