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Clive J
Joined: 03 Nov 2007
Posts: 340
Location: UK
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 Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 10:35 am Post subject: Esqual test flying-Update |
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All the discussion about the new bungee less trim has been very timely
for me....
Firstly, thanks again for the feedback and tips from both the US and
Australia, I was going up a rat hole in the wrong direction, after
reading 4 E mails I was quickly in possession of the info to get to
where we did today. Malcolm, in Australia, has the same system as me and
has it sorted so his instructions were invaluable.
I've been very lucky to get Stan Hodgkins to test my plane, Stan flew
for her majesty and then for an awful lot of other folk and nowadays
displays his RV8 at air shows in the UK. He patiently checked out the
different configurations and adjustments for me.
We flew today with a fixed tab on the trailing edge of the elevator
giving enough up elevator to fly in trim at 85 knots. The bungees at the
rear (pulling up elevator) were set up with very little effect just
enough to support the elevator's weight (and a bit) as recommended by
Malcolm (and suggested by Earl for the new system as it happens). The
front bungees on the manual system are in between the front seats and
pull on the linkage that goes from under the panel to the seat backs,
the 'pull' give nose down elevator. These I set so they did nothing with
the lever back and put some nose down trim when forward.
The positive stability was proven in this configuration and I let out a
big sigh.
Next I added a second fixed tab to increase the up elevator trim so an
approach could be flown 'in trim'.
I tensioned the manual trim bungees a little more so nose down trim
could be added as the plane speed was increased.
Second flight showed good characteristics and we now had a better spread
of trim speed. Certainly enough for me to get converted onto the Esqual
however the fickle English weather was having none of it and after
flying two approaches and one take off I decided I need a smooth day and
not 15k gusting 25 with some serious thermic activity thrown in. My home
field also has the hangar in the middle of the runway and landing 'down
the side' adds another element that wasn't helping.
Whilst I made a hash of the second landing (I only did two) I recalled
Buz's comments about 'calibrating my hand', my brain was directing
Jabiru type inputs and the plane was doing completely other stuff of
course. I put the Esqual away and fetched the trusty Jabiru out to take
Stan back to his home field.
It's clear to me that fitting the Lightning trim system is essential to
getting positive support from the LAA so I'm hoping to get hold of one
ASAP from Arion.
Many thanks again for all the comments, help and encouragement. I feel
I've got there at last after today so am relaxing with a cold one by way
of celebration.
The stability issue has always worried me, the LAA chief engineer flew
with Francesc in Moia in 2004 and discovered it so I knew it had to be
right to get anywhere at all with UK approval. I still have some way to
go yet but that particular hurdle has been jumped. Whether the problem
was W+B or bungee induced I don't know. They did fit a large steel hub
behind the propeller to get the C of G forward and that helped, this was
with the Rotax of course. History now of course though you maybe
interested to hear Esqual production is planned to restart in Sweden any
time soon. The plane will be a ULM again (microlite).
I'll shortly be after updated flying hours for the Esquals in the world
so I have the biggest number to add to the case for re-review of the
type.
Best regards to everyone from England, Clive
P.S. Nick has just E mailed to tell me he'll get a trim kit packed up
shortly, brilliant service!
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N1BZRich(at)aol.com
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 3:00 am Post subject: Esqual test flying-Update |
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In a message dated 6/27/2008 2:36:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, clive.james(at)uk.bp.com writes:
| Quote: | | enough for me to get converted onto the Esqual |
Hey Clive, Congratulations on you flying your "jet". And yes, the Esqual does fly a lot more like a "jet" than does the Jabiru. Once you get your hand calibrated for the Esqual you will really love the way she flies. When you get the chance give us an updated flight report for the newsletter.
buz
Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
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