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08-05-2014, 04:00 AM
Russ Kotlarek | Rotation without wings or an elevator ???
Long ... long .... long !! overdue I have been able to make numerous taxi tests with the new engine on my Seawind. at that 90% done 90% to go mark it has become increasingly clear to me exactly what that means. Especially in the way I have been doing it.
Cooling which was one of the largest concerns seemingly is going well. Not able to reach Red line with numerous long runs on the ground it was pleasing to finally have something go so well. (So Far)
The most entertaining and surprising run was a higher speed run down the ramp in which the nose came about a foot off the ground. No Elevator, Wings, or Rudder attached I had tied the canopy open about a foot to keep me cool and as I made the run up to about 40 and relaxed the power to my sheer surprise the canopy lifted me and the front of the aircraft up about a foot in the air for about 50 feet.
Nice to have an aircraft so anxious to fly it makes its first attempt without wings! LOL
Large tasks still to be completed include the Engine Cowl, final capping of the wings, full tuning of the engine, and so on. All have already been fitted but it will still be longer than expected to get it in the air.
I have no idea of the balance yet but it appears the estimate of being as much as 300 lbs less and at 330 hp could be a reality. I will keep everyone posted as the final answers become more in stone.
Russ Kotlarek
Russ Kotlarek | Rotation without wings or an elevator ???
Long ... long .... long !! overdue I have been able to make numerous taxi tests with the new engine on my Seawind. at that 90% done 90% to go mark it has become increasingly clear to me exactly what that means. Especially in the way I have been doing it.
Cooling which was one of the largest concerns seemingly is going well. Not able to reach Red line with numerous long runs on the ground it was pleasing to finally have something go so well. (So Far)
The most entertaining and surprising run was a higher speed run down the ramp in which the nose came about a foot off the ground. No Elevator, Wings, or Rudder attached I had tied the canopy open about a foot to keep me cool and as I made the run up to about 40 and relaxed the power to my sheer surprise the canopy lifted me and the front of the aircraft up about a foot in the air for about 50 feet.
Nice to have an aircraft so anxious to fly it makes its first attempt without wings! LOL
Large tasks still to be completed include the Engine Cowl, final capping of the wings, full tuning of the engine, and so on. All have already been fitted but it will still be longer than expected to get it in the air.
I have no idea of the balance yet but it appears the estimate of being as much as 300 lbs less and at 330 hp could be a reality. I will keep everyone posted as the final answers become more in stone.
Russ Kotlarek