Got the Velocity 20B back in the air on Monday for two
flights of about 30 minutes each. I have very little data because both
times I thought the video camera was recording the engine monitor screen, but
both times it was on pause too long before I pressed the button for it to
record, and didn’t realized it had gone to auto-shutoff.
However; I have motivational highlights. The first
flight the test pilot took off and climbed out to the NE and disappeared into
the distance below some high scattered clouds. We knew he was out there,
doing his “work”, and occasionally we’d hear the distant
distinctive sound of the 3-rotor engine. After about 35 minutes of
anticipation and anxiety, we heard his call to the tower, and shortly after
could see the speck of the plane to the east. We also heard his request
for straight in over the runway, with a break to left downwind over mid-field.
And soon, there it was – in a hard left bank overhead at 1000 agl,
that distinctive beautiful gear-up canard silhouette against the background of
high broken clouds. What a sight – what a sound!! Smooth and fast -
MY airplane; my sweat and effort and anxiety. That moment of exhilaration
I’ll remember, and know one of the reasons why we do this. (Damn; video
camera was in the airplane).
Later I climbed in the right seat for a flight to focus on
engine parameters. I did that through most of the climb-out, and for
awhile as we cruised at 3500’ agl. But then I started to enjoy the
view, and the sensation of speed - even at that altitude, as we banked over the
hills and valleys. I took the stick to get a feel for the control response.
Felt great. Smooth and responsive. I was flying my plane;
with the very kool EFIS displays, cruising at 200 mph, and enjoying the
beautiful view. Definitely high; a natural high.
For those not yet flying keep at it; and that moment will
come. Ok, there are still some problems to solve and things to adjust,
but that’s for later.
Now a little data (from my memory). Density altitude about
7500’. Engine rpm 5200, 21-22” MAP, 175 KIAS, 197 KTAS. OAT
78F, coolant temp 175F, oil temp 205F. Still some work to do on air flow
to oil cooler.
Thanks for help getting it there.
Al (looking forward to getting out of insurance
restriction prison so I can take left seat)