VSKYLABS Maule M-7-235B
MANUAL / POH
OPERATIONS AND CHECKLISTS:
SECTION I - GENERAL: NORMAL CATEGORY OPERATION:
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 2500 Pounds (2750 seaplane variant).
CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS:
+15.0 to +20.5 @ 2500 lbs.
+12.5 to +20.5 @ 1700 lbs. or less
Straight line variation between points given
Datum: Wing Leading Edge
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the pilot to assure that the airplane is property loaded. Refer to the Weight and Balance Data for baggage/cargo loading recommendations and loading graphs.
CAUTION
CHECK WEIGHT AND BALANCE CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING
THE 5TH SEAT, IF INSTALLED, OR WHEN CARGO OR BAGGAGE IS CARRIED IN THE REAR CABIN AREA. ALSO, FLIGHT PLANNING SHOULD INCLUDE ALLOWANCE FOR FORWARD C.G. SHIFT WITH FUEL BURN.
MANEUVERS:
Only Normal Category Maneuvers including Stalls, Lazy Eights, Chandelles and steep turns involving bank angles not greater than 60° are approved in this airplane.
CAUTION
AEROBATICS AND INTENTIONAL SPINS PROHIBITED.
FUEL CAPACITY:
Usable Fuel: See Table Below
Unusable Fuel: See Table Below
Fuel Capacity - See Instrument Panel Placard for Auxiliary Tank configuration installed in this aircraft.
TANK CONFIGURATION – FUEL CAPACITY (US GAL) Config Location Usable Fuel (Gal) Usable Fuel (Gal) -------------------------------------------------------- A Main 20.0 1.5 Aux. 15.0 0.0 B Main 20.0 1.5 Aux. 21.0 0.0 C Main 21.5 2.3 Aux. 15.0 0.0 D Main 21.5 2.3 Aux. 21.0 0.0
CAUTION
FUEL REMAINING IN TANK WHEN INDICATOR READS EMPTY CANNOT BE USED SAFELY IN FLIGHT.
SECTION II - LIMITATIONS:
AIRSPEED LIMITS: All airspeeds are Indicated Airspeeds (IAS).
AIRSPEED INDICATOR MARKINGS:
Red Radial, (VNE) - 158K (182 mph)
Yellow Arc, Caution Range - 128 – 158K (147 – 182 mph)
Green Arc, Normal Operating Range – 54 - 128K (62 - 147 mph)
White Arc, Flap Operating Range – 43 - 83K (50 - 95 mph)
EXPLANATION OF AIRSPEED INDICATOR MARKINGS:
Red Radial Line - Never Exceed Speed (VNE) 158K (182 mph): Maximum safe airspeed in smooth air.
Yellow Arc -Caution Range, 128-158K (147-182 mph): Operation in this speed range should be conducted only in smooth air and control movements should not be large or abrupt.
Green Arc -Normal Operating Range, 54-128K (62-147 mph): Extends from flaps up, power off stall speed at 2500 lbs. (VSI) to design cruise speed (VC).
White Arc -Flap Operating Range, 43-83K (50-95 mph): Extends from full flap, power off minimum stall speed at 2500 lbs. (VSO) to the Maximum flaps extended speed (VFE).
POWER PLANT LIMITS:
Engine:Lycoming
O-540-J1A5D, IO-540-W1A5D, O-540-J3A5, IO-540-W1A5, or O-540-B4B5
Engine Limits: 235 hp @ 2400 rpm, Full Throttle Continuous 2575 rpm for B4B5
Propeller:
Hartzell: Constant Speed HC-C2YR-1BF/F8468A-6R (78")
or -3R (81") (Use -3R with 7:00 tires or larger/26 psi
minimum air pressure)
McCauley: Constant Speed B3D32C414-C/G82NDA-4 (78")
or -2 (80") (use with J or W engines only) or
B2D37C224-B/G-90RA-9 (81") (Use –9 with 7:00
tires or larger / 26 psi minimum air pressure; use -2 with
7:00 tires or larger)
Fuel: 100/100LL Minimum Grade Aviation Gasoline
ENGINE INSTRUMENT MARKINGS:
Cylinder Head Temperature:
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 200°F - 435°F
Oil Temperature:
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 140°F - 245°F
Red Radial - Operating Limit, 245°F
Oil Pressure:
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 55 to 95 PSI
Yellow Arc - Caution Range, 25 to 55 PSI and 95 to 115 PSI
Red Radial - Minimum Operating Pressure, 25 PSI
Red Radial - Maximum Operating Pressure, 115 PSI
Manifold Pressure:
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 14.5 to 29 ins. Of Mercury
Fuel Pressure (O-540 only):
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 0.5 Normal Operating Range, 0.5
Red Radial - Minimum Pressure, 0.5 PSI, Maximum Pressure, 8.0 PSI
Fuel Flow (IO-540 only):
Red Radial - Maximum, 8.9 psi or 26.9 GPH
Tachometer:
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 2050 - 2400 RPM
Red Radial - Maximum RPM, 2400 RPM
Tachometer (O-540-B4B5 only):
Green Arc - Normal Operating Range, 2200 - 2575 RPM
Red Radial - Maximum RPM, 2575 RPM
CAUTION:
DO NOT EXCEED 23 INCHES M.P. BELOW 2050 RPM. WHEN EQUIPPED
WITH THE HARTZELL –6R (78") PROP. THIS IS A VIBRATORY STRESS
LIMITATION WHICH APPLIES ONLY TO THIS MODEL PROPELLER.
