INTRODUCTION TO THE A22
The A-22 is a non-aerobatic two seat aircraft designed for recreational flying and primary training in daytime VMC from grass or hard runways at least 250 metres in length. It is a metal airframed high-wing strut-braced monoplane with side by side seating and extensive cockpit glazing. The fixed landing gear has hydraulic brakes and a steerable nosewheel linked to the rudder pedals. The standard power unit is a Rotax 912ULS driving a fixed pitch tractor propeller (GT Tonini or NewtonProp).
Two wing-tanks give a quoted fuel capacity of 70 litres (+ 8 x 2 reserve).
Airworthiness standards
BCAR”S”, BFU-95, (JAR-VLA pending).
Controls
Central stick – elevator and flaperons
Dual rudder pedals
Central overhead flap lever (10˚)
Dual side throttles
Electric pitch trim via thumb buttons on stickgrip
Central brake lever – hydraulic discs on mainwheels
Basic dimensions
Wing span – 9.36 m
Length – 6.13 m
Height – 2.4 m
Wing chord – 1.4 m
Wing area – 12.6 m sq
Wing loading at max t/o – 32.8 kg/m²
Track – 1.8 m
CG datum, range and moment arms
Datum is front face of propeller mounting-flange.
Range is 1.50 metres to 1.70 metres aft of datum (AOD)
Nosewheel 0.48 AOD, Mainwheels 1.80 AOD, Crew 1.60 AOD,
Fuel 1.98 AOD, Luggage 2.20 AOD. Weigh with door scuttle level.
Max take-off weight 450kg. (Group A; 475) Min crew weight 55kg.
Fuel grade required
Normally use UK premium unleaded (or equivalent)
Avgas is acceptable providing mineral engine oil is used
See your Rotax Operator’s Manual for overseas fuel grades
PERFORMANCE
These figures have been proven by G-FBAT at 450kg in ISA conditions. The take-off measurements were taken in nil wind and the standard-fitment GT Torini propeller was used throughout. In the climb at 65mph/57kts and full power the FlyDat tacho showed 5600 rpm. Level at 100mph/87kts it showed 5350 rpm. The latter rpm (5350) is specified as the maximum continuous rpm for the A22 installation. Maximum rpm is 5600 for a period no longer than 2 minutes after which it must be reduced to 5350 or fewer for at least 3 minutes.
Take-off
Normal T/O. – 200 metres on tarmac to achieve a height of 15 metres.
Flaps up and holding nosewheel just “off” during the t/o run.
Short Field T/O - 150 metres on tarmac to achieve a height of 15metres.
First stage flap and holding nosewheel slightly higher during the t/o run.
Landing distance from 15m is 150 meters
Climb
1200fpm+. Best rate 65mph clean, best angle 60mph with first stage flap.
Cruise Speeds and Fuel Consumption
100mph/85kts at 17 litres per hour.
80mph/70kts at 12 litres per hour.
70mph/61kts at 10 litres per hour.
60mph/52kts at 8 litres per hour.
Glide Descent
500’ per minute at 60mph/52kts and “clean” (flaps up).
850’ per minute at 55mph/48kts and “full flap” (20˚).
Special Advice to Microlight Pilots Converting to the A22
In comparison to most microlights the A22 is a very high performance aeroplane. Please take the necessary conversion time with a qualified flying instructor. You must be very precise with your threshold speed and height when landing at the short strips that you’ve been used to!
Special Advice to Light Aircraft Pilots Converting to the A22
In comparison to most light aircraft the A22 has outstanding all-round and downward visibility coupled with excellent short field capability. Please take the necessary conversion time with a qualified flying instructor. The downward visibility can lead to groundspeed/airspeed confusions at low level. Maintain the correct attitude at all times! The short field capability will encourage you to visit microlight airfields that might be more “relaxed” than the GA aerodromes you’ve been used to. These airfields are likely to have much tighter circuits so keep a very sharp lookout and always be prepared to “go around”. Be very precise with your threshold speed and height when landing on short runways!
FLIGHT LIMITATIONS
Airspeeds in miles per hour and knots
Vne – (Never exceed speed) – 122mph/106 kts.
Do not exceed this speed in any operation.
Va – (Manoeuvring speed) – 85 mph/74 kts.
Do not make full or abrupt control movements above this speed.
Vf – (Flaps extended speed) – 68 mph/59 kts.
Do not exceed this speed with the flaps extended
Weights
Empty weight 250 kg.
Maximum t/o weight – 450 kg. microlight 475 kg light aircraft
Maximum cockpit load – 182 kg /207kg (including max 25 kg in luggage pack).
Minimum cockpit load – 55 kg.
Both fuel tanks may be full providing max t/o weight is not exceeded.
Bank angle
Maximum 60˚ left or 60˚ right.
Nose up/down
Maximum 30˚up or 30˚ down.
Crosswind Take-off/Landing
The A22 has been shown to be capable of safe take-offs and landings in crosswinds of 17mph/15kts. Do not exceed your own personal safe limit.
Other flight limitations
Aerobatics including spinning attempts and accelerated stalls are prohibited. Keep the doors closed in flight. No loose luggage. No smoking.
Engine limitations issued by Rotax
Maximum rpm – 5800 (for no more than five minutes duration).
Maximum continuous rpm – 5500.
Maximum
exhaust gas temperature – 880˚C (normally 760 – 800˚C).
Maximum cylinder head temperature – 130˚ C (normally 95 – 100˚C).
Minimum oil temperature for take off – 50˚ C.
Maximum oil temperature – 130˚.
Minimum oil pressure – 0. 8 bar (below 3500 rpm).
Maximum oil pressure – 7 bar.
