New8, congratulations! As good as ever.
Karel Vranken, F-PKRL
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Scherer
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 10:45 PM
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>
|