Justin's Raven

[AndyCAP]

BTW is the reg FSR a legacy from the OS FSR model engines form the '80s ? If so it should be a very reliable plane

[justin.schoeman]

No first flight this weekend. Battling with logistics of the final checks and signouts... Need to get ahead of the game at work, so that I can take some time off and get all the necessary signatures.

[justin.schoeman]

At home at Rhino Park:

Cowls are still off for the initial break in runs (following the Great Plains recommended break in procedure). Engine is purring nicely now on fresh Avgas, but I still need to get the tuning right. First run was marginally lean, the next a little rich. Will tweak some more tomorrow, and hopefully get it just right .

Checked the timing, and all four ignitions seem to be fine (gack, what a pita...).

Still need to organise someone to do the compass calibration, compass swing, and radio and transponder check. Hopefully get this sorted out next week, and get the AP to sign everything off!

[t-bird]

Well done Justin. Post a video of the first flight.

Regards

Callie

[Jean Crous]

Hey Justin ! That aerie is a good looking machine
Geniet al jou ure se harde werk !!
Groete
Jean.

[justin.schoeman]

Some pictures from the move. It was quite an exercise, seeing as the wheel base is a hair under 2.2m (actually a bit over, if you count the forks too). I have only ever found one rental trailer that fits (barely) - but that was not available. A bit of ingenuity, and a few stout planks solved the problem .

Sunday's rain interrupted the engine runs. So far done 3 of the 6 runs, and nearly have the carb dialed in (although I may need to try a leaner needle).

Temps look good. Max 190C after 5 minutes at 2500RPM with the normal baffles, and only 160C with the ground run baffles. Another 2 minutes at full power got it up to 190C. I expect it will do fine with a little air speed to keep things cool...

Max static RPM is only 2950, which is a little disappointing. I really hope it does make enough power to fly well.

At the moment, I am losing ~0.6" in manifold pressure (measure 25.4" with the engine off, and 24.8" at full throttle), so I will try to find a dust free area for a run, and see what it is like without the airfilter. Perhaps it is too small?

Another busy week ahead at work, but hopefully I will be able to take Thursday, or Friday off to do the cables and weighing.

[Tailspin]

Nice one Justin.

You keep at it Brother.

[AndyCAP]

Wow this is really exciting Justin! Must be really surreal to be so close do realising your dream! I suppose now it really takes discipline to get everything 100%. She really looks beautiiful!

[t-bird]

Any updates ?

[justin.schoeman]

Any updates ?

Two steps forward, one step back, and one step sideways this weekend...

I got the cable tensions, control deflections, etc, all set. And safety wired all bolts, adjusters and turnbuckles.

I _nearly_ got the carb dialed in perfectly, before the dustcover blew off, and I got a load of dirt in the carb. I then had to strip and clean the carb (in the process destroying the fine adjustment I had just been doing) - so I am starting again with a hopelessly out-of-tune carb. Then, with all the starting, I ran out of battery before I got it properly tuned again.

The radio and instruments checked out, but the transponder may be toast (note to self: do not buy used equipment from ebay). Also found out that you shouldn't put the compass too close to the MGL - seems there is a nice magnet inside the MGL. So I need to blank off the compass hole, and fit a cowl/ceiling mounted compass.

Getting there, but still a way to go...

[Boet]

You have done very good so far, just a little more vasbyt,, and you WILL get there!!

[justin.schoeman]

You have done very good so far, just a little more vasbyt,, and you WILL get there!!

Thanks Boet. A hard push should see the last sign-offs this weekend, and then submit the PFA application.

Just got a call from Mike Beekman - as expected the transponder tube is toast - BUT he may have a good used one - so I might just have a functional transponder. Just need to find a pedestal mounted compass in a hurry. Maybe as a temporary measure, I can make a bracket for the panel mounted compass... I will see what I can do!

[Tailspin]

Justin

I got a Dash mounted Compas at home somewhere, it was actually for the Pink Lady but have never got round to Mounting it.
It will get you going for interrim

[justin.schoeman]

Justin

I got a Dash mounted Compas at home somewhere, it was actually for the Pink Lady but have never got round to Mounting it.
It will get you going for interrim

Thanks - will hopefully get the one from Goose. That way I can mount it well away from everything...

Justin

[justin.schoeman]

A few more tasks done, but the goal post is still a week, or so, away... Had the AP out this afternoon, and after scrutinising every nut and bolt for ~2 hours, he found one wire that was not properly insulated (it is a ground wire, so I did not bother, as the only thing it can touch is ground).

Aside from that, the last real task is the W&B. I have located scales, but in all likelihood, I will only get hold of them next weekend - so I will loose another week...

Also had a minor scare when the AP did the static thrust test. I took his readings, and worked out that the static thrust was 130lbs. I nearly gave up then, until we cross checked, and he said '260', not '160' as I had entered - this works out at 210lbs (which is actually pretty good for a VW at this altitude).

After this, I must admit that I broke one of the rules of aircraft testing, as I actually took it onto the runway for a fast taxi test (which shouldn't be done, unless the aircraft is 100% airworthy). But I really wanted to see how it accelerated, and there were lots of bystanders to twist my rubber arm.

Anyway, I set myself a hard limit of 40kts (stall is ~44kts), and set off down the runway. First thing I realised was '-censored- the bloody prop is turning the wrong way!' Old reflexes kicked in, and I subconsciously added a little right rudder, as I added power. Not a good idea with a VW! A bootfull of left rudder, and a bit of drunken driving got me back onto the centre line.

By the time I got back to the centre, I was indicating 40kts and 3150 RPM, so I pulled the power. I estimate that I used between 100, and 150m to get to 40kts, which is better than I am used to in the Jabirus, so I am thinking this engine may actually be OK!

Dropping back through 30kts (2/3 of stall speed), I pulled back on the stick, and lifted the nose. Needed about 3/4 stick deflection, and I still had enough to ease it down gently again, so the basic high speed taxi parameters check out fine.

All round, a successful day!

Justin