Danny
06-18-2011, 10:17 PM
N568DP made it's first flight this afternoon. After 3.5 years of confinement, he made it to freedom.
Made several initial taxi runs & static runup. Had to adjust the pitch on the prop to get the proper static rpm. The Whirlwind prop is rated to a maximum of 2700 rpm. Pitch is set at 18 degrees for now.
Once the rain moved out and the sky cleared, there was nothing left to do but go fly. Tracked straight & true down the runway, broke ground and just flew great right from the start. Ground handling is similar to a Cessna 120/140 with the control in the air, crisp & precise. Love the way it flys.
Can't give any real numbers on performance yet. Once the engine is broken in, and I have a few hours on the plane I will report back. Looks like cruise is around 105 mph with no speed fairings on the struts. Initial climb is around 700 fpm, but I'm keeping the nose down & climbing out at a leisurely pace to keep the engine temps in check while I break in the engine. Take off distance is probably in the 500 foot range. Once again, not really pushing it, just letting the plane fly when it gets ready.
Have some minor adjustments in the engine compartment & sorting out the Grand Rapids EIS, other than that I am EXTREMELY HAPPY & PLEASED with how this airplane flies. Looking forward to exploring what this plane has to offer.
Danny
Super Sport
FLYING
Made several initial taxi runs & static runup. Had to adjust the pitch on the prop to get the proper static rpm. The Whirlwind prop is rated to a maximum of 2700 rpm. Pitch is set at 18 degrees for now.
Once the rain moved out and the sky cleared, there was nothing left to do but go fly. Tracked straight & true down the runway, broke ground and just flew great right from the start. Ground handling is similar to a Cessna 120/140 with the control in the air, crisp & precise. Love the way it flys.
Can't give any real numbers on performance yet. Once the engine is broken in, and I have a few hours on the plane I will report back. Looks like cruise is around 105 mph with no speed fairings on the struts. Initial climb is around 700 fpm, but I'm keeping the nose down & climbing out at a leisurely pace to keep the engine temps in check while I break in the engine. Take off distance is probably in the 500 foot range. Once again, not really pushing it, just letting the plane fly when it gets ready.
Have some minor adjustments in the engine compartment & sorting out the Grand Rapids EIS, other than that I am EXTREMELY HAPPY & PLEASED with how this airplane flies. Looking forward to exploring what this plane has to offer.
Danny
Super Sport
FLYING