Skyranger BMAA, HB Operator's Manual
Skyranger Operators Manual
G_______ Serial No.: BMAA/HB/_ _ _
Approving Authority
British Microlight Aircraft Association
The Bullring, Deddington, Banbury
Oxon, OX15 0TT, United Kingdom
by delegation from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
Manufacturer
Design rights are owned by Best Off – France. Manufactured under licence by Aeros – Ukraine.
Importer
Aircraft Kits and Spares are imported by:
Skyranger UK Ltd
This manual is a legal document which is approved for use with Skyranger microlight aircraft issued
with a United Kingdom Homebuilt Permit to Fly. It must remain with the aircraft, and not be amended
or altered without authority from either the BMAA or UK CAA.
All pilots should read this manual before flying as pilot in command of the aircraft to
which it refers.
Approved for issue:-
G B Gratton P M Dewhurst
Chief Technical Officer Project Test Pilot
British Microlight Aircraft Association
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 1
Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................4
2. Description of the Aircraft ..........................................................................5
3. Limitations................................................................................................ 6
4. Flying the Skyranger..................................................................................9
5. Performance ........................................................................................... 22
6. Emergencies ........................................................................................... 24
7. Rigging and De-rigging ............................................................................ 26
8. Weight and Balance................................................................................. 27
9. Routine Maintenance............................................................................... 28
10. Repairs................................................................................................... 31
11. Vital Statistics ......................................................................................... 33
Annex A The Microlight Airworthiness Approval Note recommending issue of a
permit to fly
Annex B Engine Manual
Annex C Maintenance schedule MMS-1
Annex D Weight and balance report for this aircraft (form BMAA/AW/028).
Annex E Minor modifications fitted to this aircraft (MinMods)
Annex F Major modifications fitted to this aircraft (MAANs)
Annex G Instructions and Manuals for other devices fitted to this aircraft
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 2
TABLE OF AMENDMENTS
Amendment No Date incorporated Signed
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 3
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.
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2. Description of the Aircraft
2.1 Ancestry. The Skyranger was conceived by Philippe Prevot of Best Off
Manufacturing, France, in 1991. The first 200 examples were manufactured
under licence by Synairgie between 1994 and 1998. The manufacture of the
Skyranger was moved to Aeros in the Ukraine in 1998, incorporating many
developments in the design.
2.2 Construction. The Skyranger is predominately constructed of pin-jointed
straight aluminium tubes covered with pre-sewn polyester fabric.
2.3 Flying Controls.
2.3.1 Pitch control is effected by fore-aft movement of the central stick, with
movement transmitted to a conventional elevator through cables.
2.3.2 Pitch trimming is effected by a hand-operated lever mounted above the
starboard seating position, with movement transmitted through cables to a
trim-tab on the starboard elevator.
2.3.3 Roll control is effected by sideward movement of the central stick, with
movement transmitted through cables to part-span, differential-movement
ailerons.
2.3.4 Yaw control is effected by dual-control foot pedals, with movement to the
rudder transmitted through cables.
2.3.5 Braking is effected by hand-operated hydraulic disc brakes.
2.3.6 The undercarriage is of tricycle arrangement, with nosewheel steering
effected by movement of the dual-control rudder pedals.
2.3.7 Flaps are lowered in two stages by lifting a hand-operated lever located
between the seats whilst gripping an integral latching lever.
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 5
3. Limitations
3.1 Introduction.
This section includes the basic operating limitations for the Skyranger. The
full limitations are contained in Homebuilt Aircraft Data Sheet (HADS) HM4,
which is used by the Inspector at Annual Permit renewal to ensure, amongst
other things, that the correct limitations are placarded in the cockpit.
3.2 Units.
When noting limitations, it is important to ensure that the limitations which
you are using use the same units and calibrations as the instruments in the
cockpit. The limitations shown below use knots CAS (Calibrated Airspeed);
your aircraft may have an instrument in mph, and in any case will read IAS
(Indicated Airspeed). The difference between IAS and CAS is basically the
accuracy of your Pitot-static system. The IAS limits for your aircraft were
determined when the aircraft was test flown, and are shown in Annex A to
this manual. There will also be a placard in the cockpit, however space is
allowed below for you to insert the IAS limitations and calibration details for
your aircraft.
IAS Calibration Card for Skyranger G-_______.
Kn CAS
(Calibrated)
33
Vso
36
VS1
40
50
min
sink
53
climb
55
approach
speed
60
Best
Glide
65 71
Vfe
72
Va
80 90 100 108
Vne
IAS
(Indicated)
Unless all errors are less than 2 knots, a copy of this calibration card must be
displayed in the cockpit near to the ASI.
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 6
3.3 Operational Limitations.
3.3.1 The Skyranger must only be flown in day VMC conditions, with sight of the
surface. It may not be flown over built up areas.
3.3.2 The Skyranger is certified to a "permit to fly" standard. This prohibits aerial
work, other than flying instruction of the owner, or flight testing of the aircraft
for initial approval, or approval of subsequent modifications.
3.3.3 This aircraft is certified to a UK only standard, this means that permission is
required from the host country to fly it overseas. However a reciprocal
agreement for homebuilt aircraft means that no permission is required for
flights to other ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) member states.
3.3.4 For flight the following instruments must be fitted and serviceable:
ASI, Altimeter, Slip, RPM, Compass, Water or Cylinder Head Temperature, Oil
Temperature, Oil Pressure.
3.3.5 It is recommended that the Skyranger is not flown where a crosswind
component above 15 knots is predicted.
3.3.6 Do not fly above 10,000ft standard pressure altitude without the use of
personal oxygen.
