Rans COYOTE II S-6ES, Technical Manual

Page: 248 / 341

020240cg msw 09/01/05
024-18
CREATING A PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK
Most pilots are accustomed to flying light planes with comprehensive pilot operating handbooks. This is a
result of the standardization required by FAA certification, the fruit of which is fleets of identical aircraft for
which specific checklists, procedures and performance figures may be published.
This section includes much information on the operation, limitations, and performance of RANS aircraft;
however, the nature of kit-built aircraft makes it impossible to publish
specific checklists and procedures
applicable to all examples of a particular model. This is because the builder, as manufacturer of the aircraft,
has the freedom to assemble, equip, and modify his machine as he wishes. The result is fleets of aircraft that
share the same name and designation, but vary somewhat in operation and performance.
The builder should consider carefully all aspects of the engine, airframe, and equipment when developing
checklists and procedures for his plane. For example, he might begin the preflight inspection by opening the
cabin and checking that the magnetos are off; this would ensure the engine cannot start if the propeller were
moved. With the cabin open, he also might drain fuel from the sump, allowing any water trapped in the system
to escape. He then might begin a walk-around, moving about the ship in a logical, straightforward manner,
checking the presence, security, and condition of hardware and components.
With the walk-around completed, he might seat himself in the aircraft and consider the checks necessary for a
safe and mechanically sound engine start. This will depend largely on the specifics of the engine, fuel, ignition,
and electrical systems he has installed. Again, a straightforward, logically-flowing checklist should be
developed that addresses the particulars of his machine.
The same care should go into development of a pre-takeoff checklist. Of particular importance is a proper
engine run-up to check the health of the power plant. An essential checklist item often given short shrift is that
of free and correct movement of control surfaces; this is particularly important for aircraft that fold or
disassemble.
Considerable forethought should be given to potential emergencies. What steps should be taken to deal with
balked landings, engine failures, or fires? How might these steps vary according to the phase and conditions of
flight? Consideration of contingencies now is likely to mean faster, more appropriate reaction to urgent or
emergency situations, should they arise.
Since each kit-built aircraft is unique, each builder should expect his aircraft’s performance to be unique. The
prudent builder will determine carefully the weight and balance parameters of his plane before its first flight. He
will familiarize himself with its flying characteristics during the flight test phase, cautiously exploring its
capabilities and limitations while heeding the designer’s words of advice. The U. S. Government, the
Experimental Aircraft Association, and other publishers offer a wealth of information on flight preparation and
testing. As a first step, the builder might refer to the FAA’s AC-90-89, “Amateur-Built Aircraft Flight Testing
Handbook.”
By applying suitable checklists and procedures to his plane and operating it within reasonable limits, the builder
helps ensure his safety as well as the reliability and longevity of his airframe, power plant, and components.