Well done Thomas ! What weight is it now? Somewhat gratifying that the
trike main gear sockets withstood the bending of the legs?
Pleased to meet up with you anytime at EGNW and I'll pay your landing
fee.
Best regards to a circumnavigator.
Bob Harrison G-PTAG (Kit 337 now with 914 and Woodcomp Prop.)
PS did a run up yesterday and could only make 4,300 even with the turbo!
Found crap in the Andair Gascolator from where I know not, but pleased I
did a substantial run up, which is usually quite limited since the
brakes won't hold it and I had ground cooling problems another lesson
learnt !
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Thomas
Scherer
Sent: 21 September 2008 21:46
Subject: Europa-List: back in the Air ... (N81EU)
further to my eMail of Feb. 25th, 2007 I am glad to report that N81EU
took to the Air again today. The harder-than-normal landing last year
had sheared off one main wheel, bent the other and torn off the
nosewheel, cracked into pieces the engine mount, folded like an
accordeon the central tunnel and made three parts out of a fabulous
fuselage. Reason was an engine failure right after take-off. I later
found that during the exchange of a fuel filter, some debris from the
aging fuel line had entered the filter opening and allowed sufficient
fuel flow for the run-up and taxi, but full-take-off power was available
for only some 80 ft of altitude.
It took me longer than anticipated to rebuild - mainly due to the fact
that my employer sent me to Calcutta for one year, but today finally she
(for a second time) reverted from a mountain of nuts and fibres and
metal bits into a flying machine.
Work goes easier the second time around. So for those who think it takes
long to build a Europa I'd recommend to build a second one. Trust me: it
goes faster.
Lot remains to be done: the wheels want fairings, the propeller does
exhibit some vibration and a Trio autopilot awaits installation.
But what an exhiliarating moment again to sit up high in the air with a
plane built by one-self.
Attached photos (before -/- after).
<Thomas, N81EU>
(breaks your heart, doesn't it ?)
(the compass was unhurt)
(taken today after the flight at airfield EDAL - former East Germany)
|