Aeronca - 11AC Chief User manual

Pilot's Operating Handbook

Aeronca - 11AC Chief

This manual has been prepared to inform the pilot of systems and features

incorporated in the Aeronca Model 11AC aircraft. The enclosed operating

procedures and performance data are provided so that maximum utilization can

be obtained with the utmost safety, economy and serviceability.

This manual does NOT replace the FAA approved placards and operating limits

in a specific aircraft. If a difference exists between this manual and the FAA

approved placards / operating limitations, the FAA approved placards and

operating limitations shall be the authority.

Engine:

Continental A-65-8

Type Certification No. E-205

Cylinder Bore 3.875

Stroke 3.625

Displacement 171 ci

Rated HP (sea level) 65 hp

Maximum RPM 2300

Recommended Cruise RPM 2150

Minimum Octane 73

Oil pressure - cruise 30/40

- Minimum 10

Oil Capacity 4.5 qt

Max Oil Temp

(at 100 F outside temp) 220

This manual is provided to the Aeronca "Chief" Owner for Flight and Operating

procedures. It includes a copy of the aircraft Type Certificate as well as

specifications and performance data.

The Aeronca Chief is designed and assembled so that proper care and

maintenance will assure long life to the aircraft.

ATTENTION

When taxiing downwind with the Model 11AC, it is advisable in strong and gusty

winds to taxi slowly with the stick well forward. Use particular care when turning

from a downwind to a cross wind position. When a quartering tail wind is

experienced, keep the aileron nearest the direction from which the wind is

blowing in a DOWN position. With a quartering tail wind, always keep the stick

directly away from the wind direction.

Always face directly into the wind when "running up" the engine. Facing the wind

tends to eliminate torque-quartering effects and aids engine cooling at high RPM.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The "Chief" is a two place, side by side, high wing monoplane. Basic fuselage

construction is welded tubing with fabric covering. The wings are composed of

two wooden spars with aluminum ribs and fabric covering. The wing leading

edges are covered with aluminum sheet to provide a more efficient airfoil. Power

is provided by a 65 hp engine and fixed pitch propeller. Engine vibrations are

dampened by rubber mount bushings.

Good vision is attained through the use of a one piece windshield plus large

door and rear quarter windows. Basically the Chief is a conventional three control

aircraft. The wheel type dual control system provides smooth and non-fatiguing

control. Heal brake pedals are provided on the pilot's side, and rudder pedals

without brakes on the copilot's side. A trim tab on the left elevator compensates

for load differences and provides for hands-off flight. The trim tab control is

located above and between the two occupants. Engine controls are readily

accessible from either seat. Concealment of cabin control cables provide greater

cabin comfort. A large baggage compartment is located behind the seat to

accommodate luggage and other items.

The famous Aeronca Oleo Landing gear is incorporated in the Chief. This time-

tested method of landing gear construction ensures sturdy yet smooth handling

on rough fields. Much of the shock is absorbed in the oleo, thereby lessening

fatigue in the rest of the airframe and wing structure. Ease in ground handling is

assured with steer-able leaf spring tail wheel and positive-acting mechanical

brakes. Tie-down rings are incorporated at the strut wing attachment point for

security in the event storage space is not available.

CABIN

Plexiglas windows are used throughout, assuring a minimum of discoloration due

to exposure. When cleaning, all grit and foreign particles should be flushed off

with clean water. Final cleaning should be done with a soft cloth and any

recommended type of Plexiglas cleaner. Never use dirty, oily rags to clean

Plexiglas. Rapid changes in temperature should be avoided, such as moving

from a warm hangar to extreme cold, which will cause rapid contraction and

breakage. Allowing fifteen minutes after Plexiglas has cooled is recommended

before starting engine. Vibration increases possibility of breakage during cooling.

The instrument panel is hydro-formed all metal with a rich grained finish

harmonizing with the interior color scheme of the cabin. Instruments and controls

are functionally grouped. The primary group center panel is sloped to provide

better visibility of instruments. Decorative center trim may be removed to provide

room for additional instruments without defacing the panel. Two ash trays, key

type switch, new type compass, and two glove compartments are standard

equipment in addition to oil temperature, oil pressure, tachometer, altimeter and

airspeed instruments. The carburetor heat control, switch, cabin heater control,

throttle, mixture control, push/pull main fuel shut-off are mounted in a lower sub-

instrument panel located between the control columns and readily accessible to

both occupants.

The auxiliary fuel tank is located behind the luggage compartment and the fuel

valve is on the left side of the cabin directly below the instrument panel.

CAUTION -- Very Important The auxiliary fuel valve should be in the "OFF"

position when the aircraft is on the ground [or at nose-high attitude]. Failure to

close this valve will allow fuel to drain back to the auxiliary tank from the main

tank when in a three point position. Fuel should be transfered from the

auxiliary to the main tank during level or gliding flight only, and when the

main tank is less than one-half full. Always turn auxiliary valve to "OFF"

position before landing.

CAUTION: Checking for water in the sediment bowl should be done daily.

Operating in cold weather and storing in a warm hangar with an unfilled fuel tank

or operating in a climate where high humidity is prevalent are most probably

causes for condensation and the presence of water in the system.

For cold weather starting, three slow movements of the primer pump as the

propeller is turning over will force fuel directly into the induction system assuring

quick, positive starting.

CAUTION: Be sure fuel vent lines to the tanks are not plugged. There is a vent

for each tank in the wing outboard of the tank.

Airplane Specifications

Airframe

Length 20' 5"

Height 6' 7"

Height Level 8' 8"

Wing Span 36'

Aspect Ratio 7.25

Wing Chord 60"

Stabilizer Span 10' 2"

Wheel Tread 72"

Wheel Base 15' 10"

Stabilizer Incidence -3.5 degrees

Wing Dihedral +2 degrees

Wing Incidence +1 degree

Fin Offset 3/8" Left of Centerline

Cabin Width 36"

Cabin Height (floor to ceiling) 45"

Cabin Height (seat to ceiling) 35"

Weights

(CHECK current weight and balances)

Empty Weight 790

Gross Weight 1250

Useful Load 460

Wing Loading 7.15

Power Loading 19.2

Baggage 70

Performance

Cruising Speed 90 MPH

Maximum Speed 129 MPH

Landing Speed 40 MPH

Rate of Climb 500 fpm

Fuel Capacity 15 Main - 8 Aux

Fuel Consumption 4.4 Gal/Hr @ 2150

Cruise Range 270/420 miles

Oil 4 Quarts (U.S.) Minimum

Oil Consumption .75 Pint per Hr.

Oil Pressure 10 lbs. Idle (Min)

30-40 Cruise (Green)

Oil Temperature 90 Min for Take-Off

220 Max (Red Line)

Propeller Limits

Tachometer Max 2300 RPM

Cruise 2150 RPM

Preflight Inspection

1. Cabin

oCabin Door - CHECK condition, security

oDoor Latch, Open with slight inward pressure on door and move

latch to down position, Close with slight pressure on door and move

latch into locked-horizontal position

oFlight Controls - CHECK freedom of movement

oTrim tab - check for slight nose up position

oMagneto - OFF

oFuel quantity Gauges - CHECK quantity

oMake a note of tach time and fuel quantity to determine endurance

range

oMain Fuel Shut-off Valve - OPEN

oAux Fuel Shut-off Valve – CLOSED

oPrimer Closed and Locked

oSeat Belts - CHECK condition, secure belt and harness if not in use

oEmergency Locator Transmitter - ARMED

2. Right Wing

oWing leading edge and tip free of damage

oAileron - CHECK condition, freedom of movement, security, hinges

secure

oWing Tip - CHECK condition

oInspect the front and rear lift struts for straightness, dents and other

damage.

oCHECK strut drain holes to ensure that they are not plugged and

the struts do not contain water.

oIf either of the above conditions is found, contact an authorized

aircraft mechanic to determine aircraft airworthiness.