FLIGHT LOAD FACTORS:
Flaps Fully Retracted: 3.8g Positive to 1.5g Negative
Flaps Extended: 1.9g Positive to 0g Negative
DESIGN MANEUVERING SPEED:
The maximum safe airspeed at which full aerodynamic controls can be applied (VA) is 109K (125 MPH). This airspeed is not marked on the airspeed indicator.
SECTION III - NORMAL PROCEDURES:
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION:
INTERIOR:
BAT Switch.........................ON Fuel Gauges....................... CHECK INDICATIONS Auxiliary Fuel Pumps.............. ON, THEN OFF (LISTEN TO VERIFY OPERATION) All Electrical Switches........... OFF BAT Switch........................ OFF Flaps............................. FULL DOWN (4TH NOTCH)
EXTERIOR:
Begin at the left front door, proceed around the left wing to the nose area,
then around the right wing and back to the fuselage, then around the tail section.
Fuel drains behind step............... DRAIN
Left Flap..............................CHECK HINGES & CONTROL ATTACHMENTS
Aileron................................CHECK HINGES & CONTROL ATTACHMENTS
Left Wing Top......................... CHECK FOR WRINKLES AS INDICATION OF INTERNAL DAMAGE
Left Wing Main & Aux Fuel Tank Drain.. DRAIN
Left Wing Tip & Nav Light............. CHECK FOR DAMAGE
Auxiliary Fuel Tank................... VISUALLY CHECK QUANTITY
Landing Light......................... CHECK FOR DAMAGE
Left Wing Tie Down.................... REMOVE
Pitot Tube.............................REMOVE COVER
Stall Warning Switch...................CHECK FOR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
Main Fuel Tank.........................VISUALLY CHECK QUANTITY
Left Landing Gear......................CHECK TIRE INFLATION
Bottom Left Side of Cowl...............DRAIN GASCOLATOR
Top Cowl, Oil Access Door..............CHECK OIL QUANTITY
Propeller..............................CHECK LEADING EDGE FOR DAMAGE
Air Inlets.............................CHECK FOR FOREIGN OBJECTS & INSPECT VISIBLE CONNECTIONS
Right Landing Gear.....................CHECK TIRE INFLATION & BRAKE LINE SECURITY
Right Wing & Controls................. INSPECT SAME AS LEFT WING
Right Wing Main & Aux Fuel Drain...... DRAIN
Right Fuselage (Side/Top/Bottom)...... CHECK FOR WRINKLES AS INDICATION OF INTERNAL DAMAGE
Right Side Static Port................ CLEAR
Right Stabilizer...................... CHECK ATTACHMENT POINTS & STRUT
Right Elevator........................ CHECK HINGE POINTS
Rudder................................ CHECK HINGES, CONTROL ATTACHMENT & NAV LIGHT
Tailwheel............................. CHECK INFLATION, ATTACHMENTS, REMOVE TIE DOWN
Left Elevator......................... CHECK TAB CONTROLS & ALL HINGE POINTS
Left Stabilizer....................... CHECK ATTACHMENT POINTS & STRUT
Left Fuselage (Side/Top/Bottom)....... CHECK FOR WRINKLES AS INDICATION OF INTERNAL DAMAGE
Left Side Static Port................. CLEAR
OPERATING CHECKLISTS:
BEFORE STARTING: Seat Belts & Shoulder Harnesses....... FASTENED Flaps................................. RETRACTED Circuit Breakers...................... CHECK STARTING: Parking or Toe Brakes................ ON Fuel Selector Valve.................. ON FULLEST TANK OR BOTH IF SAME QUANTITY Throttle............................. OPEN 1/4 INCH Propeller Control.................... FULL INCREASE RPM Mixture Control...................... RICH Anti-Collision Light................. ON BAT and ALT Switch................... ON Primer (O-540)....................... AS REQUIRED Primer (IO-540)...................... AS REQUIRED USING BOOST PUMP Mixture Control (IO-540 only)........ FULL LEAN Starter Switch....................... TWIST FULL RIGHT TO ENGAGE Mixture Control...................... FULL RICH WHEN ENGINE STARTS TO FIRE
NOTES
FOR A HOT START, DO NOT PRIME. A HOT ENGINE MAY FLOOD ON A
START ATTEMPT. TO CLEAR A FLOODED ENGINE, PULL MIXTURE FULL
LEAN AND OPEN THROTTLE, CRANK WITH STARTER. WHEN ENGINE
STARTS, PULL THROTTLE TO IDLE AND EASE MIXTURE TO FULL RICH.
