The information on this page includes all the information that you will need to operate Super Decathlon VH-UPG. Note that where it states “Read all of these documents” it means “READ ALL OF THESE DOCUMENTS”.
Start at the top and work your way down – no shortcuts!
Note also that UPG was previously registered as OPD (and originally NEL) and some documents here retain the old registration.
IMPORTANT: It is a legal requirement for pilots to comply with the Airplane Flight Manual so it takes precedence over the Operating Manual but you will need both. There are errors in the Operating Manual especially regarding weight and balance. There are other differences between the AFM and the Operating Manual.
Pilots will need to sign the hire agreement at the bottom of this page prior to access to the aircraft. Note the dual check requirements:
To get started in UPG run through the checklist below (supported by the Airplane Flight Manual AND the Operating Manual) to familiarise yourself with the controls and systems shown in these photographs.
Note the Hooker aerobatic harness with a ratchet on one of the two lap belts. Attach the shoulder harnesses and the crotch strap to the upper lap belt.
Rear Seat
Luggage net protection for the luggage compartment behind the seat. Battery compartment behind that.
Cabin Left Side
Flight manual stowage - pocket with red and white stripes - the fuel dipstick is also kept here (please take care not to rip the documents when placing it in the pocket). To the left of the front seat is the throttle quadrant with alternate air control (black knobs), mixture knob (red) and propeller pitch (blue). Pitch trim is just below and behind the throttle.
Under the Panel
Control stick with PTT on top. Fuel header tank. Left hand side has fresh air vent (silver) and heater controls - right hand side has just the fresh air vent (use the right air vent for preference as the air is fresher!). Fuel shutoff valve (red) below the throttle. Rudder pedals with toe brakes on top. Parking brake knob on the right - note instructions for use. Below that on the right is the door jettison lever - do not use - for parachute use only.
Cabin Entry
Do NOT put any weight on the cabin door and minimise weight on seat back when getting in and out. Use the entry step and steel tubes for assistance. Do NOT put your headset on top of the instrument panel as the windscreen is made of soft perspex and scratches easily. Pocket in the door for the aircraft technical folder. Black knob for front seat adjustment is just forward of the rudder pedal - pull out to adjust. Ensure that lap belts do not foul the rudder pedals when you buckle them up - laying them, behind the pedals first will avoid that.
Instrument Panel
Top right - provision for portable GPS. Extreme top right is the VDO - engine start to engine stop time. GPS/COM - wait for self-test to finish then press CRSR button to highlight standby frequency (or press ENT first for NAV modes if required). TXP - goes to ALT automatically after take-off. Press VFR to toggle between 1200 and 3000 at MB. Intercom controls at bottom right of the panel - active with Avionics Master on. NB: engine and system gauges on the left have been replaced by the MVP-50P.
Electrical Panel
Headsets plug in fore and aft.
Fuel Quantity
A mechanical gauge in each wing - only gives true indication when flying straight and level. Use the dipstick to check quantity prior to flight - true indication requires level ground. Note that left and right tanks are slightly different so use the appropriate side of the dipstick.
Fuel Tank Cap
Bayonet type - turn until it reaches the stop - red line indicates fully closed position. A plastic plumbers tool is available (in a bucket in the black box) to assist as it may be difficult depending on the weather.
Looking into the Cabin
Configured for competition aerobatic practice. The sequence card is held on using Blu Tak. The instrument at top right is the portable Aera 500 GPS.
MVP-50P
Functionality includes engine MP, RPM, oil temperature & pressure, ammeter, voltmeter, fuel pressure, fuel flow, estimated fuel remaining, OAT, accelerometer (G), engine time and flight time. Set the fuel prior to start. Monitor fuel pressure while ;priming the engine.
Centre of the Instrument Panel
Do NOT reset the G-meter at any time during your flight or afterwards - leave it for the next pilot to check. It is reset during the pre-takeoff checks.
Instrument Panel - left side and centre
Note the MVP-50P on the left for engine and systems. Electric fuel pump switch for engine priming and emergencies. ON for take-off and landing. Engine starter button - operate with left hand then move your hand to the mixture.
Aileron shroud removed
Aileron centre hinge and leading edge seal revealed.
An excellent series of short videos for those new to the Super Decathlon:
