Aeropro CZ - A220 taildragger - Pilot Operating Handbook and Flight Training Supplement
March 21, 2020
Slipping
The A220 remains stable when slipping and a slip is easy to perform. This maneuver is used to
increase aerodynamic drag to enable a high rate of descent, and normally with the power reduced to
idle.
Before establishing a slip you have to ensure that the airspeed is within the required limits; the
maximum permissible indicated airspeed of 110 mph (96 kts) (VA) should not be exceeded and if
performing a slip with flaps extended, a maximum indicated airspeed of 94 mph (82 kts) should not be
exceeded. You will achieve the maximum descent rate at an indicated airspeed of 65 mph (56 kts) with
flaps fully extended. Ensure that a minimum safe airspeed of at least 60 mph (52 kts) is maintained
during the slip.
Conducting a slip will not require additional skills; nevertheless, if not yet familiar with the aircraft, we
recommend first carrying out this exercise only when accompanied by an experienced flight instructor.
Gliding
The aircraft can glide well with the engine set to idle or switched off. Best glide ratios are achieved
within an indicated airspeed of 70 mph (61 kts). These speeds will establish a glide ratio of
approximately 10:1 with the flaps retracted (0
°
position).
Descent
When descending from level flight it is important to watch engine temperatures. During descent, the
temperatures will decrease and it is recommended not to allow temperatures to go below the lower
limits.
Approach
Approach under normal conditions
Always land on the most suitable runway after considering the wind direction, size of the runway,
obstacles on the approach, etc. Avoid airspeeds above 75 mph (65 kts) or below 65 mph (57 kts), as
appropriate for aircraft load and conditions. Due to the good gliding performance of the A220, higher
airspeeds would not be helpful during the flare and would extend landing distance.
Approach under tailwind conditions
When making a final approach with a slight tailwind, the A220 does not require any different approach
or flare procedures to that when flown in calm or headwind conditions, you do however have to keep in
mind, that the landing distances will increase and the float/hold-off stage may end abruptly. It must be
noted that landing a taildragger with a tailwind does add some substantial controllability issues and
greatly increases the risk of ground-looping.
Approach in crosswind conditions
Crosswinds will not have a big effect to the flight characteristics of the A220 as long as the wind
speeds stay within the maximum permissible speed up to 17 mph (15 kts). Conducting a crosswind
landing will require a little more skill than an into wind landing, and so if not yet familiar with the aircraft,
we recommend to initially exercise crosswind landings only when accompanied by an experienced
flight instructor until sufficient experience and confidence has been gained.
Approach in turbulent weather conditions
If turbulence is indicated or wind shifts are expected, we recommend establishing an airspeed of 70
mph (61 kts) while on the approach. This will give you reserve airspeed to balance any unexpected
deviations in altitude and heading. In more gusty conditions it may beneficial to stabilize the glide
approach by keeping the flaps retracted. Increasing airspeed above 70 mph (61 kts) will not be helpful
to stabilize the aircraft, so this should be avoided.
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