FOR A COLD ENGINE (FIRST START OF THE DAY), PLACE MIXTURE TO
FULL RICH, THROTTLE ¼" OPEN. PRIME WITH BOOST PUMP FOR 3 TO 5
SECONDS. IF ENGINE DOES NOT START, PRIME FOR ANOTHER 3 TO 5
SECONDS. OVER- PRIME CAN BE NOTED BY FUEL COMING FROM DRAIN
IN CENTER OF BOTTOM COWL.
IN EVENT OF ENGINE FIRE, CONTINUE CRANKING. PULL MIXTURE TO
FULL LEAN. IF ENGINE FAILS TO START AFTER SEVERAL REVOLU-
TIONS, AND FIRE CONTINUES, SECURE IGNITION, BAT. AND ALT.
SWITCHES, TURN FUEL VALVE OFF AND EXIT AIRCRAFT.
AFTER STARTING: After Starting...................... CHECK OIL PRESSURE CAUTION: IF OIL PRESSURE DOES NOT EXCEED 25 PSI WITHIN 30 SECONDS, SHUT DOWN ENGINE. Alternator.......................... CHECK CHARGING Radios & Electrical Switches........ AS REQUIRED Parking Brake....................... OFF (PUSH KNOB COMPLETELY AGAINST PANEL) ENGINE CHECK: Parking Brake....................... ON (IF DESIRED) Engine Instruments.................. CHECK IN GREEN ARCS Throttle............................ INCREASE TO 2000 RPM Magnetos............................ SWITCH TO RIGHT, LEFT, BOTH; CHECK RPM DROP CAUTION: A RPM DROP OF MORE THAN 175 RPM OR A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEFT AND RIGHT OF MORE THAN 50 RPM IS UNACCEPTABLE. Propeller Control................... RETARD SLOWLY UNTIL MAX 500 RPM DROP, THEN RETURN TO FULL INCREASE RPM REPEAT AND SET FULL INCREASE RPM Carburetor Heat (O-540)............. PULL HOT; NORMAL DROP 150 ±50 RPM Alternate Air (IO-540).............. UNLOCK AND PULL; NORMAL DROP ~50 RPM Carburetor Heat (O-540)............. PUSH COLD Alternate Air (IO-540).............. PUSH IN AND LOCK Vacuum Gauge........................ CHECK IN GREEN Alternator.......................... CHECK CHARGING (LIGHT OUT ABOVE 900 RPM) Throttle............................ RETARD TO IDLE
BEFORE TAKEOFF: Fuel Selector....................... ON FULLEST TANK OR BOTH Flaps............................... AS DESIRED FOR T.O. (MAX 24°) Trim Controls....................... SET FOR TAKEOFF Flight Controls..................... CHECK FREEDOM AND PROPER TRAVEL Mixture Control..................... FULL RICH Propeller Control................... FULL INCREASE RPM Carburetor Heat (O-540)............. PUSH COLD Alternate Air (IO-540).............. PUSH IN AND LOCK Engine Instruments.................. RECHECK NORMAL RANGE Radios.............................. AS DESIRED Altimeter........................... SET Attitude Indicator.................. CHECK ERECT Directional Indicator............... SET Seat Belts & Shoulder Harnesses..... RECHECK FASTENED Doors............................... CLOSED & LATCHED Passengers.......................... BELTS & HARNESSES SECURED; BRIEFED ON DOORS Parking Brake....................... OFF BEFORE LANDING: Seat Belts & Shoulder Harnesses..... FASTENED Fuel Selector....................... ON FULLEST TANK OR BOTH Mixture Control..................... FULL RICH Propeller Control................... FULL INCREASE RPM Flaps............................... AS REQUIRED Carburetor Heat (O-540)............. PULL HOT (AS REQUIRED) Alternate Air (IO-540).............. PUSH IN AND LOCK ENGINE SHUTDOWN: Parking Brake....................... ON (IF DESIRED) Radios.............................. OFF Electrical Switches................. OFF (AS DESIRED) Flaps............................... AS DESIRED Magneto Grounding Check............. PERFORM BELOW 1000 RPM Mixture Control..................... FULL LEAN Magneto Switch...................... OFF Anti-Collision Light................ OFF BAT & ALT Switch.................... OFF Parking Brake....................... OFF (PUSH KNOB FULLY IN)
NORMAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS:
