Ron Jones wrote:
> 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.
>
Congratulations Ron,
Good to hear of another Europa taking to the skies.
What RPMs were you making in the time-to-climb
(500'-1500') test?
Which exhaust do you have? The older style round
muffler (silencer) or the newer oblong one with ball
joints between the header pipes and the muffler?
Are you by any chance using the Skydrive carb
heat kit?
regards,
Terry Seaver
A135
|