3. Fit ballast if required
4. Enter the aircraft
5. Adjust the rudder pedals
6. Check the control stick and rudder pedals for full range of motion
7.
8. Adjust and tighten the seat belts
9. Check the zero values of instruments, adjust the altimeter
10. Check the trim for the full range and set to the take off position
11. Close the cockpit canopy
12. Check that the dive brakes are closed and in the locked position
13. For areotow, connect the tow rope
14. For self-launch, extend engine and verify proper engine operation (4.6.2)
15. Verify that canopy is properly closed
16.
WARNING:
When flying over 300 m (984 ft) AGL, and when flying thermic flights, the use of
the personal parachute is recommended if BRS is not installed.
4.7.1 AEROTOW TAKE OFF
For take off by towing adhere to the following instructions:
1. The length of the towing rope must be at least 40 m (131 feet)
2. The tow rope or the tow rope weak link must have a minimal tensile strength of
3 000 N. The minimum diameter of the pull rope end eye is 30 mm (1 3/16”).
3. The maximum allowed towing speed v
T
= 150 km/h (81,1 kt). The pilot of the towing aircraft
must be informed not to exceed this speed.
4. Prior to the take off move the trim lever approximately 15 mm (5/8”) ahead of its neutral
position, hold the control stick in the neutral position. An assistant is required to keep the
wings level. It is forbidden make an aerotow take off with the wing touching the ground.
While stretching the tow rope lightly activate the wheel brake to prevent looping of the
rope. After leaving the ground at the speed 65-70 Km/h (depending on the weight of the
pilots) trim the aircraft for the given flight regime and velocity. When releasing the tow rope
pull the handle several times to its backstop. Verify that the tow rope has been released
before maneuvering.
5. In case of crosswind take off the aircraft at higher speed while controlling the direction by
rudder.
WARNING:
during take off keep the wings consequently levelled with ailerons. Use rudder
only to eliminate crosswind. If the wing contacts the ground, abort the take off immediately.
Release the tow rope and simultaneously smoothly but fully push down the nose with
elevator. Wait until the aircraft stops. Before the next take off, inspect the aircraft (refer 4.6
above).
4.7.2 SELF LAUNCHING TAKE-OFF
For take off using the installed engine adhere to the following instructions:
TST-14 M – Aircraft Manual
rev.0 issued 2006-11-29 – page 22 of 40