General
Equally at home as a hard-working basic trainer, an aerobatic performer, or as a fast, cross-country aircraft, the Robin R2160/Alpha 160A is an attractive, high quality two-seater, built for security and strength to aerobatic category. Safe, comfortable, with conventional and predictable reactions, it is an ab-initio aerobatic machine with outstanding visibility, ideal for exploring FS scenery.
History
Alpha Aviation is an aircraft manufacturing company based in Hamilton, New Zealand. It manufactures the Alpha 2000 range of light aircraft. The company was founded by Richard Izard to purchase the rights to Apex Aviation's Alpha R2000 aircraft, originally manufactured by Avions Robin in France.
Avionics
This model includes the excellent multi-function Garmin GNS430 and GTX330 avionics set by Don Kuhn. To get the best from this very sophisticated avionics set you need to read the comprehensive description and manuals included in the Manuals folder.
Note that the Garmins and GPS need to be switched on manually, the displays are blank when the model initializes in FS.
Manuals
The Manuals folder also contains panel 'maps', you will get more enjoyment out of this model if you familiarize yourself with the gauges and controls layout before flying.
Weight
The model will load in FS with a partly full fuel tank (70%) and the weight of one average pilot. Fuel and load adjustments can be made via the in flight menu >>> Aircraft >>> Fuel and Payload.
Eye point adjustments can be made in the VC as listed in the README_FIRST text file.
FLYING
Engine Start
There is a full check list in the Manuals folder which is also available in flight via the pop up check icon.
1. Check parking brake ON
2. Battery switch ON
3. Fuel valve ON
4. Mixture control FULL RICH
5. Prop clear.
6. Operate starter switch/key - engine starts.
7. Alternator switch ON
8. Avionics switch ON
9. Lower panel engine gauges switch ON
10. Garmin radios and GPS switches ON
11. Lights and beacons on as required.
Take-off
Set elevator trim a few clicks nose up.
Always use full power (2600 RPM) for take-off.
No flap is needed for normal take-off. For short field operation use 10º of flap. For very short fields, with the infamous FS tall trees at the end of the runway, you may need to reduce the weight of fuel.
Climb
Use full throttle for climb. Trim elevator for required climb.
Normal climb rate is 700-800 fpm. Normal climb speed 70-75 kts.
Cruise
Reduce power to 2300 RPM for cruise and trim for level flight.
Aerobatics
The real life pilot's operationing handbook (POH) states that fuel load must be less than 2/3rds full for aerobatics. The PAD model loops and rolls perfectly, the stall is a bit gentle and I was not able to make her spin, but that's true of every FS model I've tried. Controlled sideslips can be made.
Landing
Approach speed 75-85 kts with one or two notches of flap, depending on weight. Touch down at 65-70 kts
Shut Down
1. Set parking brake.
2. Lights and beacons off
2. Mixture control to FULL LEAN - Engine stops
3. Starter switch/key to OFF
4. Fuel valve OFF
5. Garmins and GPS OFF
6. Avionics switch OFF
7. Alternator switch OFF
8. Battery switch OFF
