1. The engine (thrust line) on this aircraft is located high above the centre of gravity. Take care when running the engine with the brakes on, it can tip forward onto it's nose !
To avoid this hold the yoke right back to keep the tail down during engine run-ups. Never apply full power with brakes on.
2. The same rule applies when taxiing, keep the yoke full back, do not use full power, and brake gently.
TAKE-OFF ROLL (RUNWAY)
3. * Release brakes before starting your take off run *
4. Hold the yoke full back until 40 kts then allow the tail to rise.
5. With one notch of flap the aircraft will take-off at between 50 and 60 kts depending on weight.
CLIMB OUT
6. Raise the flaps at 500 ft AGL and re-trim. If you intend to make a water landing also raise the wheels. Raising the wheels does not reduce drag, if you if intend a runway landing you might as well leave the wheels down.
DESCENT
7. Lower flaps (a) one notch below 110 kts (b) two notches below 85 kts. Re-trim after lowering flaps.
8. Approach speed 60 kts with one notch of flap.
LANDING
8. CHECK WHEEL POSITION ON APPROACH ! For water landing the wheels MUST BE up.
9. For runway landing aim to touch down on the main wheels at 55 kts.
10. Brake very gently, when the tailwheel is on the ground hold the yoke full back.
11. Water landings are easy, but an accurate water landing. i.e. touching down at the right spot and stopping at the right spot, takes some practice. Touch down on water at between 55 and 65 kts.
12. In real life and FS9 it is permissible to lower the wheels into the water at low taxi speed to enable taxi up a ramp or beach.
SUPERBEE *****
All the above applies to the SuperBee but the engine has more power and slightly more wing span so takeoff runs are shorter, climb rate is higher and the cruise speed is a bit higher.
REVERSE THRUST OPERATION *****
1. The normal FS reverse thrust command (F2) does not work on piston engines.
2. Close the throttle, select reverse thrust with Ctrl-F2 (hold the keys down for a few seconds)
3. Open the throttle, the aircraft will reverse. More throttle = more reverse speed.
4. Reversing in water requires full throttle.
5. If you get stuck on a beach and reverse thrust will not move you back, lower the wheels.
6. Ctrl-F4 returns forward thrust.