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3.4 Flight Limitations and key performance speeds
3.4.1 Never exceed speed, Vne, is 108 kn CAS [ IAS]
3.4.2 Manoeuvring speed, Va is 72 kn CAS [ IAS]
3.4.3 Flap limiting speed, Vfe is 71 kn CAS [ IAS]
3.4.4 Door open limit speed is 71 kn CAS [ IAS]
3.4.5 Speed for best rate of climb 53kn CAS [ IAS]
3.4.6 Speed for best climb angle 45kn CAS [ IAS]
3.4.7 Maximum Bank angles are 60° either way.
3.4.8 Maximum Pitch attitudes are 45
0
nose up and down from the horizontal
3.4.9 Normal acceleration limits are +4g / -2g.
3.4.10 At least 55kg (121lb / 8 stone 9lb) must be in the cockpit for flight, no more
than 90kg (198lb / 14stone 2lb) may be carried in each seat.
3.4.11 Maximum Take-off weight is 450kg.
3.4.12 Aerobatics and deliberate spinning are prohibited.
3.5 Engine Limitations
The limitations for the engine are contained in Annex B, they are also
placarded in the cockpit.
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 8
4. Flying the Skyranger
4.1 Pre-Flight Inspection.
4.1.1 Engine.
Carry out an engine pre-flight inspection following the instructions contained
in the Engine Manual at Annex B.
4.1.2 Aircraft.
The following is a brief summary of the minimum pre-flight inspection, if you
are unsure, it does no harm to increase the number of items on your
inspection.
Inside the Cockpit
• Ignition switches OFF
• Condition of choke and choke cable
• Condition and security of all flying controls.
• Check condition of all instruments
• Check harnesses are properly fitted and not frayed.
• Check seats are secure.
• Check fuel filter is clean.
• Check sufficient fuel for the planned flight.
• Check wing leading and trailing edge bolts secure
Underside
• If the aircraft has not flown within 24 hrs, drain a small amount of fuel
from the drain tap using a standard tool and check for water.
Engine
• Remove the upper cowling
• Check oil level and condition in oil tank
• Check water level
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• Check security of engine mounts
• Check security of spark plug caps and leads
• Check security of water and oil hoses and connections
• Check security of electrical connections
• Check prop bolts protruding from securing nuts
• Generally look for any fluid leaks or loose fastenings
• Replace the cowling and all securing screws
Starting from the nose, inspect:
• Condition of the propeller: no nicks or cracks
• Condition and security of the spinner, if fitted
• Condition and inflation of the nose wheel tyre
• Security of the nose wheel spat and fairing
• Security of the engine cowling
Moving down the starboard side of the aircraft and along the starboard
wing, inspect:
• Static vent is clear of obstructions
• Condition of door, hinges and latches
• Starboard undercarriage leg undistorted
• Tyre condition and pressure
• Security of wheel spat
• Check for evidence of hydraulic leaks
• Security of wing strut lower attachment bolt
• Jury strut brackets
• Wing struts and jury struts straight
• Through the inspection panel in the lower surface, check that the wing
strut forward upper attachment is secure and the condition of the
aileron pulleys and cables
• General condition of leading edge and covering
• Aileron movement and hinges, attachment of cables and control horn
condition
• Flap, hinges, and security of actuating rod attachment
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• Condition of wing covering and security of battens
Moving towards the tail, inspect:
• Condition of covering on tail cone.
• Security of horizontal tail mounting bolts and covering lacing
• Elevator and hinges, horns and cables
• Trim-tab, horn and cables
• Rudder and hinges, horns and cables
• Condition of tail surface coverings
• General alignment of vertical and horizontal tail surfaces
• Condition of bracing wires and their terminations
Moving forwards to the port wing, inspect:
• Port undercarriage leg undistorted
• Tyre condition and pressure
• Security of wheel spat
• Check for evidence of hydraulic leaks
• Security of wing strut lower attachment bolt
• Jury strut brackets
• Wing struts and jury struts straight
• Condition of wing covering and security of battens
• Flap, hinges, and security of actuating rod attachment
• Aileron movement and hinges, attachment of cables and control horn
condition
• Through the inspection panel in the lower surface, check that the wing
strut forward upper attachment is secure and the condition of the
aileron pulleys and cables
• General condition of leading edge and covering
• Condition of door, hinges and latches
• Static vent is clear of obstructions
• Finally, stand back and assess the overall symmetry of the aircraft.
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4.2 Starting.
4.2.1 Before starting the engine ensure that the max takeoff weight will not be
exceeded (from fuel/weight placard).
4.2.2 The BMAA standard manual pre-start checks [STAIP] are recommended. The
actual starting procedures for a particular engine are contained in Annex B to
this manual. The STAIP checks are :-
Security Aircraft, Crew, Equipment, Secure, brakes ON.
Throttles full and free, and closed, choke set as required.
Area all around and behind aircraft clear.
Ignition mags ON.
Prop Shout ‘clear prop’, pause then start the engine.
Once the engine is running set the recommended warm up RPM and slowly
remove the choke.
4.3 Taxiing.
4.3.1 Before taxiing ensure that the engine has run for at least 2 minutes from cold.
Do not use high RPM until the engine has reached its minimum flight
operating temps.
4.3.2 Taxy at no more than a brisk walking pace, somewhat less if the surface is
rough. Steering is effected through the rudder pedals which are linked directly
to the nosewheel. The turning circle normally is around 20 feet in diameter
(at the aircraft centreline).
4.3.3 Microlight aircraft are easily blown over in winds over 25knots. It is imperative
that when taxiing in strong winds the correct control placements are used.
When the wind is from the forward quarters hold the stick into wind and the
elevator neutral. When the wind is from the rear quarters the stick should be
positioned away from the wind and the elevator held down.
Skyranger Operators Manual, Issue 1, AL0, June 2002 12
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