RAF views of Illinois

[StanFoster]

With my inspection over...I took my RAF for its maiden flight away from the airport Sunday. The winds were 20 plus and right down the runway. I did some pattern work and was very impressed with the reserve kinetic energy the rotor had.

I had my doors on and the Parham stab handled very nice. It was variable winds and when I flew perpendicular to them...the fuselage did very little if any yawing. I slowly did tests up to 80..and it felt like the nose was staying put. I have gotten a lot of advice from very high time RAF pilots that seldom post on the forums...and just like the advice I sought before I bought my Air Command...I am flying with confidence.

I was able to trim it out and take my hands off the controls...I never was able to do that in my Air Command for very long.

For those of you that are interested..my Parham stab is set at two degrees nose down with the keel...and I am not messing with it.

I am savoring the memories of how nice that first flight from the airport felt. I was up over an hour...then thought I better get it back and do a thorough check of everything.

Here is a scene of Illinois...rather blah colors...but I was really enjoying myself.

[StanFoster]

more views of Illinois

[StanFoster]

another

[StanFoster]

one more

[barnstorm2]

Wonderful photos and machine!

Stan, What model AC did you have?

[StanFoster]

barnstormer: I had a single seat....with a pod...extended tail with a stab....side tanks...582 bluehead...

here is a picture of it..

[StanFoster]

Practiced some crosswind landings today....they were just 10mph

[Screw]

Great Pics Stan,

Visited Il not to long ago. Chicago's scenery looked very impressive. Glad your machine is handling well.

John-

[Screw]

Where is the "Rabit's Foot" for the key chain? ;D

John-

[Screw]

One more post and I'll hit 400 :o

John-

Sorry Stan for using your thread for #400.

[StanFoster]

Jon: It does handle well. I cant get over how I can trim it out..and let go of the controls....get my camera...and take pictures. I took several short video clips yesterday so I could post them here. I was aware of the 150kb limit...so I took 10-15 second clips. The shortest one was 151kb...and I tried to attach it...but it was rejected.

So...next time I go up...I will takes some 6-8 second clips and post them. They are rather grainy but still kind of fun to watch.

[GyroRon]

John...... 400 posts? Wow Just remember who is the post daddy around these parts ;)

[Screw]

Yes Master.


John-

[GyroRon]

click on the link John

[StanFoster]

Flying near Paxton today.

[StanFoster]

Finally on the ground...time for an extra thorough going over

[barnstorm2]

Awesom!

You must be very proud!

[Mike Hook]

Great looking machine Stan.

Question, you never changed the trust line on the prop to clt, How do you thing your machine would handle compaired to how it does now. I am just exploring everyones knowledge and flight experance to be able to to make a better judgement when I build my gyro.

Thanks

Mike

By the way love the pics over Ill.

[StanFoster]

Mike: I cant answer as to how CLT handles. I have only flown a Bensen..an Air Command with a pod..and now my RAF.

As for myself...I havent had any problems at all with the way either three of my machines have handled. I asked a lot of questions by e-mail and by phone...and most of my advice that I have followed has come from high time pilots in the machine I was asking questions about.

Most of these guys are very well known...but seldom go public with their thoughts on these forums. I just watch them accumulate thousands of hours...then I go ask them what they do...and dont do. This very simple method of asking these low keyed guys has really helped me a lot.

One of many examples is Ed Aldorfer. Before I bought my Air Command....I talked with him over the phone a lot. There were others that I feel want their name withheld. Anyway..instead of falling out of the sky like I kept reading it would...I had a very nice 140 plus hours in one in all kinds of wind.

I have always wanted an enclosed machine...and the RAF has always interested me. Again...I asked and asked and asked RAF pilots with hundeds...and some with thousands of hours in them. I again was assured I would no problems as long as I had a stab on it.

I wanted to fly year round...so flying with doors were on my wish list as well. So...back to the phones consulting with guys with experience with stabs...and my conclusion was that I would have the best results if my stab was a Larry Martin or Don Parham stab....both with winglets. I am flying with my doors on..and have been up in some moderating winds...I am totally comfortable with it.

I imagine if I were flying in very gusty..down draft conditions...CLT would be nice....but for now...I will keep on enjoying what I have taught myself to fly.

I know CLT is the best situation....especially for students. I somehow have not had any problems without it.

[Mike Hook]

Thanks Stan for your honest answer.

Mike

[CLS447]

Stan, I have some questions about carb temp.
I assume that is a Westberg gauge & sender. I also assume that you are using the Holley carb on your EJ-22 with that sweet carb heat system that comes with the RAF.
My EA-81 has a Weber carb & no means of carb heat. I want to order that same gauge & sender this week but I am not sure if I have a place in my carb to install the sender.

Where is your sender installed & could you post a pic?

How have your temps been running & have you been using the heat?

As long as you are out of the yellow band do you feel you are out of the carb ice danger?

Thanks for this & all the info you are taking the time to share with your fellow gyro enthusiasts!

[StanFoster]

Chris: My carb temps have been around 10 celsius..just at the right edge of the yellow band. I always apply carb heat on the downwind leg..as I dont trust gauges.

My fuel gauge is no exception. I installed an external clear fuel line yesterday so I can see on my preflight actual fuel amount available. I have two clocks on my dash...one is for time..the other I set for 12 noon just before my takeoff roll. I then have an easy to remember fuel burn time and a log book time when I land.

I could post a picture of the carb heat sensor...but it is encased in black silicone as are all my vulnerable wires. It is installed at the front of the carb as per instructions.

[CLS447]

Stan, where is the sender installed in the carb? I don't have the instructions yet. Was there already a threaded port in your Holley to accept the sender?

I am not crazy about taking a drill bit to my Weber just yet.

To everyone else : Feel free to join in this thread!!!

[StanFoster]

Chris: The sensor goes on the front of the carb under the butterfly. There is a little flat place in the casting for it...some are tapped ..some are not. If yours isnt..it takes a 1/4 x 28 tap after drilling it out with a #3 drill. Of course you want to remove the carb so filings down fall in the motor and you can debur the inside of the throat.