The information on this page includes all the information that you will need to operate Super Decathlon VH-UPG. Note that where it states “Read all of these documents” it means “READ ALL OF THESE DOCUMENTS”.
Start at the top and work your way down – no shortcuts!
If you are doing a check-out in the Super D or a tailwheel endorsement you will need to complete CASA’s Single Engine Piston Aeroplane Endorsement Engineering, Data and Performance Questionnaire (modified).
Note also that UPG was previously registered as OPD (and originally NEL) and some documents here retain the old registration.
IMPORTANT: It is a legal requirement for pilots to comply with the Airplane Flight Manual so it takes precedence over the Operating Manual but you will need both. There are errors in the Operating Manual especially regarding weight and balance. There are other differences between the AFM and the Operating Manual.
Pilots will need to sign the hire agreement at the bottom of this page prior to access to the aircraft. Note the dual check requirements:
VH-UPG Photos
To get started in UPG run through the checklist below (supported by the Airplane Flight Manual AND the Operating Manual) to familiarise yourself with the controls and systems shown in these photographs.
You must 
An excellent series of short videos for those new to the Super Decathlon:
- Patty Wagstaff’s Super D Intr Part 1
- Patty Wagstaff’s Super D Intro Part 2 – Avionics
- Patty Wagstaff’s Super D Intro Part 3 – Hooker Harness
- Rob Holland’s Super Decathlon Cockpit Tour
This is how you do up the Hooker aerobatic harness from the guys who make them.
Note that we don’t wear parachutes so we will probably not need to jettison the door.
Super Decathlon VH-UPG Checklists and Notes
Read all of these documents.
Airplane Flight Manual – VH-UPG
Read all of these documents.
- VH-UPG AFM Page 1
- Super Decathlon FlightManual
- SuperDecathlonFlightManualAddendum
- AFM VH-UPG Addendum Page 3 Empty Weight
- AFM Addendum Page 4 Loading Schedule Marked Up
- SL-448 8KCAB Loading Schedule
- AFM Supplement – Front Seat Lap Belts
- AFM Supplement MVP-50P
Operating Manual – VH-UPG
Read all of these documents.
- Super Decathlon OM-603 Operating Manual
- Super Decathlon P Charts for info
- FAQ from the factory
- Sample W&B
Avionics VH-UPG
Powerplant Instruments VH-UPG
Check out the MVP-50P at https://buy-ei.com/mvp-50p/
Functionality includes engine MP, RPM, oil temperature & pressure, ammeter, voltmeter, fuel pressure, fuel flow, estimated fuel remaining, OAT, accelerometer (G), engine time and flight time. Detailed operating instructions are provided below.
Lycoming Engine Manual
CS Propeller Notes
Insurance & Rental Documents
Aircraft insurance policy for VH-UPG & VH-HEZ from 8 December 2023. Note the updates!
Read this document below to understand the insurance requirements and the rental agreement.
Finally, you will need to complete and sign the hire agreement below to fly UPG (unless with David Pilkington) and to make bookings.