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Pilot’s Operating Handbook applies to all ALPHA Electro aircraft equipped with 60 kW electric motor REV A00. (12th July, 2017) SERIAL NUMBER REGISTRATION NUMBER Copyright 2017, Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovščina...
They are calcu- lated values derived from flight tests conducted by Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovščina, under the super- vision of the Slovenian CAA and under carefully documented conditions. Figures may vary based on numerous factors (surface condition, temperature, water on wing, etc).
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REV. 0 Coverage The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), found in the airplane at the time of delivery from Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovščina, contains information applicable to the ALPHA Electro airplane and to the airframe designated by the serial number and registration number shown on the title page. All information is based on data available at the time of publication.
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ALPHA Electro REV. 0 Index of revisions The table below shows the revision history of this POH. Check your registration authority’s or the man- ufacturer’s website occasionally for the most up-to-date releases of operation-relevant documentation, which includes this POH.
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ALPHA Electro REV. 0 Log of Effective Pages Use the table below to determine the currency and applicability of your POH. Pages affected by the current revision are marked in bold text in the page number column. Page number Page status Rev.
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ALPHA Electro REV. 0 Log of Effective Pages (continued) Page number Page Status Rev. number Page number Page Status Rev. number Original Original 7-10 Blank Page Original Original Original Original Original Original Original Original 9-10 Original Original 9-11 Original...
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ALPHA Electro REV. 0 Table of contents 1 General 2 Aircraft and systems description 3 Operating limitations 4 Weight and balance 5 Performance 6 Emergency procedures 7 Normal procedures 8 Handling, service and maintenance 9 Appendix...
REV. 0 Introduction This manual contains all the information needed for appropriate and safe use of ALPHA Electro . IT IS MANDATORY TO CAREFULLY STUDY THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING THE AIRCRAFT. Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovščina is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from not following the instructions contained in this manual.
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65° C Maximum ambient temperature 40° C WARNING! DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT TO USE ANY OTHER BATTERIES OTHER THAN PIPISTREL FACTORY-SUPPLIED BATTERIES. ONLY USE THEM WITH THE MOTOR AND CONTROLLER MENTIONED IN THIS POH. Battery system Battery system PB345V105E-A...
ALPHA Electro General REV. 0 Propeller ALPHA Electro FP03-60E three blade, fixed pitch propeller (wooden or composite) 1640 mm Motor instrument markings Red line Yellow arc Green arc Yellow arc Red line Instrument (minimum) (caution) (normal) (caution) (maximum) Tachometer (RPM)
ALPHA Electro General REV. 0 Center of gravity range • The aircraft's safe center of gravity position ranges between 20% and 38% of mean aerodynamic chord. • The center of gravity point ranges between 7.7'' (195 mm) and 14.5'' (368 mm) aft of the datum.
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ALPHA Electro Aircraft and Systems REV. 0 2 Aircraft and systems Introduction (2-2) Cockpit controls (2-4) Instrument panel (2-4) Undercarriage (2-6) Seats and safety harnesses (2-6) Pitot-static system (2-6) Power plant (2-7) Energy storage and charging (2-8) Wheel brake system (2-10)
ALPHA Electro Aircraft and Systems REV. 0 Introduction The ALPHA Electro is a 34’ 6’’ (10.5 m) wing- capable of energy recuperation during de- span, two-seat T-tail high-wing motorplane scent. made almost entirely of composite materials. The windshield, doors and top window are...
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All composite parts are made in moulds, therefore no shape or structural differences can occur. All parts and materials used in the ALPHA Electro are also used in the glider and general aviation industry and thus comply with aviation standards.
ALPHA Electro Aircraft and Systems REV. 0 Cockpit controls The ALPHA Electro cockpit levers are divided into two groups: FRONT LEXAN INSTRUMENT PANEL RIGHT DOOR TRIM LEVER LEFT DOOR RIGHT PEDALS LEFT PEDALS LEFT PILOT STICK THROTTLE LEVER RIGHT PILOT STICK...
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ALPHA Electro Aircraft and Systems REV. 0 The instrument panel is equipped with various instruments/gauges that indicate airspeed, altitude, RPM, etc.. Depending on whether the aircraft has a US or NON-US instrument configuration, options include: artificial horizon, EPSI 570 electric system parameters (monitors RPM, inverter temperature,...
Seat position is fixed, whereas pedal position is adjustable. Custom made seats are available for or- dering. All ALPHA Electro ship with H type safety harness attached to the fuselage at three mounting points.
