Copyright of RotorSport UK Ltd
Document number RSUK0060
Page 25 of 101 Page issue 2, dated 12.09.11
mast bushes, such that the limit stops are reached. The impact between the limit stops
causes the rumble. It is not detrimental to flight operation.
3.3 ENGINE START IN THE FLIGHT
The engine should not be deliberately stopped in flight except as part of forced landing
training under the supervision of a competent Instructor. During such training, and where
practical, to limit engine damage, leave the engine to idle at 3000 rpm for about 30 sec to
cool before turning it off.
The engine can be restarted in flight using the starter. Use the procedure for starting
described in Section 4.2, if possible allowing a 30 second period for warming up before
applying full power. Note that to restart the key must be turned completely to off, and then
back to start. This interlock is to prevent inadvertent starter engagement.
3.4
ABANDONING THE AIRCRAFT
In normal circumstances occupants should not leave the aircraft while either the propeller
or the rotors are turning.
If abandoning the aircraft in an emergency the pilot should turn off the engine magneto
switches and turn the Master switch to “OFF” if this can be done without endangering the
occupants.
If abandoning the aircraft with either the propeller and/or the rotors turning the occupants
should follow a path in line with the nose of the aircraft with heads as low as possible, to
minimise the risk of being struck by either the rotor or the propeller.
Occupants should be briefed before flight on emergency evacuation procedures,
including:
Actions to be taken in the event of a forced landing
Operation of the seat harness
Disconnection of any intercom leads or other connections to the aircraft
How to open the canopy, or to break the canopy if required (note use of
emergency hammer to break the plexiglass)
How to safely exit and move away from the aircraft
3.5 SMOKE AND FIRE
Indications of smoke should be treated in the same way as a fire. Note that the fire
warning system will illuminate a RED flashing warning lamp on the panel when the special
cable in the engine bay has melted due to the effect of high temperatures (fire). This lamp
shows solid red when a fault is detected.
The most likely cause of fire in the air is an oil fire due to an oil leak, or an electrical fire.
Petrol fires are unlikely due to the requirement for an ignition source (not heat). Should
there be an ignition source and a petrol leak, then cutting off the fuel supply can stop the
fire quickly – the engine covers are made of fire resistant resin, so do not burn easily, and
the cut off is very close to the tank exit, mounted on the front lower face of the rear
occupant seat. An oil fire is fed either by a split pipe or broken coupling/fitting, and as the
oil is pumped around by the engine, a stopped engine will limit the available fire fuel.