Copyright of RotorSport UK Ltd
Document number RSUK0060
Page 44 of 101 Page issue 2, dated 12.09.11
Check oil pressure. If not increasing correctly shutdown engine immediately and find the
cause. When the engine able to run without the choke, open the choke. For starting a cold
engine, have the choke fully closed, (lever pulled rearwards) and throttle closed, otherwise
the choke does not work. With a warm engine do not use the choke. Warm the engine up
at approx 2000rpm, then at 2,500rpm until the oil temperature reaches 50°C. Check for
mag drop at 4,000 rpm by turning off each ignition switch in turn. There should be a
300rpm max drop off, and max 115rpm difference between coils.
GROUND HANDLING:
The nose gear is connected directly to the pedals, so care must be taken not to take sharp
turns at high speed, and to ensure the nose wheel is reasonably straight when touching
the nose wheel on the ground after landing. General ground handling is very
straightforward, and easily learnt.
It is possible that high speed taxiing, or certain loading and ground conditions may cause
nose wheel shimmy. In this event, either slow down, or if wheel balancing, slow down or
raise the nose.
When moving on the ground take care where the rotor disc is relative to the wind
direction, and unless loading up the disc, keep the stick into the direction of the wind to
avoid being tipped over.
The aircraft has a high centre of gravity, and is most at risk during ground handling when
lightly loaded. Whilst taxiing at up to 30mph is safe in a straight line, corners must be
taken slowly to prevent the aircraft tipping over.
Be careful not to keep the brakes engaged for a long taxy with the choke on – the choke
idle rpm is higher, and the resultant thrust increases the brake loads, and can lead to
brake fade on a long taxy. Intermittently apply the brake instead.
WARNING! Excessive idle rpm on long distances will cause brake pad fade and possible
pad damage. Idle rpm should be approx 1600.
WARNING! Taxiing with the canopy fully open will put high forces on the hinges, and is
not recommended.
WARNING! Beware of wind forces when opening the canopy! If windy, park the aircraft
nose into wind before opening!
WARNING! The canopy can be blown closed by the wind! Take care when opening or
closing to ensure it does not get blown into an occupant and cause injury or aircraft
damage!
CAUTION! In certain weather conditions the canopy may mist up inside and out prior to
take off. Once the aircraft is moving any moisture on the outside is blown off (provide the
canopy is reasonably clean), and is de-misted on the inside by the vent forward of the
pilots stick. Prior to flight, opening the canopy will demist the plexiglass, or use a soft
cloth. Also use the side vents as needed. Do not take off unless you can see where you
are going.
START AND CLIMB
If possible always take off into wind, and ensure CHT and oil temp at least 50degC.
The maximum cross-wind component for take off is 22kts.
WARNING! Ensure the canopy is locked shut!
Switch the pneumatics switch to ‘FLIGHT’, which releases the rotor brake.
Keep the engine at about 1700rpm, and the control stick forward.
Disengage the parking brake lock pawl, and hold brakes on by squeezing throttle and
brake lever together.
Actuate the pre rotator by pressing the button, and as rotor speed increases, increase
engine speed to suit, but keeping the engine speed low. Typically, the engine will be