Maximum ambient temperature 40° C WARNING! DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT TO USE ANY OTHER BATTERIES OTHER THAN PIPISTREL FACTORY-SUPPLIED BATTERIES. ONLY USE THEM WITH THE MOTOR AND CONTROLLER MENTIONED IN THIS POH. Propeller type: FP03-60E three blade, fixed pitch propeller (wooden or composite), diameter 1640 mm...
PLAN YOUR FLIGHT ACCORDINGLY. WARNING! DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT TO CHARGE THE BATTERIES WITH ANY THIRD PARTY CHARGERS. ONLY PIPISTREL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MUST BE USED. WARNING! RESPECT OPERATING AND STORAGE TEMPERATURE LIMITS AT ALL TIMES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN BATTERY DAMAGE.
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ALPHA Electro Aircraft and Systems REV. 0 WARNING! IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED ANOTHER SET OF BATTERIES, MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT MIX THE BOXES BETWEEN SETS. THE SAME GROUP OF 2 BOXES MUST ALWAYS BE USED! Charging The charger is a dedicated charger ranging from 3.3kW to 20kW charging power. Charge time will vary upon battery charge status and may be between 30 minutes to up to 2 hours. The charger is a...
2-10 www.pipistrel.eu ALPHA Electro Aircraft and Systems REV. 0 Wheel brake system The wheel brakes are disc, hydraulic type, actuated together by pulling on a the handbrake lever. The hydraulic brake fluid used is DOT 3 or DOT 4. Parking brake function is applied using a lock pin on the handbrake lever. To apply the parking brake, pull handbrake lever firmly and, while holding it back, slide the lock pin downwards into it’s...
ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 Introduction This section includes operating limitations, instrument markings and basic placards necessary for the safe operation of the airplane, it’s motor, standard system and standard equipment. Adhering to the limitations outlined in this section is required by law.
65° C Maximum ambient temperature 40° C WARNING! DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT TO USE ANY OTHER BATTERIES OTHER THAN PIPISTREL FACTORY-SUPPLIED BATTERIES. ONLY USE THEM WITH THE MOTOR AND CONTROLLER MENTIONED IN THIS POH. Battery system Battery system PB345V105E-A...
ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 Propeller ALPHA Electro Propeller three blade, fixed pitch propeller (wooden or compos- with 60 kW electric motor ite, diameter 1640 mm Motor instrument markings Red line Green arc Yellow arc Red line Instrument (minimum)
Service ceiling is. 12,800 ft (3900 m). Maximum crosswind component is 18 kts. Maneuver limits The ALPHA Electro is approved as a Light Sport Aircraft and is intended for recreational and instructional flight operations. The following NON-aerobatic maneuvers are permitted as defined: Power-on and -off stalls not below 1500 feet above ground level.
ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 Kinds of operations ALPHA Electro is approved for DAY - VFR operations only. Flight into known icing conditions is prohibited. WARNING! Should you find water drops on the airframe during pre-flight check-up at temperatures close to freezing, you may expect icing to appear in flight.
ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 Other restrictions Due to flight safety reasons it is forbidden to: fly in heavy rainfall • fly during thunderstorm activity; • fly in a blizzard • • fly according to instrument flight rules (IFR) or attempt to fly in zero visibility condi- tions (IMC) fly when the temperature of the aircraft´s surface is at risk of exceeding 55°C (130°F)
ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 Placards with with ball ball Placards ( external): 1111083_ALPHA_TRAINER Next to door opening latches: OPEN OPEN CLOSE EGRESS 111083_ALPHA_TRAINER CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED OPEN EGRESS OPEN OPEN CLOSED PULL FOR PARACHUTE PULL FOR PARACHUTE This...
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ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 On junction box and battery packs: DO NOT OPEN - WARRANTY VOID D O N O T O P E N - W A R R A N T Y V O I D...
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3-10 www.pipistrel.eu ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 OPEN HEADSET Next to microphone jacks: In front of control sticks 1111083_ALPHA_TRAINER 1111083_ALPHA_TRAINER 1111083_ALPHA_TRAINER (rudder pedal adjustment): LOSED CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! FUEL FUEL FUEL Next to headphone jacks: 1111083_ALPHA_TRAINER ENGAGE FUEL PUMP FOR...
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3-11 ALPHA Electro Limitations REV. 0 HEADSET This aircraft is equippe ALPHA_TRAINER with a rocket powered CLOSED OPEN HEADSET CLOSED OPEN ballistic rescue system RESS Next to wheel brake lever: Next to parking brake lever: OPEN CLOSED OPEN CLOSED...
