This handbook introduces the basic pilot knowledge and skills that are essential for piloting Weight Shift Control aircraft. It introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that is needed as they progress in their pilot training. This handbook is for student pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.


Contents Include:

:: Introduction
History
Hang Glider
Motorized Hang Gliders
New Challenges
Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
Weight-Shift Control Aircraft
Weight-Shift Control LSA Requirements
Flight Operations and Pilot Certificates
Basic Pilot Eligibility
Flight Safety Practices
Collision Avoidance
Runway Incursion Avoidance
Positive Transfer of Controls
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
Avoiding Pilot Errors
Scenario-Based Training
Resource Management
Use of Checklists
Medical Factors
Fatigue
Hypothermia
Medical Summary
Chapter Summary

:: Aerodynamics
Introduction
Aerodynamic Terms
WSC Wing Flexibility
Forces in Flight
Dynamic Pressure
Lift
Drag
Thrust
Ground Effect
Center of Gravity
Axes of Rotation
Lateral Axis—Pitch
Longitudinal Axis—Roll
Vertical Axis—Yaw
Stability and Moments
WSC Unique Airfoil and Wing Design
Trim—Normal Stabilized Flight
High Angles of Attack
Low Angles of Attack
Pitch Pressures
Roll Stability and Moments
Yaw Stability and Moments
Thrust Moments
Stalls: Exceeding the Critical AOA
Whip Stall–Tuck–Tumble
Weight, Load, and Speed
Basic Propeller Principles
Chapter Summary

:: Components and Systems
Introduction
Wing
Wing Frame Components
Keel
Crossbar
Control Frame
King Post With Wires-on-Top Wing Design
Topless Wings With Struts
Battens and Leading Edge Stiffener
Sail Material and Panels
Pockets and Hardware
Sail Attachment to Wing Frame
Cables and Hardware
Wing Systems
Reflex Systems
Roll Control System
Trim Systems
Ground Adjustable Trim Systems
Inflight Adjustable Trim Systems
Structure
Landing Gear
Landing Gear for Water and Snow
Electrical Systems
Ballistic Parachute
Flight Deck
Dashboards and Instrument Panels
Flight Instruments
Navigation Instruments
Engine Instruments
Instrument Panel Arrangements
Communications
Powerplant System
Fuel System Components
Engine and Gearbox
The Propeller
Chapter Summary

:: Powerplants
Introduction
Reciprocating Engines
Two-Stroke Engines
Two-Stroke Process
Four-Stroke Engines
Exhaust Systems
Two-Stroke Tuned Exhaust Systems
Four-Stroke Engine Exhaust Systems
Engine Warming
Two-Stroke Engine Warming
Four-Stroke Engine Warming
Gearboxes
Fixed-Pitch Propeller
Ground Adjustable-Pitch Propeller
Induction Systems
Carburetor Systems
Two-Stroke Carburetor Jetting for Proper Mixture
Four-Stroke Mixture Settings
Carburetor Icing
Fuel Injection Induction Systems
Ignition System
Combustion
Fuel Systems
Fuel Pumps
Fuel Plunger Primer
Choke
Fuel Bulb Primer
Fuel Gauges
Fuel Filter
Fuel
Fuel Contamination
Refueling Procedures
Mixing Two-Stroke Oil and Fuel
Starting System
Oil Systems
Engine Cooling Systems
Chapter Summary

:: Preflight and Ground Operations
Introduction
Where To Fly
Preflight Actions
Weather
Regional Weather
Local Conditions
Weight and Loading
Transporting
Setting Up the WSC Aircraft
Taking Down the WSC Aircraft
Wing Tuning
Tuning the Wing To Fly Straight
Prefl ight Inspection
Certifi cates and Documents
Routine Prefl ight Inspection
Wing Inspection
Carriage Inspection
Powerplant Inspection
Cooling Systems
Exhaust Systems
Propeller Gearbox
Throttle System
Flight Deck Inspection
Fuel
Oil
Ready Aircraft To Enter Flight Deck
Occupant Prefl ight Brief
Flight Deck Management
Checklist After Entering Flight Deck
Engine Start
Taxiing
Checklist for Taxi
Before Takeoff Check
After Landing
Chapter Summary

:: Flight Manuevers
Introduction
Effects and the Use of the Controls
Attitude Flying
Straight-and-Level Flying
Trim Control
Level Turns
Coordinating the Controls
Climbs and Climbing Turns
Descents and Descending Turns
Gliding Turns
Pitch and Power
Steep Turn Performance Maneuver
Energy Management
Slow Flight and Stalls
Slow Flight
Stalls
Power-Off Stall Manuever
Whip Stall and Tumble Awareness
A Scenario
Chapter Summary

