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
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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