SparrowHawk Redo

[brs]

Originally Posted by Coen

... it looks if the tail section is not perfectly horisontal to the rest of the frame. ...

Coen, Good eye to see that. The negative angle of incidence is intentional. Adds stability at higher speeds when the rotors are flattening out. Think about it. It creates a tail down force in proportion to the relative airflow. If you loose rotor loading due to a gust or flattening it out too much then the tail force is a little additional security against the brunt over. At least that's how I understand it. Wish I could take credit for it but it's a SportCopter tail and I chose not to change it. Flight testing may cause me to make adjustments. Wait and see.

[Russ Hobbs]

I agree, how are you. Missed you at ROTR, what's new.

[brs]

Chris,
No need to use coarse language, though I do appreciate you asking. Here is an up date.

It's done! Well sort of. The Shredo is waiting for an inspector. Has been basically for a month. The path to please the FAA has been plagued with reroutes and needless delays. Seems the folks I've been working with have all been pleasent to talk to and work with but that they often don't agree on how things are done. Seems their hands get tied by beuracracy. Anyway, hopefully, it will be inspected this week though I've not yet heard from the latest DAR.

Might start doing the taxi tests tomorrow afternoon. Who know?

[PW_Plack]

Brock, ditto the "we missed you" part! Hope all that red tape doesn't clash with SHredo's paint job!

[Russ Hobbs]

Brock

I'm truly excited for you. I hope all goes well, you've sure earned it.

[brs]

After a month of effort with the local FSDO, MIDO and two DARs, the SHREDO has been inspected and the airworthiness certificate awarded. Lesson learned, start early with the FAA process, relax and be patient. These guys work hard and are well meaning but struggle with the bureaucracy like every one else.

So far I've only had time to do a few taxi runs and one balance. First time the nose came up was a surprise. Was more abrupt than I expected. Now several days of rain have moved into the NW. So i'm working on the small stuff like chasing down some radio noise and getting my rotor rpm tach to work.

[multimike]

Congratulations Brock! You're right about the need to be patient with the FAA. These guys do try their best but are bound to follow the FAA bureaucracy. If you're in a hurry to get an airworthiness inspection, you had better have passed your anger management course! My wife says I'm not very good at estimating how long it takes to get things done. Her "correction factor" is it'll take 3 X's longer---She was right!
Good luck!

[Russ Hobbs]

Congratulation, it was a long road for sure.

[brs]

Un-expededly, the weather this evening was rather nice. Also, the airport was void of spectators and plane traffic. So I took the opportunity to try for the next (baby) step with the Shredo.

Started out with some balancing then progressed to crow-hops. I flew back and fourth on the runway for some 45 minutes developing confidence in this new one-off.

First impressions:

• Nose Wheel, At first I was unsure of the steering thinking it might be hard to get used to. I'm quickly coming to like it. Turns with the rudder are easy. Turning on a dime is quite natural. Try that in a SH. The only oddity is that it takes opposite brake to straighten out from a tight turn.
• Main gear, The soft bagged suspension works well but is quite different from anything I've flown on. It gives the impression of not having as much control but I think what is really happening is just the squishness makes it feel this way. Different but better than what was there before.
• Flight, I easily left the ground at 4500 rpm then throttled back a bit more after getting on the step (picking up speed). There was a noticable difference from just leaving the ground slightly behind the power curve and pushing forward to get in front of the power curve. Can't yet explain it, maybe after a few more flights. I did these flights with myself (180 lbs), 15 gal of fuel, and 50 lbs of sand strapped in the right seat.
• Engine: I'm still working on fine tuning the SDS EFI, but find it very nice to work with. The cooling system seems to be working well. Solid 179 degrees.

Here is a short video of two crow-hops. It's still uploading so check back later if the link does not work.
http://youtu.be/t-fpyFheJRA

[OK the video is finally up - took me three tries to get the video right. Good thing I fly better than I edit videos.]

[bmoore2156]

Brock,
I am glad everything is working out good for you. If you can cruise at 4500 with that 2.2l I'll be very impressed. Have you weighed it yet?
I tried to watch the video, but it says it's too long! See you at the Alvord!
Brad

[brs]

I updated the video link above - it works now.

The final weight was 828 lbs. Down from 900 lbs when I got it.

[Russ Hobbs]

Enjoyed seeing your first hop, Keep me coming. Looks like it all came together real nice. Any concerns at all so far?

[PW_Plack]

Yikes Brock, what's that white strap hanging out in the wind?

[brs]

Originally Posted by PW_Plack

Yikes Brock, what's that white strap hanging out in the wind?

I put that there for you Paul. Actually, it's lacing cord, a backup for the camera suction mount (prop saver). Didn't realize it was going to be in the picture.

[brs]

Another video. about 10 min long, no music, dry but I posted it anyway. Part of my Phase I flights. Shot yesterday. Still need to track the rotors so there is some vibration.

http://youtu.be/Jd8ozme6-5k