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Date:  1-5-2011
Number of Hours:  0.40
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  First Flight!

There was still loads of ice on the ramp, taxiways, and runway, but Dai was willing to conduct taxi trials at least. We briefied on critical items in the POH, and I presented Dai with an "informal" checklist of items that, as builder, I was aware were worthy of consideration e.g. the possibility that the spar pin warning might go off, and the location of a canopy "life hammer" that I had installed etc.

Taxying on hard surfaces was very difficult as engine torque continually pulled the aircraft towards the left. Application of right brake just locked the wheel and exacerbated the problem. By judicious jabbing of the brake it was just possible to maintain directional control. There was always the option to make a 360 degree turn to the left ;-)

Dai tried a couple of fast taxi runs on the frozen grass runway, which although still difficult was wide enough to provide lots of latitude (pun intended). Satisfied with that, we progressed to the main runway and, provided we could retain directional control to 20 knots, the rudder took effect and positive steering control was re-established. After a couple of fast runs to the point of rotation Dai declared he was happy to "have a go". I was duly booted out for a solo first-flight. But not before I had switched on my in-cockpit video.

Dai was airborne for 20 minutes, during which he measured cruise speed at a couple of throttle settings, turns at 45 degrees, conducted two stalls at each flaperon setting, completed a full-power Vne dive then returned to the circuit for a final approach and landing. Dai reported that the wings required no trimming for level flight, but slight right rudder was required, which will probably require a trim tab.
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