1. Introduction
1.1
The Skyranger is a three-axis microlight aeroplane, it was certified in the
United Kingdom to the requirements of British Civil Airworthiness
Requirements (BCAR) Section S issue 2; which at the time of writing is
arguably the highest airworthiness standard in the world which is applied to
microlight aircraft.
1.2
This manual is not intended to teach you to fly the aircraft, or to build it.
Learning to fly should be accomplished under the supervision of a light aircraft
or microlight flying instructor experienced on the type; at time of writing it is
legal to learn to fly on a Skyranger so long as you are the sole owner of the
aircraft (or spouse). A separate build manual exists to instruct you in building
a Skyranger from a kit.
1.3
What this manual will do, is provide the information which a qualified pilot
requires to safely fly this aircraft (although a conversion by an instructor,
familiar with the type is recommended), and to carry out routine maintenance
and minor repairs. Manuals exist for this aircraft for use overseas which also
include guidance on fitting modifications to the Skyranger; all modifications to
a British Skyranger must be approved by either the British Microlight Aircraft
Association, or the UK Civil Aviation Authority. In general, the BMAA offers
the cheapest and most straightforward route for approving modifications.
1.4
The licenses which would be required to fly this aircraft are a UK
PPL(Aeroplanes)-Microlights, with or without operating restrictions. Because
microlight aircraft have flying characteristics that can differ in many areas
from heavier types, a UK or JAA PPL(Aeroplanes), BCPL(Aeroplanes),
CPL(Aeroplanes) or ATPL(Aeroplanes) is only acceptable if they contain a valid
Microlight rating. This rating can be obtained after suitable conversion
training is undertaken by a microlight FI and a General Flying Test is
completed to a satisfactory standard with a microlight X Examiner.
1.5
This aircraft must be operated using two separate logbooks. One for the
airframe and one for the engine (or the BMAA combined logbook, reference
BMAA/AW/036). All entries must be made in the logbook in ink and within 7
days. If the aircraft is fitted with an in-flight adjustable propeller, a separate
logbook must also be held for that; it is recommended that CAP400, which is
issued by the CAA and available from most pilot shops is used for this
purpose.
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002
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