Pipistrel 1001 AT 912 LSA, Pilot Operating Handbook

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9-S1-05
ALPHA Trainer LSA
Pilot Operating Handbook
POH-162-00-40-001
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SECTION 9
SUPPLEMENTS
9.6 CRUISE
Make sure flaps are retracted. A comfortable cruise setting is 5300 engine
RPM.
Cruising fast, do not kick-in rudder for turns! Above 85 kts (160 km/h) the rud-
der becomes almost insignificant in comparison to aileron deflections when
it comes to making a turn. Cruising fast, it is important to fly coordinated
(ball in the middle) as this increases efficiency and decreases side-pressure
onto vertical tail surfaces. Also, pay attention to turbulence. If you hit turbu-
lence at speeds greater than VNO, reduce power immediately and pull up
the nose to reduce speed.
If flying a traffic pattern, set engine power so that airspeed does not exceed
150 km/h (80 kts).
9.7 DESCENT
Descending with the Alpha Trainer is the stage of flight where the most care
should be taken. The aircraft is aerodynamically clean and builds up speed
very fast.
Start the descent by reducing throttle and keep your speed below VNO.
During initial descent it is recommended you trim for a 10 kts lower speed
than the one you decided to descent at. Do this for safety. In case you hit
turbulence simply release forward pressure on the stick and the aircraft will
slow down.
Also, keep in mind you need to begin your descent quite some time before
destination. A comfortable
rate of descent is 500 fpm (2.5 m/s). So it takes you 2 minutes for a 1000 ft
(300 m) drop. At 105 kts (200 km/h) this means 3.6 NM for each 1000 ft drop.
Entering the traffic pattern the aircraft must slow down. In order to do this,
hold your altitude and reduce throttle to idle. Gradually slow down to below
80 kts (150 km/h), then set proper engine RPM to maintain speed of 70 kts
(130 km/h). Trim the aircraft for comfortable stick forces.