Sorry for the delay but I am happy to report that my XS Monowheel (G-RJWX,
No. 359) took to the air for the first time on Tuesday 11th September. (Yes,
on THAT day!) The awful news came through just as the engine was being
started and, as can be imagined, all our thoughts were with the Americans
and our event felt very insignificant indeed.
David Bowie did the honours (many thanks, David) and reported that she flew
very well and climbs like the proverbial Nostalgic Angel!
During the subsequent test-flying we found a very slight tendency to turn
right but, with a small Fletner-type strip added to the rudder trailing
edge, it now flies dead straight with hands and feet off. Apart from that,
the testing was completed without any problems.
The full Permit is now in my sticky little hands and I am undergoing a
type-conversion course with the PFA Coaching Scheme - just wish the
weather and my coach could synchronise!
WX has the 912S engine with Wardrive, ground-adjustable prop set at
21.5degrees. The timed climb from 500 to 1500 feet called for in the test
took 1min. 10secs. at 1370lbs. and the ASI reads 120kts. at 5000 rpm and
2000ft. so, room for some tweaking there, perhaps!
She weighed-in at 797lbs originally but the c of g was a mile too far
forward and I ended up adding no less than 15lbs. of lead to the stern-post!
However, at 813lbs there is still a very useful payload and it's almost
impossible to put the c of g out of limits.
All in all, I am a very happy bunny and it makes my 4 years work all worth
while.
Perhaps I might be permitted to use this space to thank the following:-
Neville Eyre and Andy Draper at the factory for their invaluable help and
support. All other staff there, too, for theirs. David Bowie for the big
part he has (and still is!) playing in the project and to Sam Jerrett my
good friend and neighbour for his help when it was most needed (and the loan
of many of his tools!) To Francis Donaldson and his team at PFA and, of
course, to everyone out there reading this (are you still there?) for the
many hints, tips and opinions that flow so generously from you all. Your
support and encouragement are priceless.
Best wishes to you all,
Ron Jones.
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