:: Takeoff and Departure Climbs
Introduction
Terms and Definitions
Prior to Takeoff
Normal Takeoff
Takeoff Roll
Lift-Off
Initial Climb
Crosswind Takeoff
Takeoff Roll
Rotation and Lift-Off
Initial Climb
Ground Effect on Takeoff
Short Field Takeoff and Steepest Angle Climb
Takeoff Roll
Lift-Off and Climb Out
Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb
Takeoff Roll
Lift-Off and Initial Climb
Rejected Takeoff/Engine Failure
Noise Abatement
Chapter Summary

:: The National Airspace System
Introduction
Uncontrolled Airspace
Class G Airspace
Controlled Airspace
Class E Airspace
Towered Airport Operations
Class D Airspace
Class C Airspace
Class B Airspace
Airspace Above 10,000' MSL and Below 18,000'
Class A Airspace
Special Use Airspace
Prohibited Areas
Restricted Areas
Warning Areas
Military Operations Areas (MOAs)
Alert Areas
Controlled Firing Areas
Parachute Jump Areas
Other Airspace Areas
Local Airport Advisory
Military Training Routes (MTRs)
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSA)
National Security Areas (NSAs)
Published VFR Routes
Flight Over Charted US Wildlife Refuges,Parks, and Forest
Service Areas
WSC Operations
WSC and Air Traffi c Control
Navigating the Airspace
Chapter Summary

:: Ground Reference Maneuvers
Introduction
Maneuvering by Reference to Ground Objects
Drift and Ground Track Control
Rectangular Course
S-Turns Across a Road
Turns Around a Point
Chapter Summary

:: Airport Traffic Patterns
Introduction
Airport Operations
Standard Airport Traffic Patterns
Chapter Summary

:: Approaches and Landings
Introduction
Normal (Calm Wind) Approaches and Landings
Throttle Use
Base Leg
Estimating Height and Movement
Roundout (Flare)
Touchdown
After-Landing Roll
Effect of Headwinds During Final Approach
Stabilized Approach Concept
Go-Around (Rejected Landings)
Power
Short and Soft Field Landing Techniques
Short-Field Approaches and Landings
Soft and Rough Field Approaches and Landings
Power-on Approach and Landing for Turbulant Air
Crosswind Approaches and Landings
Crosswind Pattern Procedures
Effects and Hazards of High Crosswinds for Approaches and
Landings
Crosswind Landings
Maximum Crosswind Velocities
Steep Approaches
Steep Angle
Alternating Turns
Power-Off Accuracy Approaches
90° Power-Off Approach
180° Power-Off Approach
360° Power-Off Approach
Emergency Approaches and Landings (Simulated Engine Out)
Faulty Approaches and Landings
Low Final Approach
High Final Approach
Slow Final Approach
Use of Power
High Roundout
Late or Rapid Roundout
Floating During Roundout
Ballooning During Roundout
Bouncing During Touchdown
Porpoising
Wing Rising After Touchdown
Hard Landing

:: Night Operations

:: Introduction
Pilot Requirements
Equipment and Lighting
Pilot Equipment
Airport and Navigation Lighting Aids
Night Vision
Unique WSC Flight Characteristics
Night Illusions
Preparation and Prefl ight
Starting, Taxiing, and Runup
Takeoff and Climb
Orientation and Navigation
Approaches and Landings
Night Emergencies
Chapter Summary

:: Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
Introduction
Ballistic Parachute System (BPS)
Procedures for Using a BPS
Emergency Landings
Types of Emergency Landings
Psychological Hazards
Basic Safety Concepts
Attitude and Sink Rate Control
Terrain Selection
Approach
Terrain Types
Water Landings (Ditching)
Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
Engine Failure After Takeoff
Emergency Descents
Inflight Fire
Engine Fire
Electrical Fires
System Malfunctions
Electrical System
Pitot-Static System
Landing Gear Malfunction
Inadvertant Propeller Strike
Stuck or Runaway Throttle
Abnormal Engine Instrument Indications
Weather Related Emergencies
High Winds and Strong Turbulence
High Winds and Turbulence During Cruise Flight
High Winds and Turbulence During Takeoffs and Landings
High Winds During Taxi
Inadvertent Flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions
Recognition
Maintaining Aircraft Control
Attitude Control
Turns
Chapter Summary