AIRWORTHINESS APPROVAL NOTE: 24249

APPLICANT: Mr R Savage
AIRCRAFT TYPE: VPM M16
REGISTRATION NO: G-BUZL
CONSTRUCTORS NO: VPM 16 UK105
VPM M16
ACCEPTANCE FOR ISSUE OF A PERMIT TO FLY
1. Introduction
This AAN describes the basis for accepting VPM M16 gyroplane G-BUZL for a Permit
to Fly.
2. Description
The M16 is a tandem two seat gyroplane and is one of a family of gyroplanes designed in
Italy, where a number of each type are flying.
The M16 has a teetering two bladed composite rotor of 27 ft. diameter and a rear
mounted 1000cc flat four two stroke GT1000R Arrow engine, driving a three bladed 58"
inch diameter ground adjustable composite propeller. The rotor blades and the propeller
are manufactured by VPM. A hydraulic pre-rotator is provided.
The structure is of conventional mast (redundant) and keel layout, of welded rectangular
section steel 4130 tube. The design incorporates a composite tail plane and rudder.
Additional vertical stabilisers are incorporated onto the ends of the tail plane.
A nacelle incorporating a small wind shield also forms part of the design.
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3. Basis for Acceptance
The VPM M16 has not been certificated to any published airworthiness code and is only
eligible for operation as an Ultralight in Italy, as it has been designed solely for private
and recreational use. No design investigation has been carried out by the CAA.
BCAR Section B Chapter B3-7 paragraph 3(d) allows acceptance for the issue of a
Permit to Fly if the type conforms to a design which has been accepted for operation to
fly in its country of origin within defined limitations, and has accumulated sufficient
experience of safe operation and has not been shown to possess unacceptably hazardous
features.
The manufacturer (VPM) has stated that he knows of no fatal accidents involving VPM
gyroplanes.
The regulatory system in Italy is such that accident data is not available for Ultralight
aircraft and so it has not been possible to confirm that there have been no fatal accidents
involving these gyroplanes.
Evidence of service experience has been submitted by the importer and the manufacturer.
The structural integrity and much of the design of the M16 has been accepted on the
basis of this data, however to compensate for the lack of official accident data the M16
was required to be flight tested to show compliance with the flying qualities requirements
of the Working Draft of BCAR Section T. This flight testing was carried out on the first
of type G-BUPM and is described in Arrow Engines UK flight test report No. 2/93.
4. Build Standard
The gyroplane was supplied as a complete kit by VPM and was assembled to the VPM
Assembly Manual and drawings. A statement has been submitted from the importer
(Arrow Engines UK) to confirm that the build standard of this gyroplane conforms to
that of the first of type G-BUPM.
It was agreed that upper torso restraint need only be fitted to the rear seat. The mast of
this gyroplane provides a degree of roll-over protection for the rear but not the front
seat. It was accepted that upper torso restraint for the front seat could be hazardous in
the event of a roll-over.
The fuel contents sight glass is not visible to the pilot when strapped in. This is
acceptable providing the applicants modification to install a low fuel warning light on the
dash board is installed. (Positioned to illuminate when 10 litres of fuel remain in level
flight).
The following modifications have also been incorporated as a result of CAA
requirements following inspection of the M16:-
a) The wind-screen was modified so that the edge of the screen no longer protruded
into the head strike arc. Applicants mod. No. PB VPM 16/001.
b) The Nylock nuts provided were replaced with castle nuts with split pins to lock the
control rod ends and other bolts in the control runs subject to rotation. Applicants
mod No. PB VPM 16/002.
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c) The mounting point of the rear seat lap belt has been moved to the keel to provide
improved security. Applicants mod No. PB VPM 16/003.
d) Witness holes have been drilled in the control rods to ensure that there is adequate
length of thread on the rod ends engaged. Applicants mod No. PB VPM 16/004.
e) A modification to install a low fuel warning light on the dash board was installed.
Applicants mod No. PB VPM 16/005
f) A fuel tank drain, which is readily accessible and easy to drain, was required.
Applicants mod No. PB VPM 16/006.
g) A switch was provided to enable each ignition circuit to be rendered inoperative.
This switch is accessible to both occupants when strapped in. This switch is
arranged and designed to prevent inadvertent operation. (This switch may be
disabled when the rear seat occupant is not a pilot). Applicants mod No. PB VPM
16/007.
h) The trim lever position and arc of movement was adjusted to ensure that the trim
lever does not interfere with the seat of the pilot before full back stick position is
reached. Applicants mod No. PB VPM 16/008.
i) Corrosion protection of the internal surfaces of the rectangular steel airframe tubing
was required. Applicants mod No. PB VPM 16/009.
5. Maintenance Standards
The gyroplane must be maintained to the PFA Owners Handbook for Ultralight
gyroplanes and to the manufacturer's recommendations (if a conflict exists the
manufacturers recommendations takes precedence). Spare or replacement parts must be
obtained from VPM or their appointed agent.
6. Flight Test
The gyroplane has been test-flown to the satisfaction of the CAA.
7. Inspection
The gyroplane has been inspected to the satisfaction of the CAA.
8. Operation/Limitations
The following limitations shall be observed and the appropriate instruments shall be
marked with a red radial line:
Maximum cylinder head temperature 200C
VNE 90 mph
Minimum speed for power on flight 25 mph
The maximum engine rev.s limit of 6800 rpm shall be placarded.
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The gyroplane must be operated in accordance with the VPM pilots manual containing
Arrow Engines UK supplement No. 1.
9. Placards
a) The engine rev.s limit shall be placarded.
b) The standard warning for permit aircraft must be prominently displayed i.e.:-
Occupant Warning
This aircraft has not been certificated to an international requirement.
c) A placard warning the occupants of the hazards of low g manoeuvres shall be
positioned in full view of the pilots i.e.:-
Manoeuvres involving a deliberate reduction in normal g shall be avoided.
d) A placard shall be installed adjacent to the fuel filler to indicate the fuel oil mixture
proportions, and the grade and type of oil to be used.
e) The seat weight limits must be placarded.
10. Acceptance
VPM M16 gyroplane G-BUZL is considered acceptable for the issue of a Permit to Fly.
This acceptance is limited to a period of one year pending resolution of the stick shake at
high speed/g noted during the flight test of the first of type G-BUPM
Carl Thomas
.................................................
For the Civil Aviation Authority
Date 26th August 1993