oTie-down - REMOVE

3. Right Main Gear

oChocks - REMOVE

oTires - CHECK condition, inflation

oBrakes - CHECK condition, clips install, hub clean, cable tight

oOleo undamaged, no leak, exposed strut similar on both gear

oGear attach bolts secure no looseness

4. Fuselage (Right Side)

oAux Fuel - CHECK quantity, color, cap secure, vents free (cap and

belly vent)

oFabric - CHECK condition

oWindows - CHECK condition, cleanliness

5. Empennage

oHorizontal Stabilizer and Brace Wires - CHECK condition, security

oVertical Stabilizer - CHECK condition

oElevator, and Rudder - CHECK condition, freedom of movement,

security, hinges lubricated and free safe

oElevator Trim tab – check cable and pulley condition

oRudder Trim tab – check for proper bend angle

oTail Wheel - CHECK condition, inflation, security, lubrication, pivot

bolt vertical alignment, main spring bolts and clamp secure, return

springs secure

6. Fuselage (Left Side)

oFabric - CHECK condition

oWindows - CHECK condition, cleanliness

oAux Fuel Drain – Check for leaks and test for water

7. Left Wing

oWing leading edge and tip free of damage

oAileron - CHECK condition, freedom of movement, security, hinges

secure

oWing Tip - CHECK condition

oInspect the front and rear lift struts for straightness, dents and other

damage.

oCHECK strut drain holes to ensure that they are not plugged and

the struts do not contain water.

oIf either of the above conditions is found, contact an authorized

aircraft mechanic to determine aircraft airworthiness.

oTie-down - REMOVE

8. Left Main Gear

oChocks - REMOVE

oTires - CHECK condition, inflation

oBrakes - CHECK condition, clips install, hub clean, cable tight

oOleo undamaged, no leak, exposed strut length similar on both

gear

oGear attach bolts secure no looseness

9. Nose Section

oWindshield - CHECK condition, cleanliness

oOil - CHECK quantity level 3-1/2 Qts. Minimum, dip stick secure

oFuel - DRAIN gascolator, CHECK for leakage

oEngine Compartment - CHECK condition, leakage, etc.

oFuel quantity visual check, cap secure, vent clear

oMuffler pipes secure and tight

oMcDowell Starter cable tight

oCowling and Access Panel - CHECK condition, security

oPropeller and Spinner - CHECK condition, security

oAir Filter - CHECK condition.

ENGINE PRE START

1. Mags Off

2. Fuel Shut-Off Valve - OPEN

3. Prime (2 shots) or Not as required, then lock primer

4. Brakes check

5. Carb heat OFF

6. Throttle Cracked

7. Set Brakes or Tie down tail

8. Pull Prop through eight blades

9. Set prop to just prior to impulse firing

BEFORE STARTING (also see notes and warnings below)

1. Adjust seat

2. Brakes applied

3. Throttle Cracked ¼ or less

4. Carburetor Heat COLD (IN)

5. Visually Clear area, shout clear to warn others

6. Mags switch on both

7. Pull prop through with McDowell Starter

8. Check Oil pressure 20 lbs with 20 sec or shut down with mags off

9. Seat Belts/Shoulder Harness - FASTENED

10.Altimeter set to field elevation

11.Compass indication correct

12.Fuel gauge indication correct.

13.Controls free

14. Brakes - SET

15. Cabin Door – CLOSED Pull door closed slowly and position door handle

to horizontal with door pulled tight shut, check latch secure with some

pressure to try to push door open (windows open as desired)

WARNING

Do not attempt to turn over and/or start the engine by hand unless you have had

proper instruction and experience. If pulling the propeller through by hand is

necessary, be sure the master and magnetos are in the OFF position and the

throttle closed. Have a pilot at the controls and chock/tie down the aircraft. When

pulling the propeller through by hand, treat it as if the ignition switch is turned on.

A loose or broken ground wire on either magneto could cause the engine to fire.

CAUTION

Do not over-prime or excessively pump the throttle (carburetor accelerator pump)

due to the resulting fire hazard.

The use of the fuel primer will vary with each engine and temperature condition.

If the engine is warm, little or no prime is required. During cold weather

conditions, 4 to 6 priming strokes may be required.

During cold weather operation (below 20 degrees F) it is recommended that the

engine be preheated by directing warm air through the opening in the bottom or

front of the engine cowl. This practice will prolong the service life of the engine

and starter.

In very cold weather, it is important to use the proper viscosity engine oil and to

run the engine sufficiently long to bring the engine oil to the normal operating

temperature.

During ground operation, the mixture should be FULL RICH and the

carburetor/alternate air COLD to ensure good engine cooling and filtered air.

Prolonged idle below 1000 RPM is not recommended due to plug fouling and

insufficient cooling air when the aircraft is not in motion.

