AIRCRAFT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – VIRUS 912 S-LSA GLIDER
Page
32
below. Apply normal engine shut down or start-up procedure. Upon restart, should the engine
cool down during unpowered flight, apply choke. Always start the engine at idle throttle.
8.2.8 Ground Shutdown
.
1.
Engine speed
- idling
2.
Instruments
- engine instruments within limits
3.
COMM + intercom
- off
4.
Ignition key
- off
5.
Circuit breakers
- off
6.
Master switch
- off
Come to a complete standstill by engaging brakes. Re-check RPM drop by switching ignition OFF
and back ON, one by one. Leave the engine running at idle RPM for a minute in order to cool it
down. Set master switch and ignition switches in OFF position.
Unlock air brakes (handle hanging down freely) and insert parachute rescue system handle’s
safety pin (if rescue system installed). Apply parking brake, if fitted. Open cabin door, unfasten
safety harnesses and exit the cockpit (watch for the wheel fairings!). Block the wheels and secure
the pitot tube by putting on a protection cover. Fit the tubes onto fuel tank vents so that fuel will
not spill onto the wing in event of full fuel tanks, temperature expansion of fuel and/or parking
on a slope. It is recommended to shut both fuel tank valves.
CAUTION!
Should the aircraft be parked on a slope it is recommended to shut one of the fuel
valves to prevent overflowing of the adjacent fuel tank.
8.3 Cruise
. Aircraft at MTOM, recommended cruise power of 5300 RPM at 15°C / 59°F at sea
level altitude, flaps set to negative position (-5 degrees): Virus 912 LSA - cruise airspeed 116 kts
Best economy cruising level is 7500 ft. There, cruise performance is equivalent or better than above due
to IAS-TAS relation, but fuel consumption is lower. At these parameters the fuel burn is 3.2 US gal (12.2l)
per hour. For detailed fuel consumption determination for various cruising regimes consult the Rotax 912
UL/ULS Operators manual.
CAUTION!
It is not recommended to fly the aircraft at speeds exceeding 80 kts (150 km/h) using
flap setting other than negative.
CAUTION!
If the fuel quantity in a fuel tank is low, it is possible that the engine starts to suck air
into the fuel system. To prevent this and consequent engine failure, always close the fuel valve of
the tank where the fuel quantity is very low.
Cruising in rough conditions:
Should you experience turbulence, reduce airspeed and continue flying with flaps set to neutral position.
CAUTION!
In rough air, reduce engine power if necessary to keep airspeed below V
A
(76 kts).
8.4 Approach
. Descending with the Virus is the stage of flight where the most care should be
taken. As the aircraft is essentially a glider, it is very slippery and builds up speed very fast.
Start the descent by reducing throttle and keep your speed below V
RA
.
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