Finally got my "re-intro" trainer together.
It has the Brett Buck/DirtyDan set-up:
OS .20 FP ABN, 9x4 APC, baffled E-2030, remote needle, shimmed Hayes 3 oz clunk on muffler pressure.
Other than a couple personalized touches, lengthened/veneered ply doublers & salvaged RM lg, it's built stock.
I only hope it lasts long enough to make me wish I'd done more modding!
Also refinished the fuse w/tissue/clear spray can enamel.
Tail skid is from a plastic toothbrush handle, pinned and epoxied.
Flew it for the first time yesterday - beautiful weather, sunny, a bit gusty but the wind calmed nicely after ~ 1:30.
The good news:
It was trimmed out plenty well enough as built to be stable and controllable right off.
My bud Steve Maddox flew the initial trim flight and even did a few loops.
The Freak and I both made it thru 2 flights short-tanked to ~3 mins flight time - it was a bit gusty and I had 1 slack-line heart attack but amidst the palpitations I managed to remember to step back and recovered OK.
Even managed to take off and land 2nd flight.
I've landed a few times recently after being handed the handle but that's the first take-off I've ever attempted; had a lot of concerns but it pretty much took off by itself - which I found is what one should let 'em do.
Think I'm getting used to circling around - didn't end up on a knee.
The bad news:
I got in only 2 flights - the other guys were completely selfish and wanted to fly THEIR planes!!
And I forgot to have someone take PIX!!!
Waiting for next weekend is almost like waiting for Christmas as a young'un!
Terry
P.S. - the Nashville guys are great - I couldn't have experienced today if they hadn't helped, encouraged and most importantly, let me prang a couple of their planes the last month or so.
Cheers for them all!!
Terry