Congratulations Al.

Bob W.

On Wed, 4 Oct 2006 17:03:26 -0700
"Al Gietzen" <ALVentures@cox.net> wrote:

> 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)
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>
>


--
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