Way to go Tim! Congratulations.
Kevin
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Tim Ward
Ian Bentham; Greg Andy Draper
Subject: Europa-List: First Flight for ZK-TIM Monowheel Classic
Well, after 7 years 1 month, with an extended high pressure system enveloped
the Canterbury Plains my wife asked me if this is THE day.
I said "I suppose so, no excuses now".
ZK-TIM had done 2.5 hours of ground running, taxy tests (Low speed and High
ish speeds) and all looked good. A few minor problems that would have to go
on the MEL (Minimum Equipment List..airline jargon) but quite within the
DDPG (airline jargon) otherwise after 5 hours on flying other Europas I was
confident.
With the family standing outside the Wigram hangar I completed the run-up
and now 'let the truth be told'.
The Rotax 912S with Airmaster Prop (empty weight 841 lbs) was very eager to
show me what it can do, and it didn't let me down. A very rapid acceleration
occurred, the forward pressure on the stick to raise the tail was soon
calling and what an impressive performance. Climbed away at 65kts and the
undercarriage came up with ease. Climb selected on the Airmaster Prop I had
to bring the MP back quickly to stop busting altitudes! and gaining too much
speed. Took it around the circuit, with a glide approach always available,
to try out the controls and they were very responsive. A little port aileron
down needed to stop roll (may be my weight) otherwise rudder balance good
and elevator very effective.
Did an approach and overshoot to 200ft to try out the gear extension/
retraction again (and wave to the family) and then climbed to 3000ft out of
the circuit to try one clean stall recovering at the buffet and that was
sweet. Tried it with gear/flap down only to the initial buffet and that was
sweet. Very mild, no wing drop and easy recovery.
Oil temperatures and pressures were all good, within the Rotax parameters.
This was a relief as I have the Classic cowlings and for the Rotax 912S I
changed the position of the Oil Cooler to underneath the spinner within the
same lines as the lower cowling. Airmaster Propeller worked very well as
expected.
Then returned for a landing on the grass approaching 65 kts and brought it
back to 60kts and it quietly settled on the grass.
Many thanks to all you guys for tremendous help and friendship during the
building. Also to Andy and Neville and John for their wisdom and advice;
Europa and Ivan for such a 'classy' aircraft, and my wife, Adrienne, whom I
married at the beginning of the build, produced 3 children during the build,
and we are still together at the end of the build!!!
A special thanks to Gavin Lee, Russell Lister, Pat Scotter Ron Smith and
Tony K. of NZ, who have always been so accommodating with their expertise.
Keep building, as that 'Europa smile' when I returned back, captured by the
family , is well worth waiting for.
Cheers,
Tim
Tim Ward
12 Waiwetu Street,
Fendalton,
Christchurch, 8005
New Zealand.
Ph 0064 3 3515166
ward.t@xtra.co.nz
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