SLICK AIRCRAFT

COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 1 of 16

Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SLICK 540 AEROBATIC AIRCRAFT:

PILOT’S OPERATING HANDBOOK

NOTE: This handbook is not intended to serve as a substitute for adequate and competent flight
instruction, or knowledge of current airworthiness directives, or the applicable airworthiness
requirements of your aviation authority. It is not intended to be a guide for basic flight instruction,
nor a training manual.

This manual is designed to:

• help you operate your SLICK-540 aircraft with safety and confidence, and
• more fully acquaint you with the basic aircraft performance and handling
characteristics.

Applicable to aircraft with registration :

Additional copies of this manual, document no SLK2-POH-01, can be obtained from your SLICK Aircraft Dealer.

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SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 2 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SLICK-540 PILOT’S OPERATING HANDBOOK

CONTENTS

Section 1 General information

Section 2 Operating limits

Section 3 Emergency procedures

Section 4 Normal operating procedures

Section 5 Performance

Section 6 Mass, centre of gravity limitations and payload

Section 7 Equipment

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 3 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION I

GENERAL INFORMATION

SUMMARY

The SLICK-540 is approved for all aerobatic manoeuvres.

Before operating the Slick 540 the pilot must be checked out by an authorized
representative of the Slick Aircraft Company.

During take-off, flight and landing the aircraft responds as any typical aerobatic approved
tail-wheel aircraft. The aircraft responds normally during stalling and spinning.

The aircraft is designed to resist very high g- forces. It has to be recognised that the full
use of this capacity may exceed the physical loading capability of the pilot, as this
depends on the individual’s constitution. Special care has therefore to be taken during
flights with high g-forces.

The aircraft is designed to be operated from paved surfaces only.

WEIGHTS
Maximum take-off mass, cruising flight 795 kg / 1750 lb
Maximum take-off mass, aerobatics 716 kg / 1575 lb
Empty mass (standard) 550 kg / 1210 lb

POWER PLANT
Engine (Lycoming) AEIO-540-(modified)
Rated Horsepower 219 kW / 294 bhp
Rated Speed 2700 rpm
Propeller (3-blade, constant speed) MTV-9-B-C/C198-25

FUEL
Fuel Capacity: Main tank 16 US gal / 60 litres
Wing tanks 10 US gal / 38 litres each
Fuel Aviation Grade (Min. Octane) 100 LL
Oil capacity during cruise Min 10, max 12 litres
Oil Capacity during aerobatics Min 8, max 11 litres

BAGGAGE
Maximum Baggage 15 kg
Baggage Space 6 cub ft

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COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 4 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

DIMENSIONS
Wing Span 7.30 m / 23.95 ft
Wing Area 8.63 sq m / 92.8 sq ft
Length 6.05 m / 19.84 ft
Height (at prop) 2.465 m / 8.1 ft
Propeller Diameter 84 ins
Control deflections: All controls 25O +/- 2O symmetrical

LANDING GEAR
Wheel Base 4.44 m / 14.56 ft
Wheel Track 1.51 m / 7.48 ft
Tire Pressure 42 psi
Tire Size Main (four ply rating) 500 x 5
Tail wheel, castoring, lockable 3” dia

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SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 5 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SLICK-540 AIRCRAFT BASIC LAY-OUT

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 6 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION 2

OPERATING LIMITS

Airspeed limitations:

Normal flight range (green) VS=59kts / 68mph to VA=187kts / 215mph

Caution range (yellow) VA=187kts / 215mph to VNE=226 / 260mph
Maximum speed (red line) VNE = 226 kts / 260mph

Recommended entry speeds for approved maneuvers:

Loop: positive above 120 kts / 140 mph

negative above 120 kts / 140 mph

Roll: Left & right 100 kts / 115 mph to 187 kts / 215 mph

Snap roll: positive max. 120 kts / 140 mph

negative max. 120 kts / 140 mph

Rated max. engine power: 294 bhp at 2700 rpm

Normal cruise: 2400 rpm / 20” –22” MP / Peak + 2 lines rich

(approx 165 mph and approx 11.5 US gph)
Long range: 2200 RPM / 20” –22” MP / Peak + 1 line rich
(approx 160 mph and approx 9.8 US gph)

Min. fuel octane: lOO LL

Oil pressure: Minimum (red fine) 25 psi

Normal (green arc) 60-90 psi
Maximum (red fine) 100 psi
Oil temperature: Normal (green) from 100OF (38OC) to 240OF (115OC)

Fuel pressure: Normal (green) from 0 psi to 12 psi.

Maximum take-off weight: aerobatic = 716 kg / 1575lb, cruise = 795 kg / 1750 lb

Maximum fuel capacity: 36 US gal (137 litres)
main tank + header = 16 US gal (60litres)
Wing tanks 10 US gal each (38 litres each)

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COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 7 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

Maximum load factors: positive 10 g, negative –10 g

Operation only during daylight and VFR conditions.

No flights into known icing conditions are permitted.

During aerobatics no baggage is permitted.

Do not fly more than 10 sec. in the following attitudes:

1. Vertical flight, steep dive.
2. Inverted flight, steep dive.
3. Zero g manoeuvre.
4. Wing-down or knife-edge flights.
In these modes the oil system may not scavenge and engine damage can occur.
(Lycoming recommendation).

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 8 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION 3

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Engine failure after take-off

1. Glide straight ahead 90 mph IAS
2. Fuel selector Main tank
3. Mixture Rich
4. Prop Control Low RPM
If engine does not restart: Fuel pump ON.
If engine does not restart: Proceed landing with power off.

Landing with power off

1. Glide (best angle) 100 mph
2. Fuel selector Off
3. Ignition Off
4. Mixture Lean
5. Landing Level off normally

Landing in woods, corn or water

1. Glide (best angle) 100 mph
2. Fuel selector Off
3. Ignition Off
4. Mixture Lean
5. Landing Take surface of obstacle as landing surface and touch
down with minimal speed.

Bail out with parachute

I. Headset Disconnect
2. Canopy Open
3. Seatbelts Open
4. Stand up on the seat and push stick forwards with one foot.
5. Open parachute when free from airplane.

Loss of elevator control steer with pitch trim

Loss of aileron control steer with rudder, only flat curves.

Loss of rudder control steer with aileron, hold direction with brakes
after touch-down.

In all cases described above you should select a long and wide landing area and the
throttle should be handled very carefully. Flare out carefully and touch down at a flat angle.

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 9 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

If a hard landing can not be avoided:

-Fuel selector off

-Ignition off

After a hard landing disembark quickly and stay away from the aircraft until the possibility
of fire has diminished.

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SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 10 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION 4

NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

Preflight Check

1. Check aircraft logbooks

2. Check g meter reading in aircraft to ensure it was not overstressed.
3. Check avionics OFF
4. Remove baggage prior to aerobatic flight
5. Look in rear fuselage to ensure foreign objects are removed
6. Check battery clamps
7. Check controls for free and easy movement, correct sense, no slack
8. Check main wheels and tires for inflation and excess wear
9. Check tail wheel, lock mechanism and tracking when locked
10. Check oil level (do not over tighten cap) and fuel level (ensure proper locking of
cap)
11. Check propeller for nicks
12. Remove engine inlet and pitot covers
13. Check if aircraft is clean and polished, especially canopy
14. Remove wheel chocks

Embarking

1. Put parachute on before entering cockpit

2. Look aft to ensure free control movements (baggage compartment removed)
3. Prepare harness
4. Prepare cockpit: Sequence chart, g meter, maps, headset (should not have bare
metal on top to prevent scratching canopy), keys
5. Clean shoes, (at least shake off dust)
6. If possible, avoid standing on the wing
7. Push in circuit breakers, avionics OFF
8. Pull harness tight, but shoulder harness only lightly (the torso must not be
compressed in negative manoeuvres, but allowed to move freely)
9. Check all flight controls to full and free travel

Starting engine (same for cold and warm start):

1. Fuel selector: Main tank

2. Mixture: Rich
3. Purge valve Open
4. Throttle 1 cm open
5. Fuel pump ON to prime, OFF
6. Mixture Lean
7. Turn key to start

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SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 11 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

8. Mixture Move slowly and smoothly to rich, as soon as

the engine fires.
9. Oil pressure Check increasing reading
10. Idling 1000 -1200 RPM (max. 2000 RPM on ground)
11. Tailwheel Unlocked for taxiing

Engine check To be performed before first flight of each day.

1. All engine instruments Green, normal

2. Mixture Rich
3. Prop. Control High RPM
4. Throttle 1800 RPM
5. Magneto check Max. drop 175 RPM
Max. difference 100 RPM
6. Ignition Both
7. Prop. Control Pull 3 times
8. RPM drop Max. 300 RPM
9. Prop control Set to high RPM

Check for take-off

1. All engine instruments Green, normal

2. All flight instruments Set and checked
3. Trim Neutral
4. Controls Free and clear
5. Tailwheel Locked for take-off

Take-off

1. Climb Minimum 95 mph

2. Throttle 25" manifold pressure
3. Prop control 2500 RPM

Aerobatics

1. No loose articles in aircraft

2. Check harness tight when comfortably seated (shoulder harness not
over tightened)
3. Check cockpit from left to right, in particular:
Oil pressure steady (no deviation for 15 sec during pitch from
positive to negative or reversed)
Fuel quantity (maximum 16 US gal for aerobatics)
G meter reset (check audio warning if fitted)

