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