PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK NORMAL PROCEDURES
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk · Pilot's Operating Handbook
Overview
This document serves as the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, detailing normal procedures for operation. It is intended for pilots operating this specific aircraft model, providing essential information on engine management, approach and landing techniques, and engine shutdown procedures. The handbook emphasizes safety and operational efficiency, ensuring that pilots are well-informed about the aircraft's systems and best practices during flight.
- Set mixture control to FULL RICH for all operations.
- Turn on the electric fuel pump before switching fuel tanks.
- Adjust flap usage and landing speed based on conditions.
- Raise flaps and turn off the electric fuel pump before engine shutdown.
- Secure controls with safety belt when parking.
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Mixture Control
The mixture control should be set to FULL RICH for all operations unless otherwise specified. This ensures optimal engine performance and prevents issues related to fuel starvation.
Fuel Management
Pilots are advised to turn on the electric fuel pump before switching fuel tanks and to keep it on for a short period after switching. If fuel starvation is suspected, the fuel selector should be switched to the other tank immediately.
Approach and Landing
During approach and landing, pilots should ensure that seat backs are erect and seat belts are fastened. The amount of flap used and the landing speed should be adjusted based on runway conditions and aircraft loading.
Stopping the Engine
To stop the engine, the pilot should raise the flaps, turn off the electric fuel pump, and pull the mixture control to idle cut-off. The throttle should be left full aft to prevent engine vibration during shutdown.
Parking Procedures
When parking, the aircraft should be moved with a nose wheel tow bar if necessary. The aileron and stabilator controls should be secured using the safety belt.
Safety notes
- Carburetor heat should not be applied unless icing is indicated, as it can reduce power.
- Full throttle with carburetor heat can cause detonation.
Full document text
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 4 PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK NORMAL PROCEDURES The mixture_ or less is being used. If any do used, the mixture should be in the FULL RICH position for all operations. i__-. L- Always remember that the electric fuel pump should be turned ON before switching tanks, and should be left on for a shorl period thereafter. In order to keeo the aimlane in besi lateral trim during cruising flight the malfunction of the engine-driven fuel pump is immediately apparent. If signs of fuel starvation should occur at any time during flight, fuel exhaustion should be suspected, at which time tbe fuel selector should be immediately positioned to the other tank and the electric fuel pump switched to the ON position. 4.29 APPROACH AND LANDING Check to i and that the seat backs are erect. The sear belts and shoulder harness should be fastened and the inertia reel checked. at speeds up to 80 KIAS, if desire The mixture control should be k -- maxizum acceleration if it s h o u l U * Carburetor heat should not be applied unless there is an indication of ~ - - - . . . - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . I - *Outboard Flow Strips Installed **Outboard and Inboard Flow Strips Installed ISSUED JANUARY 20,1978 REVISED DECEMBER 18.1978 REPORT: 2126 4-21 SECTION 4 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION NORMAL PROCEDURES PA-38-112, TOMAHAWK carburetor icing, since the use of carhurefor lieat causes a reduction in power which may be critical in case of a go-around. Full throttle operation with carburetor heat on can cause detonation. e’The amount of flap used during landings and the speed of the aircraft at contact with the runway should be varied according to the landing surface and conditions of wind and airplane loading. It is generally good practice to contact the ground at the minimum possible safe specd consistent with existing conditions. No~mally,the best technique for short and s flap ._ and enough power to maintain a safe airspeed and approach f l i @ 4.31 STOPPING ENGINE At the pilot’s discretion, the flaps should be raised and the electric fuel pump turned OFF. The radios should be turned OFF, and the engine stopped by pulling the mixture control back to the idle cut-off. The throttle should be left full aft to avoid engine vibration while stopping. After the engine has stopped the magneto and master switches must be turned OFF. NOTE When alternate fuels are used, the engine should be run up to 1200 RPM for one minute prior to shutdown to clean out any unburned fuel. 4.33 PARKING tf necessary, the airplane should be moved on the ground with the aid of a nose wheel tow bar. The aileron and sfabilator controls should be secured by looping the safety belt through the control wheel and pulling it snug. ‘.’ REPORT: 2126 4-22 ISSUED: JANUARY 20,1978 REVISED: JUNE 23,1978