FLAP SETTINGS:
The following Flap Settings are available:
FLAP CONFIGURATION
Configuration Handle Position Flap Position
------------------------------------------------
Cruise Handle Full Down -7°
Flaps Up First Notch 0°
Takeoff Second Notch 24°
Landing Third Notch 40°
Landing Fourth Notch 48°
RECOMMENDED FLAP SETTINGS:
Flap settings are given in number of notches above the fully retracted position, which
is handle full down (Normal -7°).
NOTE: The airplane meets CAR 3 takeoff climb requirements at 78K (90 mph) IAS with the
flaps selected in any of the following three positions: (a) Fully Retracted, Handle full
down (-7°), (b) First Notch (0°), and (c) Second Notch (24°).
Normal Takeoff - Second Notch (24°)
Normal Climb - First Notch (0°)
Best Angle of Climb - Second Notch (24°)
Cruise - Fully retracted (-7°/no notches or 0°/1st notch)
Landing - Normally Fourth Notch (48°/full flaps) - other positions optional
CLIMBING:
Best Rate of Climb - 78K (90 mph) IAS, flaps @ First Notch (0°)
Best Angle of Climb - 65K (75 mph) IAS with flaps set @ Second Notch (24°)
CAUTION:
FOR TAKEOFF OR LANDING UNDER GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, FLAP SETTING OF 0° (one notch) IS RECOMMENDED. -7° OPTIONAL.
CAUTION:
USE CLIMB AIRSPEED BELOW 78K (90 MPH) ONLY AS NECESSARY AND CHECK CYLINDER HEAD TEMPERATURE FREQUENTLY WHEN DOING SO.
STALLS:
Stalls are preceded by mild buffet that can be felt through the rudder pedals. The red
stall warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate at 4 to 9K (5 to 10 mph) above
the stall speed. Loss of altitude prior to recovery from a stall may be as much as 300
feet.
CAUTION:
THE STALL WARNING LIGHT IS INOPERATIVE WHEN THE BATTERY SWITCH IS OFF
CROSSWIND LANDINGS & TAKEOFFS:
Maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 12K (14 mph) and flap extension
should be limited to 0° (one notch) with such crosswind or higher. 12K (14 mph) is the
maximum demonstrated for certification of the airplane and is not considered limiting
with flaps at 0°.
FUEL SYSTEM MANAGEMENT:
Fuel is fed to the engine from the main (inboard) tanks and is controlled by the
selector valve on the left kick panel. Auxiliary (outboard) tanks feed their respec-
tive main tanks via transfer pumps that are controlled by switches on the instru-
ment panel. These transfer pumps transfer fuel at a rate of 0.4 gallons per
minute or approximately 45 minutes for a full auxiliary tank. Since overfilling a
main tank from an auxiliary tank will force excess fuel overboard, it is recom-
mended that the transfer pumps not be activated until their respective main tanks
are slightly more than one quarter full. If the tank being transferred to is feeding
the engine, however, transfer can be initiated when the main tank is down to
approximately one half. Confirm fuel transfer by illumination of the transfer pump
switch, an increase in the respective main tank fuel gauge indicator, and a de-
crease on the respective auxiliary tank indicator.
DOOR-OFF OPERATION:
(not available in the VSKYLABS Maule project v1.x)
This aircraft may be operated with either one (not both) of the front doors removed, or when
both front doors are installed, with the rear passenger door or rear passenger and baggage
doors off. When doing so, observe the following additional limitations:
Maximum airspeed - 109K (125 mph)
Maximum bank angle - 30°
Maximum yaw angle - 10°
No Smoking permitted
Limit flight to VFR conditions
ANTI-COLLISION LIGHT:
WARNING:
ANTI-COLLISION LIGHT MAY CAUSE ADVERSE EFFECT ON PILOT
WHEN FLYING IN VISIBLE MOISTURE OVERCAST OR HAZE. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE TURNED OFF SHOULD PILOT DIS-
COMFORT BE NOTICED.
