Good news from Ted Gladstone (who has been so busy he didn't notice
the Europa list hasn't been at the address he used for over 2 years
....)
>Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 13:24:25 -0400
>From: Edward Gladstone <Ted_Gladstone@compuserve.com>
>Subject: Kit No 15 Flies at Last
>Sender: Edward Gladstone <Ted_Gladstone@compuserve.com>
>To: Europa List <forum@europaclub.org.uk>
>
>
>Hi Everyone
>
>On the 24th May 2005 our Classic Europa Monowheel G-ZTED finally took to
>the air at Wombleton in the capable hands of Andy Draper.
>
>After 11 years can we claim the record for the slowest build ?
>
>Andy stated that she flew beautifully with no adverse tendencies.
>However, during a few flights to adjust the fine & course pitch stops on
>the Airmaster prop and to investigate our numerous modifications, (
>Different Main Wheel operating lever, Electric Flaps, Electric Outriggers,
>an adaptation of the Nigel Charles parallel fuel system, Cowl Flaps,
>Throttle Levers on each side of the cockpit, Third door shoot bolt, Gas
>Strut containment levers, Secret catches on Oil, & Water inspection doors
>and Fuel Filler, Long Wing Root Fairings, and a cool air and demist system
>integrated into the dashboard - - - - - can we also claim the record for
>the most mods ? ) he started to experience coughing and spluttering from
>the engine. This always occurred about 1minute after opening the
>throttle to full power for take off and was accompanied with a massive drop
>in the EGT on the port side. This could normally be stopped by
>throttling back slightly and then opening the throttle again and it was OK
>for he rest of the flight. The spluttering appeared to last longer on
>each flight despite our checks on the fuel flow and even changing the fuel
>pump until, on one flight, our heart stopped as we watched him disappearing
>down behind the trees when the engine did not pick up again. He did, in
>fact, get it back to the airfield as it eventually picked up out of our
>earshot and we were able to breath again. The rest of the tests were
>carried out on the ground at full power with the tailwheel tied to my car.
> It was eventually solved when I removed the port carb, removed the float
>chamber bowl and did a fuel flow test by catching the fuel coming out the
>float needle valve. It was more than adequate but in the bottom of the
>catch bowl was a tiny chip of what looked like epoxy resin. It had either
>blocked the flow to the needle valve or prevented the needle valve from
>closing properly ( after one test the carb had obviously flooded as there
>was fuel dripping out the drain hole in the bottom of the plenum chamber )
>but as to why it only happened after 1 minute at full power and at no other
>time is still a mystery.
>
>A further three flights were carried out on Friday 27th and she performed
>flawlessly during which I and my co-builder Justin were able to act as on
>board observers ! !
>
>We returned home to Edinburgh late last night but I am not sure if we have
>returned to earth yet !!!!!
>
>The fuel problem meant that the full test program could not be completed
>and, as this a Bank Holiday weekend, we will have to return to
>Kirkbymoorside next week to continue the tests.
>
>Those of you still building - - - - stick at it - - - - it's worth it in
>the end.
>
>
>Ted & Justin
Hearty congratulations to Ted & Justin!
regards
Rowland
--
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| Europa 435 G-ROWI (750 hours building) PFA #16532
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