Microlight flights Microlight flights lessonslessons

Exercise 5 Taxying

Exercise 5 TaxyingExercise 5 Taxying

AimAimTo safely control the aircraft while To safely control the aircraft while

manoeuvring on the ground, in manoeuvring on the ground, in different wind conditions and on different wind conditions and on

different surfacesdifferent surfaces

Starting and StoppingStarting and StoppingPower is used to commence taxing

A fast walking speed is a safe Taxying speed

To slow down power should be reduced

Beware of ground surfaces

Look before starting to Taxy behind side to side and in front

Parking aircraftParking aircraft

It is important to ensure that It is important to ensure that there is nothing in front if the there is nothing in front if the aircraft ie- hangers, cars, other aircraft ie- hangers, cars, other aircraft. Or any other aircraft. Or any other obstruction.obstruction.

Prop washProp wash Parking of aircraftParking of aircraft

1.1. Space in front clear obstructionsSpace in front clear obstructions2.2. Away from hanger doorsAway from hanger doors3.3. Other aircraftOther aircraft4.4. CarsCars5.5. PeoplePeople6.6. Loose airframe. Pilot Loose airframe. Pilot

equipment ,headsets, map casesequipment ,headsets, map cases7.7. Debris ,bagsDebris ,bags8.8. Loose stones which could be blown backLoose stones which could be blown back9.9. Pebbles under prop vortex pick up Pebbles under prop vortex pick up (plus (plus

possible damage to prop}possible damage to prop}

SteeringSteeringA flexwing microlight has a high centre of gravity. sharp steering inputs can lead to the aircraft falling over!

Steering is if we use the analogy- like turning a bicycle handle bars or old fashioned trolley (from my

child hood days) push left to go right push right to go left

Additionally Sharpe changes of direction can apply large torsion loads to the wing attachment point.

Always turn gently and brace the control to minimise the wind up between trike and wing.

WindWind Microlight are easily Microlight are easily

blown over in a wind. blown over in a wind. Correct use of the Correct use of the controls to minimise controls to minimise this possibility.this possibility.

Always keep the wing Always keep the wing into wind down into into wind down into wind. wind.

Headwind : bar backHeadwind : bar back

Tail wind : bar forwardTail wind : bar forward

Crosswind : lower into Crosswind : lower into wind slightlywind slightly

ParkingAlways leave wing down into wind and secured on front strut or tie down.

Wind

Be aware of steering with wingBe aware of steering with wing

wind wind

Nose down

Bar back Nose up bar forward

Wing down into wind

Instrument ChecksInstrument Checks

When TaxyingWhen Taxying

1.1. Check compass Check compass swing.swing.

2.2. Engine temps.Engine temps.

3.3. Oil and water Oil and water temperaturestemperatures

4.4. Fuel.Fuel.

Aircraft Aircraft

1.1. BrakesBrakes

2.2. ThrottlesThrottles

EmergenciesEmergencies Brake failure Brake failure

Collision Danger.Collision Danger.

Close throttle steer Close throttle steer away from away from obstructions ,if obstructions ,if possible steer on to possible steer on to high friction surface high friction surface –Grass –Grass

Turn mags off if Turn mags off if necessarynecessary

Close throttle mags Close throttle mags of master off ,fuel of master off ,fuel offoff

AirmanshipAirmanship MaintainMaintain A good lookout A good lookout Be awareBe aware of your own prop wash in of your own prop wash in

relation other people aircraft and debrisrelation other people aircraft and debris OperateOperate throttle smoothly and brake throttle smoothly and brake Obey right of way rulesObey right of way rules and and

marshalling instructionsmarshalling instructions TaxyTaxy at appropriate speeds fast Taxying at appropriate speeds fast Taxying

is foolish and can lead to accidentsis foolish and can lead to accidents