Diary 4
07/08/09/03/06
Finished the prop, fitted the
spats, tightened up the wing
fittings, more tidying up of bits
and pieces
Finished the prop, fitted the
spats, tightened up the wing
fittings, more tidying up of bits
and pieces
09-22/03/06
Tidying up takes a lot longer than
you might think.
Over the last couple of weeks I
have been down at the hangar
nearly every day.
Main jobs have included the jury
struts, Pitot tube, setting up
ailerons, changing carb pins
(Rotax mandatory mod),
tweaking bits and bobs around
the engine, reducing sticktion on
the rudder stick etc.
Today it was time to do
something that makes her look
prettier and the "go faster
stripes" that Jason supplied
went on. Tomorrow I am going to
experiment with the Southco
fasteners for the cowling
available from Zygology per Rick
Goddin's forum postings. I am
convinced almost anything will
be better than the kit fittings.
The paperwork is coming along
ready to submit after engine run
ups and weighing this weekend.
Tidying up takes a lot longer than
you might think.
Over the last couple of weeks I
have been down at the hangar
nearly every day.
Main jobs have included the jury
struts, Pitot tube, setting up
ailerons, changing carb pins
(Rotax mandatory mod),
tweaking bits and bobs around
the engine, reducing sticktion on
the rudder stick etc.
Today it was time to do
something that makes her look
prettier and the "go faster
stripes" that Jason supplied
went on. Tomorrow I am going to
experiment with the Southco
fasteners for the cowling
available from Zygology per Rick
Goddin's forum postings. I am
convinced almost anything will
be better than the kit fittings.
The paperwork is coming along
ready to submit after engine run
ups and weighing this weekend.
Adrian's SkyRanger
27-28/03/06
Ken came over to do engine run
ups on 27th. A howling gale and
rain was the order of the day
(winds gusting to 46mph).
Gerte stood solidly on the mud
and started first time! She then
proceeded to spew oil from the
filter; a quick shut down and
tightening of the filter did the trick.
She ran as she was meant to
after that and returned 60 liters
per hour on the test so plenty of
fuel going through!
28th and Andy did the weight and
balance report, she came in at
263kg thanks to Andy's
insistence on trimming any
spare bolt threads so paperwork
now well on it's way.
Andy is not happy (quite rightly)
with the fit of the upper firewall as
it touches on the throttle cable
holder at the carburettor. After a
sleepless night as to how to
tackle this I have decided to strip
the top firewall out and re-shape.
A balls aching job but hopefully
worth it as pretty well everything
else is looking good.
Ken came over to do engine run
ups on 27th. A howling gale and
rain was the order of the day
(winds gusting to 46mph).
Gerte stood solidly on the mud
and started first time! She then
proceeded to spew oil from the
filter; a quick shut down and
tightening of the filter did the trick.
She ran as she was meant to
after that and returned 60 liters
per hour on the test so plenty of
fuel going through!
28th and Andy did the weight and
balance report, she came in at
263kg thanks to Andy's
insistence on trimming any
spare bolt threads so paperwork
now well on it's way.
Andy is not happy (quite rightly)
with the fit of the upper firewall as
it touches on the throttle cable
holder at the carburettor. After a
sleepless night as to how to
tackle this I have decided to strip
the top firewall out and re-shape.
A balls aching job but hopefully
worth it as pretty well everything
else is looking good.
03/04/06
All finished, paperwork done and
sent off to the BMAA. Now we
have to wait for the paperwork to
be returned before test flying can
start.
In the meantime I will be tidying
up the cowl fit, cutting back the
exhaust to clear the cowl better
and generally tidying up any bits
and bobs.
02/05/06
Ken came by today to balance
the carbs. All done in no time.
Once again blowing a howling
gale gusting over 40mph
All finished, paperwork done and
sent off to the BMAA. Now we
have to wait for the paperwork to
be returned before test flying can
start.
In the meantime I will be tidying
up the cowl fit, cutting back the
exhaust to clear the cowl better
and generally tidying up any bits
and bobs.
02/05/06
Ken came by today to balance
the carbs. All done in no time.
Once again blowing a howling
gale gusting over 40mph
Our lads gone and bought a kit He says it's just to keep him fit It arrived in boxes,crates and such He never thought it t'would be so much Now that one whole year has passed The secret has emerged at last Now we see what he has created No wonder that he feels elated It's a plane that flies Way up in the skies Not a toy The real McCoy First she has to have a test I am sure she will be the best She looks so elegant and sleek Wish I could have a peek He wants you all to know her name It's GERTE and my what a dame! |
26/04/06
I could not wait any longer so today I took G-ERTE out for a taxi up and down Caunton's runways. WOW she started
first time and is a dream to drive. I was so tempted to open her up and lift the nosewheel but temptation was
resisted!
I could not wait any longer so today I took G-ERTE out for a taxi up and down Caunton's runways. WOW she started
first time and is a dream to drive. I was so tempted to open her up and lift the nosewheel but temptation was
resisted!
17/05/06
All went well and she flies
straight and level!
One jury strut wrongly attached.
Earth wire needed on water temp
sensor. Pad under coolant line
by engine mount. Paul
recommends that we install extra
strut on front windscreen so
that's on order.
It's worth plugging the end of the
tubes that come back from the
engine mount and support the
stick in the cockpit to eliminate
draughts.
In time I will adjust the flaps and
ailerons to lighten the controls
and eliminate a slight nose
heaviness when full flap is
applied, but not a problem for the
time being
All went well and she flies
straight and level!
One jury strut wrongly attached.
Earth wire needed on water temp
sensor. Pad under coolant line
by engine mount. Paul
recommends that we install extra
strut on front windscreen so
that's on order.
It's worth plugging the end of the
tubes that come back from the
engine mount and support the
stick in the cockpit to eliminate
draughts.
In time I will adjust the flaps and
ailerons to lighten the controls
and eliminate a slight nose
heaviness when full flap is
applied, but not a problem for the
time being
G-ERTE did us proud today and took gracefully into the air.
Thanks to all who supported us throughout the project.
Special thanks to Andy for helping me begin to understand
many technical issues. Gary and Dave at SkyRanger for all
their patience with many probably daft questions. Ken for
helping with the engine. Paul for his calm support and the
first test flight. Philip and Lisa for friendship, transport and
ace photography. Val for her patience and help during the
build.
And of course the star G-ERTE for giving so much pleasure,
now the next chapter of fun starts!! GOTO Diary 5 for flying
journal
Thanks to all who supported us throughout the project.
Special thanks to Andy for helping me begin to understand
many technical issues. Gary and Dave at SkyRanger for all
their patience with many probably daft questions. Ken for
helping with the engine. Paul for his calm support and the
first test flight. Philip and Lisa for friendship, transport and
ace photography. Val for her patience and help during the
build.
And of course the star G-ERTE for giving so much pleasure,
now the next chapter of fun starts!! GOTO Diary 5 for flying
journal
GERTE now has had her test and she's proved to be the best Our lad is simply thrilled to bits As in the plane he proudly sits W'eve seen the film and share his joy As he takes off in the real McCoy We wish him luck and lots of pleasure As he soars on high in his little treasure |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |