If the bungee fails, the wire safety strop prevents the axle collapsing, but the aircraft is left in a wing down attitude and is unserviceable for further flying. With the exception of the D7, the fuel gages are non existent or unreliable and the limited fuel capacity makes it essential to have full fuel tanks for every flight. The Slingsby SE5 replicas will have flown a very minimum of hours and any signs of damage or unusual handling must be reported to Johnny Maher and Derek Pigott immediately. Most of the aircraft have rather unconventional sideslipping characteristics which should be explored at height by each pilot. Please note any snags on the Form 101 or equivalent so that they can be put right as soon as possible.
Suggestions are welcome.
These SE5 replicas have simple handling characteristics and ample power. Starting Chocks in place and fire extinguishers at hand. Pull ring at top, right hand side of instrument panel until ground crew confirm that fuel drips out of the carburetor overflow pipe below the cowling. Prime with one to two full strokes of the Kigas primer while the propeller is turned over. Do not over prime or you may start an intake fire.