Phase I Flying Report
Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:33 pmWell fellow "Folding Wing" Fliers...thought I would drop a quick note as to the progress of my Phase I flying.
First flight was Father's Day of 2017 (almost barely remember what and how...).
Second Flight was delayed due to family and other life issues - moving, new job, etc. This flight was better but was short due to the Aerovee developing a burp. This occurred around mid August - so it was rather warm.
Third flight was this past Thursday - -8 February 2018. Weather finally cooperated with calm winds, blue skies and a temperature of 50 or so degrees. I will not lie about this, but after reading all posts concerning the Aerovee and performance numbers, and such, I was nervous. I did all the preflight checklist requirements, started the engine, let oil pressure and temps come on-line. Taxied out to RWY 17 (KAWM - West Memphis, AR), called out my intentions and slowly advanced the throttle. At about this time in my flying the Onex, I am a bit tense due to it being something other than a Piper Cherokee and previous engine burps. But that day, all went as advertised! Climb out at 85, 90 MPH to an altitude just above pattern and stayed within glide of the runway. I leveled off at around 1,500 MSL - seemed like 3,000 MSL! Speeds indicated 125 +/- with the RPM at 3200 or so. Leaned according to temps to keep out of numbers that may melt the engine. I ran 5 laps around the airport. After the first lap, I settled in and quit being overly tense with the engine. Listened to it none-the-less, but finally felt as if I can fly my bird and enjoy what it is for. Time to adjust power and set up for landings. This is the area that pulled me back to listening to the engine. Reduce power to set up glide and speed. Adjust trim for landing, watching speeds. Downwind I attempted to maintain 90. Base was around 80 or less, then final at 65 t0 70. A little hot, but as I transitioned, my speed indicated around 55. Nailed the landing without any hard bounce or control issues with the rudder. Somebody called out on the CTAF "Nice 3-pointer". WOW. Took it back to the barn and pulled the cowl. Inspected and am still tracking a seep out of the bottom of the engine case and left push rod tube seals. Lit up that celebratory cigar and ordered my "Tricycles are for Babies" T-shirt!
Now we are talking. Just as Jeremy envisioned. A fun little fighter!
Bring on warmer weather. Phase I is definitely underway!
First flight was Father's Day of 2017 (almost barely remember what and how...).
Second Flight was delayed due to family and other life issues - moving, new job, etc. This flight was better but was short due to the Aerovee developing a burp. This occurred around mid August - so it was rather warm.
Third flight was this past Thursday - -8 February 2018. Weather finally cooperated with calm winds, blue skies and a temperature of 50 or so degrees. I will not lie about this, but after reading all posts concerning the Aerovee and performance numbers, and such, I was nervous. I did all the preflight checklist requirements, started the engine, let oil pressure and temps come on-line. Taxied out to RWY 17 (KAWM - West Memphis, AR), called out my intentions and slowly advanced the throttle. At about this time in my flying the Onex, I am a bit tense due to it being something other than a Piper Cherokee and previous engine burps. But that day, all went as advertised! Climb out at 85, 90 MPH to an altitude just above pattern and stayed within glide of the runway. I leveled off at around 1,500 MSL - seemed like 3,000 MSL! Speeds indicated 125 +/- with the RPM at 3200 or so. Leaned according to temps to keep out of numbers that may melt the engine. I ran 5 laps around the airport. After the first lap, I settled in and quit being overly tense with the engine. Listened to it none-the-less, but finally felt as if I can fly my bird and enjoy what it is for. Time to adjust power and set up for landings. This is the area that pulled me back to listening to the engine. Reduce power to set up glide and speed. Adjust trim for landing, watching speeds. Downwind I attempted to maintain 90. Base was around 80 or less, then final at 65 t0 70. A little hot, but as I transitioned, my speed indicated around 55. Nailed the landing without any hard bounce or control issues with the rudder. Somebody called out on the CTAF "Nice 3-pointer". WOW. Took it back to the barn and pulled the cowl. Inspected and am still tracking a seep out of the bottom of the engine case and left push rod tube seals. Lit up that celebratory cigar and ordered my "Tricycles are for Babies" T-shirt!
Now we are talking. Just as Jeremy envisioned. A fun little fighter!
Bring on warmer weather. Phase I is definitely underway!