New Phoenix Owner - Any Advice?

[Brian Hoose]

Greetings, I'm excited to be a new Phoenix owner (#36) and found this group in TMGA to have good discussions and info. I'm curious if anyone has tips / recommendations / lessons learned that they wish they knew about as a new owner? I'd like to learn from some of the more experienced Phoenix pilots.

Also, a few specific questions for anyone smart on the topics:
- After start, do you run the Rotax at 2000-2200 RPM for 2' (Rotax manual) before increasing to 2500 RPM (Phoenix manual) for warm-up? 
- Do you perform the run-up and ignition check at 3000 RPM (Phoenix manual) or 4000 RPM (Rotax manual)?
- Any best practices for use of the cowl flap (after start of cold engine or descents)?
- Does anyone use Flaps +5 for anything?
- Where is the best placement for yaw string(s)? Is it only good down the centerline, or would 2 be useful for each pilot seat?
- Recommendations for routine cleaning products on the gelcoat, or heavier annual type care?
- Are most pilots servicing the BRS (repack the chute and replace the rocket) when they expire? Or, since I understand it is not a required item, you may choose not to maintain or use the system.

Thanks you!

[Alex Ress]

Brian, Welcome!  I love my Phoenix and am excited for your discovery in your new aircraft.  Below are some of my thoughts on your great questions.  My biggest recommendation is to contact Jim Lee and spend a few days with him in Minden, NV, if he is willing, to get some training on flying and maintaining the U15.  Also, read everything he has posted on this forum.  Lastly, people don't like to talk about incidents where their planes get road rash or worse but it has happened to me and many others.  Fly frequently but don't challenge yourself with near limitation cross winds for awhile.

- After start, do you run the Rotax at 2000-2200 RPM for 2' (Rotax manual) before increasing to 2500 RPM (Phoenix manual) for warm-up? 
- Do you perform the run-up and ignition check at 3000 RPM (Phoenix manual) or 4000 RPM (Rotax manual)?

SInce your ROTAX is out of warranty, I would go with Phoenix AOI when there is a disagreement.  Not an exciting answer but it probably doesn't really matter which of those numbers you go with though I am leery of higher RPMs while holding the brakes.

- Any best practices for use of the cowl flap (after start of cold engine or descents)?

 I adjust the cowl flap to keep the oil temps around 190 F so the moisture that collects in the oil will boil off.  Colder is not better.

- Does anyone use Flaps +5 for anything?

I'll just refer you to Jim Lee's landing discussion on this forum which should be reviewed annually.

- Where is the best placement for yaw string(s)? Is it only good down the centerline, or would 2 be useful for each pilot seat?

I don't use a yaw string but have never heard of placing one anywhere but on the centerline.  They're cheap so put a few on and take off what you don't like.  Or, if you don't put on one at all, you might find you don't need one.

- Recommendations for routine cleaning products on the gelcoat, or heavier annual type care?

Keep that gelcoat clean and waxed.  Mine has always been hangared and simply waxed but I still get the hairline flaws in the gel coat.

- Are most pilots servicing the BRS (repack the chute and replace the rocket) when they expire? Or, since I understand it is not a required item, you may choose not to maintain or use the system.

While this forum is good for communication it is not a good way to have a conversation.  My recommendation is to contact someone directly. I'm sure there are different ideas on this.

I look forward to other's thoughts.  Enjoy!

[Barry.h]

Welcome and congratulations Brian.

I concer to read everything from Jim Lee, especially the landing stuff.

I also suggest to be diligent on the gelcoat maintainance and waxing. My Phoenix (#21, 2013) is having a full recoat at the moment and it is VERY expensive if your gelcoat fails.

My only other advise is valid for any owner of a T-tail glider: Watch this video - 

 

 

[Barry.h]

And on the subject of run ups.. Don’t go over 4,000RPM. One Phoenix was tipped on the nose doing a higher rpm run up. Make sure you keep the stick full back and be ready to release the brakes if it moves. I only use 3,000.

[Brian Hoose]

Alex & Barry, thanks for your thoughts! There is definitely plenty to be learned from the experts and other Phoenix pilots. I talked with Jim Lee briefly this summer and I agree - he's a great resource for all things about the Phoenix. We tried to connect for some training, but schedules didn't work out at this point.

I certainly welcome any additional tips or suggestions regarding the airplane or Rotax operation/maintenance.