Pipistrel Plus Operator's Manual page 30

30
Trike
Normal procedures
Landing
CAUTION!
In case your powered-hangglider is equipped with the VARIO propeller, set propeller pitch to flat (full
left).
Reduce throttle and fly into final approach. For the last 30 meters (100 ft) the airspeed should be 65
km/h (35 kts) if you're the single pilot or 70 km/h (38 kts) if two persons are on board. Also, if the final
approach is turbulent, maintain a higher airspeed.
A couple of meters (feet) over the runway slowly release the triangle forward to shallow the angle
of descent. Some 10 to 20 cm (4-10 inches) over the runway bring the powered-hangglider into
horizonal flight. Conduct the actual touchdown with the main (back) wheels first. As soon as you to-
uch down, pull the triangle into full back position to make the trike sitck to the ground and prevent
eventually dangerous rebounding.
CAUTION!
of time at idle throttle, jerk the throttle handle once in a while to temporarily add power not to cause
the spark plugs turn dirty.
Crosswind approach and roundout
CAUTION!
Perform the final approach and roundout normally (as above). As the the main (back) wheels touch
the groud the trike heels heading and does not vear of course. With stonger crosswinds you may de-
sire to pull the triangle full back a little bit higher than normally.
WARNING!
Parking
Come to a complete standstill by engaging brakes. Re-check RPM drop by switching magnetos 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 magneto switches OFF. Set propeller pitch to flat (prop. pitch knob screwed to
the left fully) if applicable. Insert paracute rescue system handle's safety pin (if rescue system instal-
led). 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.
Slow and pre-stall flight
The powered-hangglider typically begins to stall at airspeeds below 50 km/h (27 kts) , depending on
the current weight. The powered-hangglider is constructed and built in such a manner that a pilot
cannot maneuvre the aircraft into a deep stall where the aircraft would drop the nose and start to
loose height rapidly.
Even if the triangle is completely pushed forward the powered-hangglider still remains flyable, but
looses height relatively fast. Under such conditions the airspeed stabilises at about 45 km/h (24 kts)
and the vertical sink at about 3 m/s (600 fpm). The powered-hangglider is rather unstable and the
pilot should constantly correct eventual bank deviations using gentle, non sudden movements.
See chapter "Performance" for landing performance.
When descenting reduce engine power. Should you be descenting for longer periods
Crosswinds prolong landing runway length (see chapter "Performance").
Landing with crosswing you MUST always touch down with the back wheels first!
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