BEFORE TAXI

1. Controls free

2. Clear area

3. Oil temp increasing

4. Oil pressure 30 psi minimum

5. Seat Adjusted and Belts secure

6. Test Brakes after shot roll under low power

7. Check wind and use proper control positions for safe taxi

RUNUP

1. Head into wind

2. Oil pressure 30 psi minimum

3. Oil temp 100 deg minimum

4. Brakes secure

5. Control stick full aft

6. Throttle 1700 RPM

7. Left mag (100 RPM drop max)

8. Right mag (100 RPM drop max)

9. Mags switch BOTH

10.Carb heat (75 RPM minimum drop)

11.Static RPM 2150 minimum

12.Idle RPM 800 maximum

13.Controls free

Take-Off - Normal

1. Controls - CHECK Free and Correct

2. Instruments - CHECK

3. Trim - SET for take-off

4. Main Fuel Valve - OPEN (IN)

5. Aux Fuel Valve - CLOSED

6. Altimeter - CHECK

7. Windows and Doors - CLOSED AND LATCHED

8. Seat Belts/Harness - FASTENED

9. CLEAR RUNWAY and TRAFFIC PATTERN

10. Take Off

11. Establish Climb Speed

Best Angle 50 MPH

Best Rate 0-5000 ft 68 MPH

Best Rate 5-10000 ft 58 MPH

Max Range MGP 60 MPH

Cruise (Gross Weight, Sea Level)

oThrottle - Set as Desired

oTrim - Set for level flight

oGet on Step for best cruise

oAirspeeds

Level flight or climb 95 MPH

Glide or dive 128 MPH

Maneuver 80 MPH

Stall 40 MPH

Glide 67 MPH

Most Miles Per Gal. 69 MPH

Most Flight Time per Gal. 48 MPH

Landing 44 MPH

Aircraft landing characteristics are conventional. Either wheel landings or full

stalls (3 point) are permissible. During gusty wind conditions, increase airspeed

approximately 5 MPH above normal, and perform a wheel landing.

Full stall (3 point) landings are recommended for soft or rough fields.

Crosswind approaches can best be accomplished by using the wing down, top

rudder method followed by either a full stall or wheel landing technique. Keep the

lower wing into the wind after touchdown. Do not drop the tail until airspeed is

well below flying speed.

CAUTION

The use of wheel brakes is not recommended until after the tail wheel is in

contact with the ground. For maximum braking, the control stick should be FULL

AFT.

Descent should be made with enough power to maintain cylinder and oil

temperatures in the green arc. If possible, avoid windmilling the engine with the

propeller by reducing airspeed or increasing power.

Landing oBrakes - CHECK firm, parking brake OFF

oApproach Speed - 60 - 70 MPH

oLanding 50, touch down at 40

Shutdown

oBrakes (Cool) SET

oEngine - AT IDLE RPM

oMagneto Switches OFF

oFuel Valve Off

oCarb Heat (cold)

oIntercom and Headsets Off

oThrottle Closed

oDoors and Windows Closed

oCheck for Oil leaks or and damage

oTie Down or Hangar

EMERGENCY

1. Maintain level flight

2. Select landing site into wind

3. Turn on ELT

4. Check Seat Belts

5. Best glide 55 MPH

6. Fuel selector ON

7. Carb heat ON

Table of contents

Popular Aircraft manuals by other brands

Cessna

Cessna U206G STATIONAIR Pilot operating handbook

Cirrus

Cirrus SR22 Maintenance manual

Schleicher

Schleicher ASK 21 Assembly & Disassembly

Aircraft

Aircraft REIMS F152 Flight manual

Skywalk

Skywalk Tequila 2 Manual/service

MAULE

MAULE M-7-235B Airplane Flight Manual

Ozone

Ozone Indy Pilot's manual

Tecnam

Tecnam P92 Echo Super Maintenance manual

Wills Wing

Wills Wing HP II Owner's and service manual

Ozone

Ozone Roadster Pilot's manual

Cirrus

Cirrus SR20 Maintenance manual

Niviuk

Niviuk KOYOT 3 user manual

Pipistrel

Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer Operator's manual

REVELL

REVELL SnapTite BLUE ANGELS F-18 HORNET manual

Cessna

Cessna 172 Series 1973 owner's manual

Sky

Sky EOLE user manual

Sabfoil

Sabfoil Surf Foil manual

Cessna

Cessna 182S Skylane Information manual