Aerolite 103 (Hirth F-33) — Normal and Emergency Procedures

Part 103 Operating Limitations limitations

NOTEThis aircraft is operated as an ultralight vehicle under 14 CFR Part 103. It has no airworthiness certificate and no N-number, and the pilot needs no certificate or medical.
Single occupant only
Day, visual conditions only
Not over congested areas or open-air assemblies of people
Not in Class A, B, C or D airspace without prior ATC authorization
CAUTIONPart 103 imposes no maintenance or inspection requirement. Nobody else is checking this aircraft. The preflight is the entire inspection programme.

Cockpit
Ignition switchesOFF
Fuel shutoff valveOFF
Restraint harnessCONDITION CHECKED
Control stick and pedalsFREE, FULL TRAVEL, CORRECT SENSE
Airframe
Wing struts, lift struts and attach boltsSECURE, SAFETIED, NO CRACKS
Sail and fabricNO TEARS, SEAMS INTACT, LACING SECURE
Control cables, pulleys and clevis pinsCONDITION, SAFETY PINS PRESENT
Tail surfaces and hingesSECURE, FREE MOVEMENT
Landing gear, tires and bungeesCONDITION, INFLATION
Engine and propeller
WARNINGTreat the propeller as live at all times. A two-stroke can fire on a single blade movement with the ignition off if a switch or ground lead has failed. Keep the propeller arc clear and never stand in it.
Propeller blades and boltsNO NICKS OR CRACKS, TORQUE MARKS ALIGNED
Engine mount and rubber isolatorsSECURE, NO CRACKS
Exhaust system and springsSECURE, NOT CRACKED
Fuel lines and primer bulbNO CHAFING, NO WEEPING
Fuel quantity and mixCHECKED, CORRECT OIL RATIO
Confirm the premix ratio against the engine manufacturer's figure for this engine and oil. Running a two-stroke on straight fuel will seize it.
Fuel sampleCLEAR, NO WATER

Area behind aircraftCLEAR
WheelsCHOCKED OR BRAKES HELD
Fuel shutoff valveON
Primer bulbFIRM
ThrottleCLOSED
ChokeAS REQUIRED FOR TEMPERATURE
Call "CLEAR PROP"
Ignition switchesBOTH ON
Start engine
ChokeOFF AS ENGINE PICKS UP
Warm upPER ENGINE MANUAL BEFORE ADVANCING THROTTLE
A cold two-stroke run up before the piston and cylinder have reached even temperature is the classic path to a seizure.

HarnessTIGHT AND LOCKED
ControlsFREE AND CORRECT
Ignition checkEACH CIRCUIT, DROP WITHIN LIMITS
Full throttle static RPMPER ENGINE MANUAL
Engine temperaturesIN RANGE
Windsock and trafficCHECKED
Engine failure planBRIEFED
Decide before takeoff where the aircraft goes if the engine stops at 50 feet, at 200 feet, and at circuit height.
CAUTIONA single-cylinder two-stroke should be treated as an engine that will stop without warning. Do not depart over terrain that offers no landing option.

Engine stops or loses power after leaving the ground with insufficient height to return

WARNINGDo not attempt to turn back to the runway. At this aircraft's altitude, speed and glide performance a turn back will stall it.
NoseMEMORYLOWER IMMEDIATELY TO GLIDE ATTITUDE
Landing areaMEMORYSTRAIGHT AHEAD, WITHIN 30 DEGREES
Fuel shutoff valveMEMORYOFF
Ignition switchesMEMORYOFF
HarnessTIGHT
Flare and land, accepting damage to the aircraft to protect the occupant

ThrottleIDLE
Ignition switchesOFF
Ignition switchesCONFIRM ENGINE STOPS WITH SWITCHES OFF
If the engine continues to run with both switches off, the ignition ground has failed. Stop the engine with the fuel valve and do not fly again until the fault is found.
Fuel shutoff valveOFF
Chock, tie down or hangar the aircraft