SECTION IV - EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY BASIC RULES:
To assist the pilot when an emergency occurs, three basic rules are established which apply to
most emergencies occurring while airborne. Each aircrew member should remember them.
Maintain aircraft control
Analyze the situation and take proper action
Land as soon as conditions permit
ENGINE EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN:
Mixture - Full lean
Fuel Selector - OFF
Ignition Switch - OFF
ENGINE FIRE DURING STARTING:
Mixture - Full lean
Throttle - Open
Continue cranking for several revolutions. Attempt to draw fire inside engine.
Accomplish ENGINE EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN if fire continues.
ENGINE FIRE AFTER STARTING:
Accomplish ENGINE EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN
Master Switch - OFF
EMERGENCY EXIT ON THE GROUND:
Accomplish ENGINE EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN
Master Switch - OFF
Leave aircraft by either door or kick out side window panels or baggage door.
TAKEOFF ABORT: (BEFORE LIFT-OFF)
Throttle - Closed
Brakes - As Required
ENGINE FAILURE AFTER TAKEOFF OR FORCED LANDING:
Glide - Establish 69K (80 mph) IAS with flaps at 0°
Switch Fuel Selector to fullest tank
Electric Fuel Pump - ON
Mixture Rich, Ignition ON
Alternate Air Control - Pull ON
If engine does not restart, accomplish EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN
Wing Flaps - As Required
Master Switch - OFF
PARTIAL POWER FAILURE DURING FLIGHT OR AFTER TAKEOFF:
Mixture - RICH
Alternate Air Control - Pull ON
Airspeed - Glide at 69K (80 mph) IAS if unable to maintain level flight
Fuel Selector - BOTH
Electric Fuel Pump - ON
Ignition Switch - BOTH
Master Switch - ON
COMPLETE POWER FAILURE DURING FLIGHT:
Glide - Establish 69K (80 mph) (IAS)
Attempt engine airstart if warranted
ENGINE AIRSTART:
Fuel Selector - BOTH
Electric Fuel Pump - ON
Mixture - RICH
Ignition Switch - BOTH (start if propeller is not turning)
If engine does not start, try flooded engine clearing procedure with throttle wide
open and mixture FULL LEAN.
If no start, make forced landing
NOTE: PROPELLER WILL NOT WINDMILL BELOW 61K (70 MPH).
NOTE: AT ALTITUDES OVER 8000 FEET, A LEANER MIXTURE MAY BE REQUIRED.
ELECTRICAL FIRE:
Master Switch - OFF
ENGINE FIRE DURING FLIGHT:
Accomplish ENGINE EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN
Make forced landing
SMOKE AND FUME ELIMINATION:
Cabin Heat Knob - IN
Cabin Air Knob - IN
Upper Air Vents - OPEN
Pilot's Window - OPEN (below 104K (120 mph)
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE:
On Takeoff - Abort
In flight, maintain controllable airspeed
Climb to safe stall recovery altitude
Notify the appropriate controlling agency, if appropriate.
Determine control difficulty airspeed by slowing down while flying straight ahead. Do
not allow the aircraft to stall.
Make full stop landing using 4 to 9K (5-10 mph) above difficulty airspeed or above
normal approach speed, whichever is higher.
RECOVERY FROM INADVERTENT SPINS:
Intentional spins are prohibited. If the aircraft inadvertently enters a spin, simultaneously
apply full rudder opposite to the direction of rotation and full nose down elevator with aile-
rons neutral and reduce power to idle. When the rotation stops, neutralize the rudder and
elevator, and ease back on the control wheel as required to smoothly regain level flight.
Wing flaps should be retracted to avoid exceeding the maximum flap speeds during recovery.
ALTERNATOR FAILURE:
Alternator output should be monitored by reference to the ammeter located on the right side
of the engine instrument cluster. Should the ammeter indicate a minus deflection when en-
gine RPM is above 900 and/or red "ALTERNATOR OFF WARNING" light is illuminated,
push ALT switch OFF then ON. Repeat two times as necessary to reset. If system will not
reset, reduce the electrical load as much as possible, land as soon as practical and investi-
gate the electrical system malfunction before further flight.
