Tim,
Well done! I know how great you will feel after all this time.
We are just back from 9 weeks in the UK, Europe and the US and although I
did a little of flying (including some in a Europa in the UK) I have really
missed my plane. Have now done about 5 hrs since getting back last
Wednesday. Flying in this big high that is over us now is just wonderful.
Hope to get to meet you one day soon.
Again, congratulations.
With very best regards.
Sue and Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Ward" <ward.t@xtra.co.nz>
<jenni@avsure.co.nz>; "Jane Stillwell" <jstillwell@btconnect.com>; "Ian
Bentham" <ian@ianbentham.org>; "Greg&Tonia Clarke" <greg.tonia@xtra.co.nz>;
"Andy Draper" <andy@europa-aircraft.com>
Subject: Europa-List: First Flight for ZK-TIM Monowheel Classic
>
>
> Well, after 7 years 1 month, with an extended high pressure system
enveloped the Canterbury Plains my wife asked me if this is THE day.
> I said "I suppose so, no excuses now".
> ZK-TIM had done 2.5 hours of ground running, taxy tests (Low speed and
High ish speeds) and all looked good. A few minor problems that would have
to go on the MEL (Minimum Equipment List..airline jargon) but quite within
the DDPG (airline jargon) otherwise after 5 hours on flying other Europas I
was confident.
> With the family standing outside the Wigram hangar I completed the run-up
and now 'let the truth be told'.
> The Rotax 912S with Airmaster Prop (empty weight 841 lbs) was very eager
to show me what it can do, and it didn't let me down. A very rapid
acceleration occurred, the forward pressure on the stick to raise the tail
was soon calling and what an impressive performance. Climbed away at 65kts
and the undercarriage came up with ease. Climb selected on the Airmaster
Prop I had to bring the MP back quickly to stop busting altitudes! and
gaining too much speed. Took it around the circuit, with a glide approach
always available, to try out the controls and they were very responsive. A
little port aileron down needed to stop roll (may be my weight) otherwise
rudder balance good and elevator very effective.
> Did an approach and overshoot to 200ft to try out the gear extension/
retraction again (and wave to the family) and then climbed to 3000ft out of
the circuit to try one clean stall recovering at the buffet and that was
sweet. Tried it with gear/flap down only to the initial buffet and that was
sweet. Very mild, no wing drop and easy recovery.
> Oil temperatures and pressures were all good, within the Rotax parameters.
This was a relief as I have the Classic cowlings and for the Rotax 912S I
changed the position of the Oil Cooler to underneath the spinner within the
same lines as the lower cowling. Airmaster Propeller worked very well as
expected.
> Then returned for a landing on the grass approaching 65 kts and brought it
back to 60kts and it quietly settled on the grass.
> Many thanks to all you guys for tremendous help and friendship during the
building. Also to Andy and Neville and John for their wisdom and advice;
Europa and Ivan for such a 'classy' aircraft, and my wife, Adrienne, whom I
married at the beginning of the build, produced 3 children during the build,
and we are still together at the end of the build!!!
> A special thanks to Gavin Lee, Russell Lister, Pat Scotter Ron Smith and
Tony K. of NZ, who have always been so accommodating with their expertise.
> Keep building, as that 'Europa smile' when I returned back, captured by
the family , is well worth waiting for.
>
> Cheers,
> Tim
> Tim Ward
> 12 Waiwetu Street,
> Fendalton,
> Christchurch, 8005
> New Zealand.
> Ph 0064 3 3515166
> ward.t@xtra.co.nz
>
>
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