Microlight flights Microlight flights lessonslessons
Ex 6 Ex 6 StraightStraight & Level & Level FlightFlight
AimAimTo attain and maintain flight in a To attain and maintain flight in a straight line and at a constant straight line and at a constant
altitudealtitude
Straight FlightStraight Flight• To fly straight keep wings laterally level
with the horizon
Front strut is verticalIn relation to the horizon
Control bar parallel With horizon
Reference point On horizon
View from trike
Small Heading correctionsSmall Heading corrections
• Small Heading corrections can be made by gently banking towards the aiming point.
• Then return wing to laterally level
A Cross wind component A Cross wind component causes driftcauses drift
Wind
Wind
Basic steady angle
To fly straight towards a crosswind reference point, set up a drift angle so that the Reference point remains at a steady relative bearing,
alternatively line up to reference points
Nose Into wind
Control height with powerControl height with power
IF DESCENDING: INCREASE POWER ALLOW NOSE TO RISE
NOTE R.P.M REQUIRED AND NOTE CHANGE OF ATTITUDEMake only small power changes
IF CLIMBING: REDUCE POWER AND ALLOW NOSE TO RISENOTE R.P.M REQUIRED AND NOTE ATTITUDE
V.S.I
V.S.I
When Level and at correct R.P.MWhen Level and at correct R.P.M• Maintain correct pitch attitude• Use small pitch inputs through any
turbulence
Bar back lowernose
Bar forwards to raise nose
So power is used to correct any trend of losing or gaining heightWhilst pitch control is used to correct disturbance of pitch attitude
Level Flight At Specific Level Flight At Specific AirspeedsAirspeeds
• When used individually • Bar Forward/bar back {Pitch control} controls
airspeed• Power controls height• But if pitch only used to increase airspeed
aircraft will also descend
Power only
Power& Pitch
Pitch onlyPower and pitch Must be coordinated
Together to increaseAirspeed in level flight
60mph 65mph60mph 55mph
60mph 65mph
55mph
Level Flight at H.O.T.Level Flight at H.O.T.Indications of level flightIndications of level flight
Correct pitchattitude
Steady altimeter reading
Note R.P.M required this will vary with changes in weight,Atmosphere conditions and airspeed
To CoordinateTo Coordinate
To increase airspeed
• P – increase power
• A – attitude bar back to maintain level attitude
• T – trim make small adjustments of power to accurately attain target airspeed.
To reduce airspeedTo reduce airspeed• P – reduce power• A – Attitude bar forwards to maintain level attitude
• T –Trim Make small adjustments of power accurately
attain target airspeed. Trim if within trim speed range
Cruise Fast Slow
Note that the attitude of the trike unit remains constant if levelFlight is to be maintained irrespective of airspeed
AirmanshipAirmanship• Lookout – The clock code • 12 o’clock is always dead ahead• Report aircraft relative to the clock code and as above high or low
Enroute Checks : L.I.F.EL – location, where are we. Where's the airfield?
I – Instruments, engine temps and pressures
F – Fuel, contents how much used?
E – Elapsed time/endurance