Well, OK, I went flying today--took out 3 planes: Snapper, new LilGeo, and LittleAxe. Flew one: LittleAxe. Why not the other 2, you ask? BECAUSE, I couldn't get the engines to run...I sure oughtta listen to myself more. The Snapper has a production Cox engine; I got it started but it quit before I got to the handle and wouldn't start again. Acts like something's probably under the reed. The LilGeo is even more asinine: It has a new VA .049 on it, never been run...my half-baked plan was to run a couple of tanks through it on the ground, then put it up in the air. 'Way stiff, never got it to start. What was I thinking?
But my trusty Norvel .061 in the LittleAxe didn't let me down...fired right up, ran like a champ, as always; the airplane is great! I actually believe I could enter a Stunt contest with this plane, note I didn't say win anything, but compete at least. It turns the prettiest square corners you ever saw, I can square it out at the bottom with nary a bobble, sits on a rail flying level upright or inverted...makes even me look better than I am. Very nice controlled glide, smooooooth landing. Only little problem is a trim issue: it gets a little light on the lines overhead, enough to make me a little nervous. I'm gonna add some tip weight and move the leadouts forward about 1/4" and see if that helps any. Running a 6x2, 48' lines, it's turning a 5+ second lap, may be a little slow. I'll try a 6x3 next time out. Also my clunk tank didn't cut off cleanly, it burped around a few laps first...I'm changing the length of the uniflow vent for next time. All in all, a positive beginning to the 2007 flying season for me.
Next opportunity, I guess I'll take the Queen Bee out and see what it'll do...and the Autogyro. But I'm gonna run the engines first in the back yard, I promise!
--Ray