One more SH flying

twistair

Living in the Skies
Joined
Nov 24, 2003
Messages
1,161
Location
Kronshtadt, Russia
Aircraft
none own :( currently flying Calidus mostly
Total Flight Time
Don't know exactly, ca. 3000 hours
Glad to inform the gang that today we successfully flew our next SH for the first time. Though it is still winter here we did first flight on wheels (first ship flies on skiis now). Everything went well and aircraft showed same good performance as the previous did. The only problem of winter flying is that SkyDat LCD monitor falls asleep below -10 C (14 F) OAT. This was solved by installing 5W lamp into instrument panel which was enough to keep the monitor warm enough for operation.
This SH looks mostly like the first though it has a servotab and some minor mods. Electric trims again but their controls become simplier - two switches are located on the reinforcement plate between fuel cells.
Here a are couple of photos of the first flying session which also included some introductory flights for newbees.
Recently I've purchased Peltor Lite-Com II headsets which appeared to be a real joy for instruction flights (if you fly at uncontrolled airfield). They have built-in 433 MHz transcievers in each headset so pilot, student and ground can communicate in simplex mode - very useful thing for both instructors and students who can listen cockpit talks while waiting to fly.
I hope to see next SH kit in our workshop soon - it's quite pleasant thing to work on this kit...

Fly 'em safe,
 

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Congratulations, Alex.

It appears to me that AAI should let you test the new doors for the SparrowHawk. You and your students must come from hardy stock. :) :)
 
Way, way cool! (pardon the pun). You must be very proud!
 
Electric vests...

Electric vests...

Great pictures Alex! I ride my motorcycle in 0 celsius and below probaly 2 to 5 times a month. One thing I have found that is wonderful (and I am always trying to spread the word) is electric vests. I have both an electric vest and electric gloves which are controlled by a rheostat. I don't plug in the gloves anymore because it is unwieldy, but it is amazing the difference the vest makes in keeping the body core warm.

You may say that you really don't get cold, you are bundled up enough to stay warm, but you have to try the electric vest with rheostat to appreciate the added comfort. Judging from your pictures, I have to urge you to try a set of electric vests wired into your sparrowhawk and report the difference. I believe you can try them for free (15 day free trial guarantee) from www.Widder.com. They really make a tolerable day enjoyable and a miserable day tolerable. Best of luck.
 
Alex,

Way to go. I am about a month behind you on my second one. It looks like you can fly without number in the cold Moscow area. We can't do that here. I was told that the doors have gone into production and I would guess they will be shipping soon. Heater and defrosters too. I think you need them before me.

Best Regards,
 
Alex,

433 MHz here in the states is part of an amateur (ham) radio band. We have something called "Family Radio Service," FRS for short, which operates between 450 and 470 MHz. The transceivers have up to a half-watt of power, and most can be operated VOX, so they could be fed by an existing intercom.

Those pictures suggest a cold, but very beautiful day!
 
Windy day

Windy day

Got a chance to fly SH in the fresh wind today: it was over 12-13 m/sec (26+ mph). Note the windsock on photo ;)
Slightly turning the rotor by prerotator for 1-2 sec I've quickly got 200-205 rrpm without prerotator - just opening rotor to the wind. TO roll was 7-8 meters only :) :) :) Just imagine what was the landing...My 63 y.o. student was excited - he is an experienced trike pilot but he didn't believe gyro can fly in SUCH mode and in such wind. He does now ;)
 

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Alex, Great Photos. I have almost completed my SH and I am interested on your set up of the electric trim. What, how, pictures.

Tom Korrison
AAI Gyroplanes of San Diego
[email protected]
 
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