Type 93 Intermediate Training Airplane Pilot's Operation Handbook (POH)

This handbook illustrates the specifications, performance, and basic instructions on Type 93 Intermediate Training Airplane (a.k.a. Aka Tombo, which means red dragonfly). This handbook is based on Japanese Navy's official training manual published in 1944. However, the actual specifications, performances, and instructions in the world of FlightGear may differ from ones written here. Plus, the author of this POH is neither a pilot or a designer of the aircraft. Thus, you must not apply what are written here to the real Aka Tombo (I don't think you can have a chance to fly her, though).

Anyway, I hope this POH helps your smooth and comfortable flight.

Performance and Specifications

Specifications

General specs

Engine

Propeller

Wing

Fuel tanks

Performances

Climb time

Airspeed Limitations

T.B.D.

Instruments

Flight Instructions

This chapter illustrates how to fly Aka Tombo in FlightGear world, and thus is differ from the real airplane.

Preflight Inspection

T.B.D. (usually can be omit in FlightGear world)

Starting Engine

Turn magnetos to "both position" (by pressing } key twice).

Takeoff

1. Trim the elevator to +2-deg (approx 10% up)
2. Push the stick to front side a bit
   • Applying negative elevator (pushing the stick forward) help aircraft "get up" and thus reduces air resistance. This helps aircraft accelerate quicker so you can reduce the time and distance of takeoff.
   • Applying positive elevator (pulling the stick backward), in contrast, increases air resistance, and the takeoff speed tends to be lower, which leads to stall right after the takeoff. Therefore it is very dangerous to apply positive elevator for tail dragger.
   • Applying ailerons to the right helps you counteract the counter propeller/engine torque.
3. Gently apply full throttle
4. Apply left rudder to some extent for counteracting the right-turning force while the tail gear is on the ground
   • This right-turning force is generated by spiral prop-wash
   • When the cross wind comes from the right hand side, this right-turning effect may not appear clearly.
   • If you start Aka tombo from KSFO 28R with default wind configuration, you don't need to apply left rudder since the cross wind blows from your right hand side.
5. Apply left rudder to some extent for counteracting the left-turning force after the tail gear goes up.
   • The left-turning force is bigger than right-turning force described above, thus you need to apply approx. 50-60 % of left rudder.
   • It is very important to proactively counteract left/right-turning force. Keep an eye on turn-indicator, AI (or the horizon line), and the center line of the runway,
6. Keep adjusting brakes, rudder, and ailerons to keep aircraft go straight forward.
7. Gently pull the stick (40-60%) back to start flying when the speed exceeds the takeoff speed (50.8 kts)
8. Bring rudder / stick positions to neutral positions after the main gear leaving the runway.
   • You still need to apply right aileron a bit for counteracting the counter engine/propeller torque.
9. When air speed reaches 65 kts, gently close the throttle to hold the airspeed around 65 kts and start climbing

Climb

The best climb speed is 65 during 0-3000m, so keep the best climb speed and angle as much as you can. To keep the best climb rate, you need to keep the followings:

Airspeed

65 kts (approx. 1650 rpm, throttle 60%)

Pitch

+8 to +10 deg

The pitch indicator at the far right on the cockpit panel shows you the current pitch, so keep an eye on that.

Cruise

Airspeed

75 kts (approx. 1500 rpm, throttle 35%)

Pitch

0 to +3 deg

Descent

Airspeed

75 kts (approx. 1200 rpm, throttle 15%)

Pitch

-5 to -6 deg

Approach

On final turn, keep airspeed and pitch shown below.

Airspeed

57 kts (approx. 800-1000 rpm, throttle 0.5 to 5%)

Pitch

+2 to +5 deg

Note

Do not slow down below 52 kts, otherwise you will stall.

Landing

1. Hold airspeed and pitch written in Approach section until the altitude goes below 7 meters (23 ft)
2. Close throttle to idle. Concentrate on keeping aircraft position to the center line of the runway.
3. Gently push back the stick to bring the nose up, preparing for 3-point landing
4. Apply full elevator(up) when the tail gear lands
5. Apply rudder, brakes to keep taxing on the center line of the runway
   • You also need to actuate ailerons for counteract the rolling force generated by rudder

Carrier Landing

Though Aka Tombo doesn't have a hook, you can land her on a aircraft carrier. Follow almost standard carrier landing approach, and then land at about 50 kts. When touch down, apply gentle brake and make her stop.