Airplane Project

[upperdeck]

The data logging in the Garmin avionics is incredible. It looks like the fuel mapping is too lean. Program the computer to run a little richer and the problem should be resolved.

https://www.cloudahoy.com/debrief/?key=lEF4y577HIBWiyU

 

[justason]

What was the 10deg of flaps? Typical ? What else would he have done if the temps didnt climb?

Congrats ! I got butterflies watching it. You had to be stoked!

 

[upperdeck]

What was the 10deg of flaps? Typical ? What else would he have done if the temps didnt climb?

Congrats ! I got butterflies watching it. You had to be stoked!

The flap issue is a software programming oversight I suspect. The computer will not let you overspeed the flaps (deploy them when you're going too fast). I had overlooked the flap overspeed setting and left it blank. I think the computer default was artificially low and refused to lower the flaps until he was on final approach due to the speed. Once on final approach, he only got 10 or 20 degrees of flaps out and prepared to land with what he had. Total flap deployment is 40 degrees. Now that the setting is programmed for 87 knots, I believe it will behave correctly.

There is a plan for every flight during the test phase (first 40 hours). Being the first flight, this one was pretty simple. Climb to 4000' (3000' above ground), circle the airport, reduce power to near stall to simulate landing, slight exploration of flight controls, nothing extreme, and land. Total flight time around 15 to 20 minutes.

 

[swatski]

The flap issue is a software programming oversight I suspect. The computer will not let you overspeed the flaps (deploy them when you're going too fast). I had overlooked the flap overspeed setting and left it blank. I think the computer default was artificially low and refused to lower the flaps until he was on final approach due to the speed. Once on final approach, he only got 10 or 20 degrees of flaps out and prepared to land with what he had. Total flap deployment is 40 degrees. Now that the setting is programmed for 87 knots, I believe it will behave correctly.

There is a plan for every flight during the test phase (first 40 hours). Being the first flight, this one was pretty simple. Climb to 4000' (3000' above ground), circle the airport, reduce power to near stall to simulate landing, slight exploration of flight controls, nothing extreme, and land. Total flight time around 15 to 20 minutes.

Man, HATS OFF!
Thank you for sharing, this is very very cool.
I'm gonna stick with boats.

EDIT: Does this test pilot have the nerves of steel? He rides an experimental small single engine aircraft where his aircooled engine is overheating... And his voice does not change.
He is my hero.

--

 

[justason]

Man, HATS OFF!
Thank you for sharing, this is very very cool.
I'm gonna stick with boats.

EDIT: Does this test pilot have the nerves of steel? He rides an experimental small single engine aircraft where his aircooled engine is overheating... And his voice does not change.
He is my hero.

--

If i’m not mistaken. These can be a real glider in a dead engine situation. Hence circleing the airport all should be fine........as long as the flaps are in working order

 

[Julian]

@upperdeck congrats on this huge milestone! Working on a project for 6 years is really freakin amazing!

 

[upperdeck]

If i’m not mistaken. These can be a real glider in a dead engine situation. Hence circleing the airport all should be fine........as long as the flaps are in working order

You're absolutely correct. Every airplane has a best glide speed. Best glide is usually with flaps retracted. In an emergency flaps are deployed closer to the ground to make the landing more controllable, and in the worse case scenario, slow the impact. The reason the first flights are done above the airport is to be able to glide to a runway. BTW, all pilots practice no flap landings for this exact reason (or at least they should). Flaps don't always work...

 

[props2you]

After putting this off for several years, this has just inspired me to pursue my private pilot license!

THANK YOU!!

 

[upperdeck]

After putting this off for several years, this has just inspired me to pursue my private pilot license!

THANK YOU!!

It's NEVER too late!

 

[seanmclean]

So cool to see it in the air, congrats!

 

[biglar155]

There are sooooo many half-built home built planes out there that never see the light of day. I'm impressed with how rapidly you managed to get this all together and have an actual FLYING airplane.

Congratulations are in order as well as acknowledgement of your dedication to make it all happen.

Nice job.

 

[Speedling]

This is amazing. I could only dream of building a plane!
Keep me on the water and ground thanks!

 

[robert843]

@upperdeck have you been able to get up and fly this thing yet since the test flight

 

[upperdeck]

@upperdeck have you been able to get up and fly this thing yet since the test flight

It made one additional flight. Since then I was out of town for quite a while and no work got done. I'll be back in the hanger ASAP to make some adjustments on the prop governor.

 

[upperdeck]

It's been a while since this post has been updated. Since last update, the airframe has accumulated about 100 hours, test flight regiment was completed long ago. And, @tim h even got a flight with me over Port Washington. It has flown from Milwaukee to Kansas City on a few occasions with more lengthy trips planned.

The biggest news is that it is back in my hangar with fresh paint!

 

[upperdeck]

 

[shar]

This was a pleasure to read/follow. Thanks for sharing, and congrats!

 

[justason]

@upperdeck that is a beautiful beautiful machine ! well done and congrats.

I threw your tail number into a tracker I use for Alec, found your plane, but my account doesn't list your flights.

My interest is definitely piqued on this project.
I sold by 212x over the weekend (sniffle sniffle). I have a HUGE empty garage bay looking for a task !

 

[upperdeck]

@upperdeck that is a beautiful beautiful machine ! well done and congrats.

I threw your tail number into a tracker I use for Alec, found your plane, but my account doesn't list your flights.

My interest is definitely piqued on this project.
I sold by 212x over the weekend (sniffle sniffle). I have a HUGE empty garage bay looking for a task !

Thanks much! It took a ton of work, but definitely worth it. If you're looking for a project, I say go for it. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner!

You won't find my flights on any tracking service, I have that shut off at the FAA level.

 

[anmut]

Looks beautiful!