ALPHA Electro Weight and balance REV. 0 4 Weight and balance Introduction (4-2) Weighing procedure (4-2) Equipment list (4-3) Determination of CG (4-3) Sample CG calculation (4-4)
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ALPHA Electro Weight and balance REV. 0 Introduction This section describes the procedure for establishing the basic empty weight and moment of the air- plane. Sample calculations are provided for reference. Specific information regarding the weight and arm for this airplane as delivered from the factory can be found in the aircraft documentation folder, look for Weight and Balance Report.
Weight and balance REV. 0 Equipment list The aircraft’s empty weight data is unique for each and every ALPHA Electro delivered. The owner is responsible for keeping the equipment list up to date. Fill it out according to actual status. ALPHA Electro...
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ALPHA Electro Weight and balance REV. 0 Sample c.g. calculation Guidelines Gtotal is the total mass of empty aircraft. All calculations can be performed with aircraft empty weight and empty weight center of gravity (c.g.), as the pilots sit directly below the center of gravity and do not cause the c.g.
The Pitot tube’s mounting point and construction makes IAS to CAS correction values insignificant. Therefore pilots should regard IAS to be same as CAS. IAS = CAS. Stall speeds Stall speeds at MTOM (1210 lbs / 550 kg) for the ALPHA Electro are as follows: Flaps 0° (retracted): 43 kts (74 km/h) Flaps +15°...
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ALPHA Electro Performance REV. 0 Effect of elevation The table below provides data about the effect of elevation on takeoff runway length. Elevation (m) 1000 1500 Elevation (ft) 1640 3280 4921 Atmosph. pressure (inHg) 29.92 28.17 26.52 24.95 Atmosph. pressure (hPa) 1013 Outside temperature (°C)
ALPHA Electro Performance REV. 0 Cruise Aircraft at MTOM, recommended cruise power of 20-30 kW in international standard atmosphere 0°) (ISA), sea level altitude, flaps retracted ( ALPHA Electro ALPHA Electro Cruise airspeed 85 kts (157 km/h) Descent The reference sink rate with flaps extended to 25o and power at idle, measures 440 fpm (2.2 m/h) at 50 kts (92 km/h).
ALPHA Electro Performance REV. 0 Landing performance Final approach speed should always be 55 kts (102 km/h) with flaps extended to 25 . The required landing runway length may also vary depending on the elevation, gross weight, touchdown velocity, wind direction and how aggressive the braking action is (i.e.
2. Resume horizontal flight. Spin recovery The ALPHA Electro is constructed in such a manner that it is difficult to fly it into an inadvertent spin. However, once spinning, react as follows: 1. If the motor is running, set throttle to idle (lever in full back position).
ALPHA Electro Emergency procedures REV. 0 Motor failure in climb First ensure proper airspeed by lowering the nose, then start scanning the terrain underneath and choose the most appropriate site for landing out. WARNING! THE DECISION WHERE TO LAND WHEN LANDING OUT IS FINAL! CHANGING YOUR MIND, EVEN IF YOU HAPPEN TO COME ACROSS A DIFFERENT, PERHAPS MORE APPRO- PRIATE LANDING SITE, SHOULD BE YOUR LAST RESORT.
ALPHA Electro Emergency procedures REV. 0 Smoke in cockpit 1. Set master switch to OFF. 2. Open all cabin vents for adequate breathing. 3. Land as soon as possible. EPSI 570 failure When the motor’s not running: Look for a spot to carry out a safe outlanding.
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 7 Normal procedures Daily inspection (7-2) Pre-flight inspection (7-2) Cockpit pre-flight inspection (7-5) Normal procedures and recommended speeds (7-5)
ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Daily inspection The daily inspection is the same as the pre-flight inspection. Pre-flight inspection WARNING! Every single inspection mentioned in this chapter must be performed prior to EVERY FLIGHT, regardless of when the previous flight took place! The person responsible for the pre-flight inspection is the pilot, who is required to perform the check-up in the utmost thorough and precise manner.
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Motor, motor cover Cooling fluid level: half way to the top Radiators and hoses: no mechanical damage and/or leakage Fasteners and motor cover screws: tightened, motor cover undamaged Batteries front Battery boxes: inserted and 4 pins secured, door closed and latched.
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Wing leading edge Surface condition: pristine, no cracks, impact spots, no paint and/or edge separations Pitot tube: firmly attached, no mechanical damage or bends. Remove protection cover and make sure it is not blocked or full of water.
