Hi Kevin;
My battery is under the baggage area. I'm not sure of the model number on the
B&C but John Hurst can put you in touch with them if you want one. Don't
despair
about being so far behind me.... I lost my build partner early in the process
and then adopted a baby boy... between all that I knew the plane would not
get finished if I didn't employ Phoenix Composites... I've spent thousands with
them....
Paul
Kevin Klinefelter <kevann@gte.net> wrote:
Hi Paul,
Congratulations, almost. Thanks for posting your list of things that needed
work. I have a couple questions.
With regards to the Weight & Balance, where do you have the battery mounted?
And which B&C alternator do you have?
I am very excited to see how close to flying you are. We got our kits on the
same day, but I am what seems like miles behind you.
Kevin
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Paul Boulet
Subject: Europa-List: First flight (well, almost)
Hi All;
I thought you'd be interested in my tale of first flight... this one was
unsuccessful which I have not seen reported before.
I arrived at Phoenix, Arizona with Kim Prout (West Coast distributor) for an
inspection prior to flight. We found several errors which we spent the next
three days correcting. Items were as follows:
1. A lot of trimming of the rear of the wings was required so that the
ailerons would hit their full left and right stops. Then of course we had
to adjust the linkage to keep the travel within specs.
2. We had to adjust the flaps for full deflection- they were just a couple
degrees off but that was enough so that when the came down the outriggers
did not fully deploy which left them as a hazard to retraction
3. center of gravity was too far forward- altho within limits it was at the
upper range of limits. The plane is quite heavy at 893 pounds without paint
and upholstery. I have the 914 engine, the B&C Alternator and a full panel
of avionics. It killed me to add another 10 pounds just in front of the
tailspring
4. The rudder pedals were sticking or hanging up somewhere still to be
solved... required very heavy forces to move them
5. The leading edge of the wings had primer rolled onto them which Kim said
was too rough... spent an hour or two sanding them smooth with wet sand 320
grit
6. The oil return line was not heat shielded and only an inch or so away
---From the exhaust
7. The ailerons were not balanced well enough and more lead had to be
drilled from the counterbalances
8. The biggest trouble we had was the Grand Rapids EIS (Engine Info.
System). We could not get it to read accurately... jumped from screen to
screen. We tested for proper grounding in several areas and ways... also
replaced the presssure transducer... also contacted Grand Rapids. They were
very helpful but many hours later we still could not get confidence in any
of the readings. Grand Rapids is shipping us a new one which we'll install
later this week. In the meantime Kim and I had to get back to California so
first flight will wait another few weeks or more.....sigh
Thanks to everyone's support in helping me realize this dream
Paul Boulet, N914PB
Malibu, CA
|