Posted for "Jack Dysart" <jldysart@zirkel.us>:

After 7 1/2 years of building many parts small and large, they all came
together and on March 21 Test Pilot Bill Mitchell took N817S up for its
first flight. After a short flight we removed the cowling and seats to do
another inspection for loose wires, fuel or hydraulic leaks, and loosening
of any hardware. We found no discrepancies and the next morning I took it
up for several flights; it has a total of six hours so far.

Prop: Hartzell 2 blade
Engine: Superior IO-350 with a Lightspeed Plasma III ignition and single
magneto

Speed test at 8000 msl (8200 density altitude); 21.4 inches; 2500 rpm:
Flew a triangle with IAS reading 172.
Average ground speed for three legs per GPS was 196.3 kts.

It is being tested in primer, and with each flight we find very minor
corrections or improvements (rudder spring tension, reversed wire in a trim
motor) but no major problems.

The engine temperatures stay nicely in the low to medium range (300-350
degrees F). The oil temp rises to red line if I do several take offs in
quick succession, but cools to 200 degrees within five minutes at cruise.
The oil cooler has a dedicated NACA duct and air exit on the left side of
the cowl, so does not rob engine cooling air

The attached photos of the Lancair were taken in the morning as I prepared
for my first flight.

Jack Dysart