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Cockpit pre-flight inspection PRS activation handle safety pin: IN POSITION AND SECURED NO VISIBLE ABNORMALITIES OF METAL PARTS, SPARS, PINS AND BOLTS Main wing spars and connectors: ALL BOLTS AND NUTS IN POSITION Pitot-static lines and wing tip lights CONNECTED PROPERLY AND IN POSITION electrical cables: ...
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 WARNING! Tighten both the bottom and shoulder straps of the safety harness so that you’re completely secured in your seat. This is especially important when flying in turbulent conditions, as turbulence can cause injury to passengers not wearing their saftey harness.
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Takeoff and initial climb Before lining-up, verify the following: Parking brake / brakes : Released Battery SOC: sufficient Safety belts: fastened Cabin doors: closed securely Trim handle: in neutral position or slightly forward...
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Cruising in rough conditions Should you experience turbulence, reduce airspeed below VNO and continue flying with flaps re- tracted (0 CAUTION! In rough air, reduce motor power if necessary to keep airspeed below VNO.
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ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 Crosswind approach and roundout CAUTION! Crosswinds prolong landing runway length due to elevated airspeed When performing a crosswind landing, the wing-low method should be used. When using the wing- low method it is necessary to gradually increase the deflection of the rudder and aileron to maintain the proper amount of drift correction.
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7-10 www.pipistrel.eu ALPHA Electro Normal procedures REV. 0 This page is intentionally left blank.
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ALPHA Electro Handling and maintenance REV. 0 8 Handling and maintenance Special inspections (8-2) Tie down (8-3) Storage (8-3) Cleaning (8-3) Keeping your aircraft in perfect shape (8-5)
ALPHA Electro Handling and maintenance REV. 0 Special inspections After having exceeded VNE or landed in a rough manner: Check the undercarriage, fuselage & wing surfaces and main spars for abnormalities. It is highly recommended to have the aircraft verified for airworthiness by authorised service personnel.
Ideally, the aircraft should be stored in a hangar. For increased in-hangar maneuvrability use of an original Pipistrel push-cart is recommended. Stuff the battery bay cooling inlets with some foam or a rag to prevent the ingress of dirt, dust, small animals, etc..
Keeping your aircraft in perfect shape In order for the ALPHA Electro to perform the way it should, all of the airframe’s surfaces must cleaned on a regular basis. This is especially true for the wing’s leading edges, which can seriously af- fect performance if left dirty.
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Cleaning the transparent Lexan surfaces All the of the ALPHA Electro’s window surfaces are made of Lexan. Cleaning Lexan is not the same as cleaning Plexiglas. It is really important to only use clean water (no cleaning solutions are neces- sary) when cleaning and a really clean drying towel.
ALPHA Electro Appendix REV. 0 PRS: use, handling and maintenance System description The PRS provides you with a chance to rescue yourself from an unexpected situation. The system is placed inside a durable cylinder mounted on the starboard side of the baggage com- partment.
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ALPHA Electro Appendix REV. 0 As a pilot you should know that the phase following parachute deployment is unpredictable. If in such a situation for the first time, understand that determining where to land and doing so properly is out of your control.
ALPHA Electro Appendix REV. 0 Training/Familiarisation supplement Pipistrel offers additional computer-based training for anyone interested in becoming more familiar with the ALPHA Electro. Contact Pipistrel to find out more!
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ALPHA Electro Appendix REV. 0 ICAN (international committee for air navigation) temperatures, relative pressure, relative density and CAS to TAS correction factors as related to altitude Altitude Temperature Relative Relative Cor. pressure density factors feet metres °C °F -2.000...
9-11 www.pipistrel.eu ALPHA Electro Appendix REV. 0 System warnings and errors AIRCRAFT Warnings Pilot action Reduce power Monitor battery temperature BATTERY 1/2 OVERTEMPERATURE Abort mission if necessary Throttle idle BATTERY SOC < 10% Abort mission (battery will disconnect by itself, de-...
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CHARGER Errors Pilot action Abort charging CONNECTOR UNLOCK FAILURE Contact technical support at maintainance@pipistrel.si When this error appears, the cable between the charger and the power source not plugged in properly. BALS UNLOCK FAILURE Disconnect and re-connect the charging cable POWER STAGE BOOT FAILURE Contact technical support at maintainance@pipistrel.si...
9-13 www.pipistrel.eu ALPHA Electro REV. 0 Abbreviations legend Parachute rescue system State of charge State of health Revolutions per minute Meters Feet Kilogram km/h Kilometers per hour Knots MTOM Maximum takeoff mass Pilot‘s operating handbook sqft Square feet Volt Kilowatt...
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