aviator79's build

[efwd]

Sounds like a worthwhile mod. 6mph reduction is impressive. Let us know what you find with the elevator gap seal. I didn't notice any improvement myself. Alex Di Sessa did a pretty detailed test in his youtube videos on the gap seal. If you haven't seen it, check it out. His findings were lackluster as well.

[aviator79]

I did see Alex's video, and it's pretty convincing. Others who have VGs cla a noticable improvement. I figure it's relatively cheap, and won't hurt. I'm sure the mod I really need is more practice.

[aviator79]

Update on the VGs: After a good 6 hours of cross country in smooth air, I'm happy to report that I did not lose as much cruise speed as I thought. Maybe 1-2 mph lost. Almost negligible. Definitely worth it. I have not done the gap seal yet. The material is backordered at Spruce.

[bumsteer]

Brian

Very nice write-up on your build in Sport Aviation. Well done on both the article and your build.

Rick

[Shadowrider]

Did you get the gap seal installed? Did you fly with it yet or still working on EFI?

[aviator79]

I never did the gap seal, so nothing to report there. The EFI is almost ready. I'm just waiting on a throttle arm that I drew up and Thomas is fabricating before I can start it up, tune the EFI, and map the boost. I'm also waiting on some fiberglass supplies to finish building an intake plenum for the intercooler. Shipping is delayed for COVID slowdown. Progress is at a creep and the flying weather is getting good...

[Shadowrider]

I hear you on the weather!!

Some claim the gaps seals help so I was curious.

Just FYI we had to find a longer bolt than what rotax supplies and drill it for the cable so that threads where showing out past the nylon in the lock nut.

[DesertFox4]

Glad you are close to getting airborne again Brian and of course happily with no injuries to recover from.
Lessons learned, shared and headed are valuable to the community. Sharing them does take courage and for that I say thank you. You’re not the first to have to unbuckle and crawl out on the underside of a wing and likely won’t be the last unfortunately.
You’ve left some good tips on evaluating “dry” lake landing conditions.

Man those photos hit hard how quickly a great day of flying can go south. Help seems so far away.
Again, happy you are well Brian.👍

[efwd]

Thank You Brian for sharing. A number of us have been anxiously waiting your story. TWO WEEKS?! Damn that had to weigh on you. So glad it didn't result in any injury and that it will be repaired soon and this all will be behind you.

[bbs428]

"I feel like I hurt my best friend, and it still hurts to think about."

Well said. I can only begin to understand how you feel. With all the effort it takes to get this pile of hardware flying and then have this happen.
I appreciate your post and will take it to heart. I wish you an uneventful return to fair winds and blue sky's.