Fellow Europaphiles,
First I wish to thank whomever it was that asked about my drooping
starboard outrigger. I intended to answer after I checked it out, but
I've misplaced the e-mail.
In any case, yesterday I had intended to take care of the last item on
my squawk list, the engine run up to check the output voltage and
confirm the ability to charge the battery. For some reason, I decided
to do a thorough pre-flight style inspection of the aircraft prior to
run up. When I came to the port side "Check Outrigger Down And
Locked," rather than just check from aft where I can see the latch and
confirm down-lock, I went around front to look as well. Not sure why,
probably the previously mentioned e-mail. What I found was
interesting and all has been documented on my build web site. The
pics weren't great as they are iPhone pics, but the point is obvious.
Had I left the speed kit fairings on, never would have seen this issue.
Since it was common to both outriggers, probably was due to assembly
error, failing to do a final tighten of a stiff-nut. Still I will
have to watch the outriggers more closely and from the front as well
as viewing the latch from the aft.
Y'all be careful out there and make those pre-flight walk-around
inspections count.
I'll be going up to KDTO this morning to complete that engine run up
test and if all seems well and the weather cooperates, I'll be seeing
how well The Little Dragon Lady and I do in another session of the
landing dance.
Check six,
Bob Borger
Europa Kit #A221 N914XL, XS Mono, Intercooled 914, Airmaster C/S
http://www.europaowners.org/N914XL
Aircraft Flying!
3705 Lynchburg Dr.
Corinth, TX 76208
Home: 940-497-2123
Cel: 817-992-1117
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