Thought I would drop a line to outline our progress with 336 to date on the
flight
test programme. First flight was 10 December and with the exception of a minor
problem with the lowering of the gear, all went pretty well, total first
day 45 mins, 2 flights.
Next venture after a thorough inspection (which after fixing the gear problem
found
no problems) was a one hour flight which allowed the test pilot to complete
further handling, ASI calibration, engine handling, etc, no problems found.
Next flight same day again one hour allowed completion of all stall work, cruise
performance, max straight and level, VNE, and climb performance. After this
flight during the roll out the rudder return spring on the passenger side came
off and the rudder failed to achieve full right deflection. Not a problem,
as it happened during parking. This was the only mechanical fault to date, and
aside from a slight tendency to roll right (pilot advises 3.5deg/sec. Not
drastic,
but a good idea to review and look at rectification), and the trim indicator
is almost full deflection to maintain straight and level, but maintains
authority to 155 Knots, all is pretty good.
The stall work which we had been told would be very hairy and violent by another
test pilot, proved to be completely text book, with 44/49 Knots, buffet, gentle
nodding etc flaps / gear up / down / power on / off accelerated stalls all
good and to book numbers.
VNE dive no problem (more like a bit of a decent !)
Climb to spec (can't remember the exact numbers as Paul has yet to complete the
report, but he ran out of airspace before time!!)
5000 RPM 23.8"boiler pressure straight and level full fuel, two adults 125 Knots
(pleased with that, no speed kit fittted, and the VP prop still in the garage,
and that polished spinner must be worth 10 knots easy !!).
Maximum straight and level 5500 RPM (can't remember what the boiler pressure
was)
145Knots.
Prop is warp drive set to 20.75 deg. On both days pressure was approx 1020 -
1023
and temp circa 4 deg at sea level.
And what surprised us most of all was after 2 hours flying with the climb
performance
test, VNE, max continuous, stalls, 2 take offs, total fuel burn 30 litres
!!
The rudder was a git to fix with access almost impossible at the back of the
engine.
We fitted a tinnerman washer to the top of the actuator to prevent the spring
jumping off in the future, and checked the geometry of the movement to insure
the engine bearer was missed. Slight tweak to the mechanism and all is well.
The right roll has got us scratching our heads a bit. We were not sure if this
was due to aileron deflection inducing the roll, or the slight aileron balance
protrusion under the right wing causing drag. After careful consideration we
decided to adjust slightly, the left aileron. If this has no effect we will look
at re-rigging the right aileron to drop it to raise the balance (only slight
adjustment required). Whatever the fix eventually is, it will be after minute
adjustments.
Assuming the rudder behaves (we have given it several fast taxi runs and violent
slow speed full deflection) and the roll is sorted, this only leaves the 2 hour
indurance test and the 11 outstanding landings to complete.
For all you good people still working throught the manual to complete the kit,
keep going - the satisfaction of the test pilot opening the door with a big
grin,
thumbs up and the only comment after "fab chaps" was "I'll buy it !!" gives
you a pretty good feeling - I can thoroughly recommend it, and I havn't even
flown her yet.
I'll keep you posted
ATB
Tony.
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