Continue to Tweek and Adjust

I went flying today.  I stayed in the pattern and did 4 touch-and-goes.  Also, before going up I updated the FAA data base.  During the run-up the left EGT began going crazy.  It would jump from the same temp as the right EGT to off the scale and a RED X would overlay the widget, then it would instantaneously come back to normal.  After the run up it was normal again.  I took off and flew and all was good.  When I got back and shut down the dreaded RED X came back on.  At that point I upgraded the SkyView software to Version 10.  After the upgrade the EMS page had showed a CANOPY OPEN with a big RED dot.  Tom Driscoll told me after he upgraded to Version 10 the EMS page was different.  Because I had already run into this situation when I upgraded to Version 7 I had the download from the Dynon Forum to put the Vans EMS setting back on the SkyView.  I uploaded that file and the EMS page is back to the way it was before the upgrade.  I can always upgrade to the CANOPY OPEN EMS page if I decide to install the canopy latch switch.   I did some checking on the Dynon Forum for the EGT problem and decided it is most likely a connector crimp that is the problem.  I checked the connections and even relocated them in the engine compartment.  I replaced one of the female spade connectors because one came off while I was checking them.  We will see what happens tomorrow when I go out to fly.

I decided to start installing the fairings on the steps and main gear legs.  I need to install the pants and put the fairings on the main gear pants.

Wing Tip Rash

I flew the airplane on the 16^th.  I went up and did 4 touch-and-goes and then flew down to the south end of the valley over Herriman.  It was good to be up in the air again.  Today I fixed some rash on the wing tips.  In moving the airplane to TVY the tips of each wing received some minor paint damage.  The paint was worn off at the leading edge of each tip.  I touched the tips up today.  I continue to work on the STANDBY NETWORK ERROR on the SkyView.  I asked Van’s for some suggestions as to what to do and was told I should go to Dynon.  I am planning to do so but thought I might get some preliminary direction from Van’s.

Return N419AJ to South Valley Regional

This morning Arlene drove me to the Tooele airport.  We prepped the airplane for a short flight.  We went through the pre-flight together and I helped her climb in.  We went through the pre-start check list and then started the engine.  After warming the oil we taxied to the run-up area at the end of runway 35.  We completed the run-up and pre-flight portion of the check list, closed the canopy and took the runway.  After an uneventful take-off roll we were air-born.  We didn’t have a lot of time so we just flew around the area for 30 minutes and landed. 

I helped her get out of the airplane and took her picture.  I think she also has an RV grin.  Arlene drove the car to South Valley Regional (U42) and I flew the airplane.  I got there before she did of course.  I opened the hangar and rolled the airplane inside.  It looks like it belongs there.  We are driving to Tucson and then Gilbert, AZ on Monday.  Soon I hope to make this trip by air in our own airplane.

Flight Test Cards Complete

Yesterday and today I flew the 5-flight test cards.  The airplane handled flawlessly.  It is really a fun airplane to fly.  After my last flight today I put the canopy cover on N419AJ and headed for home.  Arlene will drive me back to the Tooele airport tomorrow and I will fly the airplane to South Valley Regional (U42) and put it back in its hangar. For some reason I have developed a network error on the SkyView.  There is no backup for the AP servos.  I don’t know what that means but I will contact Dynon and get it resolved.

Taxi Test, Compass Calibration, First Flight

Today was a red letter day!  I started by driving out the to the Tooele Airport to do the taxi test and calibrate the compass.  Both went very well.  I did the various  taxi procedures and all went well.  I prepped the airplane and then did both.  After the procedures were complete I put the airplane back in its parking place and went home. 

The weather cooperated so at 6:45 pm Arlene and I left home and drove to Tooele.  We got there about 7:30 pm.  The winds were light, 030 at 5 kts.  There was no traffic reporting during our trip out or while we were getting ready to fly.  I prepped the airplane, showed Arlene how to use the handheld radio and got in.  I started the engine and everything was in the green.  I taxied out to the run up area, announced “Experimental 41 niner Alpha Juliet taking runway 35 for a first flight. Will remain in the area.”  

I taxied out to the threshold, advanced the throttle and started down the runway.  In no time I was at 55 kts and gently pulled back on the stick.  I was air born almost immediately.  What a sensation.  I flew for 0.5 hours on the Hobbs meter and made 1-touch and go and 1-full stop landing.  Right after that a Cessna made a touch and go then he was gone. 

Arlene took some photos of my touch and go but they are long distance and hard to see the airplane.  She took some photos of me taxying back to the parking spot. She did take a picture of my RV GRIN!  Today was a GREAT DAY!

Move Airplane to Tooele Airport for First Flight

Today I used my grandsons, Cameron and Kaleb to help me move the airplane to the Tooele airport for the first flight.  When we arrived at the airport we saw the Memphis Bell take-off and head east.  The Memphis Bell has been at South Valley Regional all weekend giving rides and tours.  It was fun to see it flying overhead yesterday.  Before moving the airplane I started the engine and increased the idle speed from 1100 RPMs to about 1500 RPMs.  I had the boys sit in the cockpit while I adjusted the carb. 

We then removed the wings and loaded the fuselage on the trailer.  John McDonald, the CFI who helped me with my private license and is in a hangar down the way from me stopped by.  He said, “you are getting pretty good at removing the wings.”  I answered, “yes I am.” 

After leaving the fuselage at the Tooele Airport we returned to South Valley Regional for the wings. It was a long trip back to Tooele, but we finally got there and installed the wings. While we were there Tom Driscoll flew in.  He came to see how we were doing.  It was a little windy, but Tom made a few touch and goes while he was waiting for us to arrive on the scene.  He has a sweet airplane.

We tied the airplane down and I locked the canopy and off we went.  I am planning to go out tomorrow and do the taxi testing and wait for low or calm winds for the first flight.