The Chipmonk at Eugene

[Brian Massey]

Well the day arrived last Tuesday when my wife and I packed the new untested Chipmonk in the truck and headed to Eugene for the Northwest Regionals! Yea, I've been waiting and anticipating. Our plan was to fly Wednesday and get use to the Chip as I haven't even done the pattern with it yet. The weather cleared slightly and we thought "let's go for it"! My brother called the airport to let them know we would be flying but he was informed that the Eugene PD was using the field for training. Another day of testing the Chip gone! Thursday was set up day for the Eugene Prop Spinners so out we go to the field; I can fly while my brother helped with the set up.

The first flight was to fast, but with time running short I flew the pattern quick and dirty. That was my first pattern with the Chip! Second flight, backed off the needle a quarter turn but still to fast. Third flight backed it off another 1/8 turn . . . getting close, maybe another 1/8 turn. I was really pleased with all engine runs as they were consistant.

Forth flight; the sun was now coming out for the first in days as we launched. Now it's a tad slow, but she pulled over top for the wingover OK. Inside loops, inverted, outside loops . . . THE SUN, I'm blinded! For what ever reason, I also went brain dead and pancaked the Chip in upside down!      

We spent the rest of the afternoon and into the evening putting little pieces back together. The Chip will fly again today, but will not be entered for appearance points. I'll get some pictures posted later.

I've posted some pictures now.

Brian

[Gary Anderson]

Hi Brian,
Sorry to hear about your mishap, HEY!!!!!Wait a minute, I though it was Mike's job to crash?? Hope ya got her back together and you're having fun. Bring home the bacon, looking forward to hearing some of the good stories, Gary (I hope this hobby isn't getting expensive?)

[Tim Wescott]

Man, that makes me feel so much better about pancaking my Nobler two weeks ago.  Sounds like you're getting it back together a lot faster than I am mine, too.

[Brian Massey]

Well the Chip flew again today!    She isn't pretty, and looks funny missing the canopy, but she flew. I took it through 4 flights and I don't think it flies a whole lot different, which is to say there are some trim issues that need to be resolved. For whatever reason it wants to come in on takeoff.    I have to learn to take a step or two back at launch and hope for the best. Using the "eyeball" method, I can see no reason for that to be happening.

The B40 seems to be running very well. Very consistant runs and I'm finally getting the needle about right. The Chip seems to like lap times around 4.9 to 5.1 the best.

I wasn't the only unfortunate sole at the regional, someone flying on the asphalt hooked up their handle backwards (up line on the down side) and crashed a really pretty plane. However, by crashing on Wednesday, I was first!   

Brian

[john e. holliday]

Must be somethng in the air.  Hope things goes better for the rest of you all.