Before I start, Chris (and all) I'm really sorry about not posting more photos during the last few months as I neared completion. I'm just a slug these days. And what time I do have is spent working on the gyro (not posting photos). I don't even have any right now to share.
But.........................
my maiden flight was this morning. It was actually very uneventful. I had fast taxied and picked up the wheels a little last weekend before the wind started crying Mary. I went to the airport last night in hopes that this morning would be good, and was rewarded with a perfect dawn.
I didn't screw around. As soon as I let go of the pre-rotator and eased the stick back the nose wheel popped up (I wasn't even moving yet). The rest was easy. Switch feet to rudder pedals, ease the stick forward, add power and start to gain speed. I made sure I took off with good airspeed and good power. It climbed very well. There were no surprises except the available power compared to the old 447(I stilll love that engine!).
Everything was adjusted almost perfect on the first flight, and I did a little testing.
AUW with 5 gallons is about 720 lbs (remember I'm 240)
582 oil injected with a 68" Warp
23' dragon Wings (might need 24's yet, and Ernie said I needed 25's)
The addition of power from straight and level cruise caused no abrupt pitch changes. Jake mounted the engine a little nose down and I put about 2 degrees negitive incidence in the horizontal. When power was reduced, there was a predictable slow nose over. My slowest sustained flight was about 30 mph with 5000 to 5300 engine rpm. Flew for half an hour close to the airport and did about four touch and goes. Landings improved quickly.
The settings must be wrong on my Red Lion rotor tach because I know I pre-rotated to more than 90 and I definitely wasn't flying at 200.
I did have more stick shake than I wanted, so I'll work on that tomorrow. Because of this, I didn't do any speed tests or load the blades up very much. It was happier flying slow.
And the rudder travel is too extreme so I'll also fix that also.
After the first flight, I tweaked the control rod adjustments for better ergonomics, added just a little more trim spring pressure and went flying again. I did a few vertical decents to help analyze the stick shake. It didn't go away but it got noticeably better with zero airspeed. And I can see that the blades are about 3" out of track. So tomorrow I'll do the shim thing and check the space between the towers again.
All in all, It was an extremely satisfying first flight (thanks to Jake). And I know it's only going to get better. And yes, when I need another gyro kit, I will call Jake again. A great deal on a great machine!
22 days to go!