----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Harrison" <ptag.dev@tiscali.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: First Flight for ZK-TIM Monowheel Classic
> Well done Tim ! Congratulations.
> Just keep away from my wife ! (Just a joke, mate!)
> Regards
> Bob Harrison G-PTAG
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tim Ward" <ward.t@xtra.co.nz>
> To: <ann-nev@xtra.co.nz>; "Neville Eyre" <neville@europa-aircraft.com>;
> <jenni@avsure.co.nz>; "Jane Stillwell" <jstillwell@btconnect.com>; "Ian
> Bentham" <ian@ianbentham.org>; "Greg&Tonia Clarke"
<greg.tonia@xtra.co.nz>;
> "Andy Draper" <andy@europa-aircraft.com>
> Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2004 4:58 AM
> 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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