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From: <VTAILJEFF@aol.com>
To: "Lancair Mailing List" <lml@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 6:21 PM
Subject: [LML] Lancair IVP kit #456 N619SJ First Flight
N619SJ flew for the first time today guided by the skillful hands of Charlie Kohler. 36 months from kit purchase to first flight. Airworthiness inspection went smoothly until we got a major snowstorm here in St. Louis yesterday. Snow and cold slowed us down some but grit and determination, hot coffee and a kerosene fed "salamander" kept us going. Charlie showed up Monday afternoon-- took a quick look at the airplane and paperwork and discussed with me the inspection format. Tuesday and Wednesday he inspected and we corrected. Couldn't fly yesterday due to snowstorm.
Went to the airport today and skies cleared up by 1000. Still cold and ramp had snow and ice. Called fire department so they could be briefed on door latches, fuel, hydraulics, battery, hazards, etc. Called tower and briefed them on our test plan. Fast taxis trying to get unmetered fuel pressure up to 41 gph at full throttle-- set at 33 gph at TCM. Had to uncowl a couple of times to adjust fuel pressure but third time was a charm. Takoff was uneventful. Climbed to 2000' AGL over north parallel runway for a racetrack pattern. Total time was about 20 minutes. Charlie reports that with the trim centered, the plane flew hands off with the ball in the middle. No heavy wing syndrome. For those of you getting close to finishing up, consider using Charlie Kohler's DAR and test pilot services. I was very impressed with his knowledge and help with the project.
Jeff Edwards
N619SJ-- LIVP + --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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