N36KJ Flies First Time

[PapuaPilot]

Congrats Fred, that is great news. What is your empty weight?

[Delta Whisky]

Congrats and thanks for the details that support a vicarious enjoyment.

[alexM]

Woohoo! Nicely done. Let us know how the continued shake down adjustments (both you and the plane) go.

[Maverick]

Thank you to all.

I flew today and left the airfield for the first time. I flew to a practice area and tested for stalls. With no flaps I was getting 43-45 indicated and with 20 degrees I was getting 41-43. Does this sound about right compared to other 912s?

Slow flight at 55mph was very comfortable. S-turns and turns about a point were uneventful.

With the pitch that I have the prop set at I was seeing 100mph at 5200rpm, 105 at 5400 . I'll open the pitch on the prop next flight to check for performance with more bite. What are you seeing at these rpm settings?

Today was a standard day and I was climbing at 1100fpm on take off at 75mph no flaps.

Best glide with engine at idle was 65mph.

Best maneuvering speed seemed to be about 75mph.

Total test time 1.4hrs. I would have stayed longer but my old guys bladder was screaming about my morning coffee. Note to self, next time just one cup.

With about half the oil cooler covered with aluminum tape my oil temp was running 168 degrees.

I'm new to the Rotax. I've always flown Continentals and much prefer them to the Rotax but, the performance difference is astounding. It seemed like there were differences in the smoothness of the Rotax engine at various rpm settings. I have the IvoProp medium three blade and wondered if there is any balancing that has to be done. There was no earth-shattering vibrations when it was noticeable. A slight up or down change in rpm setting would smooth things out.

My landing was successful but, I wouldn't say it was pretty. I think I'm stalling too high above the runway letting it sink too fast. I'll try tickling the throttle a little next time so maybe I can get that tailwheel down first. What about flaps? I don't use flaps on landings and I know I need to practice it but, as a general question, do you use flaps when landing and if so how much?

Cheated death once again.
Fred

[Sahota]

I use some, but very little flapperon on landing, maybe 15 degrees(ish) full flapperon in slow flight, like on approach, tends to produce a little left roll in my airplane. Pretty common to give a little throttle to get some elevator back. I have to be careful because my 582 will also give me some yaw if I "tickle" too much.

[efwd]

Damn, glad your able to tell us. Another thing, it speaks volumes about you and those who are willing to share such stories. I firmly believe that sharing saves lives and Im glad as hell to be associated with the likes. Thanks

[efwd]

I think about that adage alot. Particularly if I am in a BFE location like Death Valley.