Copyright of RotorSport UK Ltd
Document number RSUK0060
Page 46 of 101 Page issue
6
, dated
12
.0
4
.1
6
The most economical speed is between 70mph and 80mph.
The permissible maximum speed (V
NE
) is either 90 mph (orange cap rotor system) or
120mph (RotorSystemII
with
red end caps
or TOPP variant with blue end caps.
V
NE
must
not be exceeded.
WARNING! In strong gusty conditions do not fly faster than 70mph. 50-60mph is a safe
manoeuvre speed for such conditions.
The cruise fuel consumption is approx. 12 ltr/hr at speeds around 70mph to approx. 16
ltr/hr plus at 90 mph, depending on aircraft loading and engine type.
WARNING! If the ‘Gen’ light comes on in flight this indicates a failure of the engine
alternator. In this instance, turn off accessories non-essential for flight to minimise battery
drain. The nominal aircraft load is 10A, and the battery is a 7Ahr unit. From the battery
data, the battery has a predicted capacity at 10A of 30mins, so ensure the current draw is
minimised, and expedite a safe landing well within those 30mins. Note that a 914UL
engine requires electrical energy to run the fuel pump and TCU, without which it will stop.
If the ‘Low Volt’ warning light comes on in flight this indicates that the battery voltage has
dropped to below 11.8volts. At this voltage the low voltage load shedding relay will turn off
landing, navigation, strobe lamps, and the 12v panel socket – and light this ‘low volt’ LED.
This low voltage warning indicates that the alternator is unable to supply the aircraft
electrical demand, such that the battery is being drained. This could be due to alternator
or other equipment failure, or excessive electrical energy demand versus available
alternator energy (noting that the electrical supply from the alternator is dependent on
engine rpm, as shown in the supply graphs in the Rotax engine handbooks). If by pilot
intervention the electrical load is sufficiently reduced, or engine rpm increased to increase
alternator output, then after a short delay the lamp will go out and the automatically
switched loads will be restored.
If the lamp fails to extinguish, and if the aircraft is powered by a Rotax 914UL, expedite an
immediate, precautionary, landing as the aircraft may have only minutes of battery power
remaining to power the electric fuel pump and engine TCU.
If the aircraft is powered by a Rotax 912ULS, and the lamp fails to extinguish, then the
requirement for an immediate, precautionary landing does not apply. This is because the
lack of electrical energy will not stop the engine. In this case flight may continue at the
discretion of the pilot, noting that falling voltage will eventually cause on-board electrical
systems to fail.
Caution! If the amber FAN LED lamp comes on in flight it means that the radiator electric
fan is operating. This is automatic and normal for short periods to aid engine cooling. If lit,
monitor the engine CHT gauge for normal readings, and be aware that the fan absorbs up
to 8A of electrical energy. If on continuously it means the engine is not being cooled
properly, or possibly the thermostat switch has failed – and requires investigation on
landing.
MANOEUVRES
This gyroplane is an agile flying machine which can be flown at ease in many attitudes.
However, reduced G manoeuvres will result in a slowed rotor, which is very dangerous.
Take care! The cockpit is also quiet and lacking in vibration, which belies the speed being
flown at, so watch your airspeed. Further, the enclosed cockpit lacks the side winds that
are felt when flying an open gyroplane, meaning it is easy to fly the aircraft inadvertently
out of balance or co-ordinated flight – so watch the slip indicator and keep the aircraft
straight to avoid high speed side slips.
Slow speed flight in a gyroplane is easily accomplished. However, in a high nose up
attitude there is little airflow over the oil cooler and coolant radiator. Temperatures can
build up quickly, so always monitor CHT and oil temp gauges carefully in these attitudes.
