AIRCRAFT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – VIRUS 912 S-LSA GLIDER
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instead, keep in mind that airbrakes in Virus work just like throttle does: handle back equals less throttle,
handle forward equals more throttle.
CAUTION!
Never drop the airbrakes handle when using them, keep holding the handle even if you are
not moving it!
Roundout (Flare) and touchdown
Your speed should be a constant 55 kts (100 km/h) throughout the final with the descent path constant
as well. At a height of 10 meters (25 feet) start a gentle flare and approach the aircraft must touch down
with the main (back) wheels first, so that you will not bounce on the runway. After touchdown, operate
the rudder pedals if necessary to maintain runway heading and try to have the nose wheel off the ground
for as long as possible. When the nose wheel is to touch the ground, rudder pedals MUST be exactly in
the middle not to cause damage to the steering mechanism. While braking, hold the stick back fully!
Once you have come to a standstill, retract flaps all the way to negative position (handle full down) and
retract and lock the airbrakes - handle full up.
Should you bounce off the runway after touch-down, do not, under any circumstances, push stick
forward or retract airbrakes. Spoilers (airbrakes) stay fully extended, the stick goes backwards slightly.
Bouncing tends to reduce by itself – just keep your aircraft pointed straight down the runway.
Crosswind landings
, depending on the wind speed, require some sort of drift correction. Most efficient is
the low-wing method, where you are to lower the wing into the wind slightly and maintain course by
applying appropriate rudder deflection. You can also try the crab method.
Crosswind landings on paved runways (asphalt, concrete, tarmac...)
In this case, special attention must be paid to straightening the aircraft before touchdown in order not to
damage the undercarriage because of increased surface grip on impact. Should the crosswind
component be strong (8 kts and over), it is recommended to gently flare in such a manner, that one of
the main wheels touches down an instant before the other (e.g. if there is crosswind from your left, the
left wheel should touch down just before the right wheel does). This way the undercarriage is less likely
to be damaged due to side forces.
Landing in strong turbulence and/or gusty winds
First of all, approach airspeed must be increased for half of the value of wind gusts (e.g. if the wind is
gusting for 6 kts, add 3 kts to the final approach speed). In such conditions it is recommended to use only
the 1st stage of flaps for increased maneuverability. In very strong winds (20 kts and more), use neutral
flaps (0 deg.) for the complete approach and roundout.
Parking
Nothing special to add here. Taxi to the apron with flaps in negative position (minimum lift) and spoilers
retracted. Again, taxi slowly for reasons mentioned under “Taxi.”. Come to a standstill, shut down the
engine, insert the parachute rescue system activation handle’s safety pin, unlock and leave the airbrakes
handle hanging down freely (this reduces stress to airbrake plate’s springs and maintains their stiffness).
It is recommended to shut both fuel valves for longer parking or when parked on a slope.
11.2 Pilot operating advisories.
Parachute rescue system: use, handling and maintenance
