Streak Shadow ZU – BHD, - new member – Based at Rhino

[georgeh]

Thanks a lot for the info. Will give them a call. Where you from? Andy, the name?
Right phoned them while busy with this. Brett apparently left for Joburg, back next week. The young lady that answered is a little confused. This was about all i could make out, only camping or self catering and they have a restaurant. Accomodation from R165 pp p night.
The landing strip still open. GREAT!!!!Will keep investigating.

George

[AndyG]

George I am from Lightflight. Been going there for 15 years. Don't get there too often at the moment but you will know me if you see me. i helped you move your plane a few months back and we had to squeeze it between the tractor and the hangar. You the Pinetown Pets man if I am correct?

[georgeh]

Ok!!! That was easy. This planet far too small to hide! Remember that day very well. Thanks for your help that day, was a tight squeeze. How did you put this picture together? Yes i'm from Pinetown Pets. You must pop in and reintroduce yourself. Are you flying anything at the moment?

George

[MMW]

Conversion eventually done, was probably the most exciting experience since going solo-unbelievable view out the cockpit, responsive, easy to land - everything just feels right. But will definitely have the prop pitch set as can over-rev even when climbing,+ difficult to keep the rpm constant- very sensitive power curve
So I hope after some adjustments will be goining u guys on this trip!!

[georgeh]

Hi Mark
Congratulations on your conversion. So many people have told me what a great plane the shadows are. For someone like me who has never flown another aircraft, its difficult to understand what this aircraft has,that others dont. Do you not have the horrible mirror effect of your instruments on your cockpit hatch? Can you shed more light on this and other pro's of the Shadow? When you say you over reving, how high are you reving on the ground. You want 6200 when the plane is stationary. Had a wake up call yesterday thou. Hit a nasty "air pocket", i think. felt like someone hit my plane with a telephone pole. My stand-by radio went flying and the rear door latch on the cockpit came open. Needless to say that i am going to improve on the original design.
Landed at Evas field for the first time yesterday. One of the nicest strips i've landed on, 700m of amazing grass. Thank you James.
You guys need to let me know when you's want to do the trip.

Regards
George

[MMW]

Hi George

Must say that im very impressed so far, I don’t have much experience with other aircraft – few hours in Cessna 172, Tecnam Echo, Jabi, this was my first flight in a three axis microlight and was pleasantly surprised as expected to be thrown around in the windy conditions – handled the wind like a tecnam R700000 machine!, Felt solid and very stable
I can honestly say that within 10 seconds after leaving the ground I felt very confident and comfortable – everything just felt incredible, excellent horizontal attitude, amazing acceleration (a sensation u don’t feel in the other machines), smooth,- and again not to forget to mention the unbelievable unobstructed view. On downwind with the throttle back AI read 80mph – cant wait to see what she can do. What speeds do you get, cruise, flat out etc., what does your GPS show on windless days?.
I didn’t notice any reflection on the window/windshield but then would have probably missed it as was really concentrating and trying to download as much information as possible.
When stationary on the ground will rev to just over 6800rpm so definitely too high!> not 100% happy with the motor as rpm was up and down but I do believe that its because I have to reduce throttle to keep out of the red and then falls out of the power band – EGT’s a bit on the high side but never went into the red and remained pretty even.
So will keep the flying above the field until totally happy before attempting any cross countries –
– in the near future some serious fun to be had.

Eagerly awaiting Rudi’s photo’s of my first flight

Cheers Mark

[Rudix]

Guys, Mark handled the first flight like a pro! Great take-off and a smooth landing!!

Well done Mark, now the fun starts!

A few photos of Mark's first flight.











Fly safe,
Rudi

[MMW]

Thanks Rudi

[Rudix]

Thanks Rudi

Pleasure!

There are a few more photos, you can see the rest of Saturdays photos here: http://zu-avb.hopto.org/photos/20091205

See you at Rhino!
Regards,
Rudi

[georgeh]

Looooking really good Mark. That rpm way too high.You say your motor drops out of the powerband very easy. That sounds really strange. I race Karts and those 125cc drop out of the powerband, i haven't found that with my 582. Maybe you need to check those carburettors. You have to remember my plane is a Shadow not a streak. My VNE is 94kts. Streak VNE 121kts, i think. Economical cruise is about 65/70 kts at between 5200 & 5400 rpm. I can push her to 85kts straight and level,easy, nose down on the trim and then back off to 5800 and she will maintain 80 kts, but then she's thirsty and the stick hard as a rock on the ailerons. And if you put her in a dive be carefull that ASI just climbs like a rev counter. My airspeed indicator pretty accurate when compared with gps so ground speed will be relative to the wind speed.
Those pics are really amazing. Cant wait to meet you guys. This weather in natal really sucks at the moment.
Keep it tidy and stay close to airfield for now.
Regards
George

[MMW]

Thanks George – will hopefully have this rpm issue sorted out on Saturday. Am I correct in saying that the only difference between the Shadow and Streak shadow is the wing-span (10m, 8m). if possible pls upload a few pics.
Rudi’s photo’s are very professional, obviously has the right touch and knows at what angle to take the shadow makes the shadow look even better.

Jas – any more news on your shadow? + Seen your advert for the prop - still available?

[georgeh]

Mark, the Shadows wing is proportionally larger on all the dimensions.
Going to try add some photos.
George.
Cant do this upload. going to email to Rudi and ask if he can upload them.

[georgeh]

tried to post a pic. hope it works

[georgeh]

Mark, i think i got it right. I'll attach photos with the pannier tanks.

[MMW]

George – nice paint scheme , I hope to spruce up BHD once a few hours under my belt - something like this (not very imaginative )