4. Correct power setting:

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SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 12 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

For training, maximum 2600 RPM / MP variable / Mixture full rich

For competition, Max 2700 RPM, MP variable / Mixture full rich
5. Check for free airspace (announce intentions on relevant frequency)
6. Check for sufficient altitude

Landing

1. Tailwheel Locked
2. Mixture Rich
3. Prop control High RPM
4. Final approach 95 – 100 mph IAS (touch down appr. 85 mph)
5. Touch down 3-point

Touch down speed is slightly higher than the minimum speed as the landing gear
does not allow maximum angle of attack.
The demonstrated crosswind component is maximum 20kts (l0 m/s)
Landing distance over a 15 m obstacle with no wind at MSL is minimum 350m. Ground roll
distance is minimum 100 m. (Minimum runway length 400 m)

Engine shut-off

1. Avionics Off
2. Mixture Lean
3. Purge valve Shut
4. Ignition Off

Disembarking

1. Open harness all the way.

2. Check avionics “OFF”.
3. Note “g”-meter readings (do not reset) and Hobbs meter reading for flight folio
4. Disembark with parachute – avoid standing on wing other than on spar areas
5. Remove loose articles and personal equipment (headset, sequence chart, maps
etc)
6. Take parachute off after disembarking

Post flight Checks

1. Leave the aircraft clean (incl cockpit)

2. Visually inspect aircraft
3. When possible hangar the aircraft and place chocks
4. Replace engine inlet and pitot covers and place oil drip tray
5. Visually check cockpit
6. Avionics OFF
7. Visually check for loose items in cockpit and aft fuselage

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SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 13 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

8. Complete flight folio (incl “g”-meter readings, Hobbs reading, fuel and oil levels)

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 14 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION 5

PERFORMANCE
Performance figures are for the standard SLICK-540 airplanes flown at gross weight under
standard conditions at sea level or stated altitude. All landing and take-off distances are for
dry level paved runways.

Take-off Ground Run 220 m

Take-off over 50 ft barrier 350 m
Best Rate of Climb Speed (IAS) 87 kts / 100 mph
Best Rate of Climb 3400 ft/min
Service Ceiling (ft) 19,500
Maximum level speed (IAS) 180 kts / 207 mph
Maximum dive speed (IAS) 226 kts / 260 mph
Cruising Speed (75% power at sea level) (IAS) 160 kts / 185 mph
Stalling Speed (mph IAS) 59 kts / 68 mph
Landing Ground Roll (normal) 250 m
Landing Distance over 50 ft barrier 350 m
Fuel Consumption (2700 rpm 100% power) 24 US gal/hr
Fuel Consumption (2400 rpm 75% power) 16 US gal/hr (60 lit/h)
Cruising Range (75% power at 6300 ft) 300 nm (+30 min reserve)

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 15 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION 6

MASS, CENTRE OF GRAVITY LIMITATIONS AND PAYLOAD

Weighing procedure

The aircraft is to be weighed using the procedure described below at least every 5 years or
whenever changes are made which may affect its mass and balance.

Procedure:

1. Weighing should be done in a closed hangar to eliminate wind effects.

2. Check that all the equipment as per Section 7: Equipment List is fitted in the
aircraft.
3. Level the aircraft by raising the tail wheel until the cockpit sill is horizontal (use a
spirit level).
4. Drain all fuel from the main and wing tanks, and check the oil level in the engine.
5. The vertical datum plane is the 1000mm forward of the aft edge of the bottom
engine cowl, positive distances measured aft.
6. Determine the axial distance of each main wheel and the tail wheel from the
datum (firewall) and enter values in the table (Appendix A).
7. Determine the weight (mass reading) on the scale under each main wheel and
the tail wheel and enter the values in the table.
8. Calculate the total empty equipped mass by adding the three scale readings.
9. Calculate the empty CG position in mm aft of datum by dividing the total moment
(kg.mm) by the total weight (kg)

Centre of Gravity location

The acceptable empty CG range is from 1345 to 1420 mm aft of datum.

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 SLICK AIRCRAFT
COMPANY (Pty) Ltd SLICK 540 AIRCRAFT: Page 16 of 16
Box 1189, Halfway House, 1685 PILOT’S OPERATING
Republic of South Africa
Doc no: SLK2-POH-01 HANDBOOK Issue: 01

SECTION 7

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is standard on the aircraft and is taken into account in the empty
mass and balance data of section 6 above:

EQUIPMENT MASS (kg) DISTANCE from datum (mm)

Altimeter
Air speed indicator
Engine RPM
Oil press & temp gauge
CHT & EGT gauge
Manifold press & fuel flow
G-meter
Magnetic compass
VHF radio
Transponder
5-point harness

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