Dear All,
I am delighted to be able to report that at 23.00 UTC (Midday local) on 1st
January 2007, my Europa XS Trigear (ZK-POG - formerly G-WEEM, kit 584)
slipped the surly bonds of earth for the first time in the hands of test
pilot John Martin at Tauranga airport, New Zealand. The first flight lasted
20 minutes and she performed faultlessly - a pleasure to fly. There was only
the slightest wing drop in a full flap power on stall, and otherwise she has
no vices. The grin has started and will only get bigger when I get my hands
on the controls. I'd like to thank all those wonderful people who helped
with the build and final preparations for today's momentous event, in
particular Andy Draper, Nev Eyre, John Wheeler and everyone at Europa 2004
and especially Matthew Russell. Having emigrated and brought her out almost
complete, here in NZ my thanks go especially to Rex Kenny of the CAA, Bill
Sisley (President of the SAANZ) and Colin Alexander of Rotax fame and Mike
Chubb and Mike Edgey of Northland Aviation.She now has to go through 40
hours of test-flying which will be shared between John Martin and Bill
Sisley before I can do my type rating. What better New Year's present could
there be!
Cheers everyone.
Nigel Harrison
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