Well done to you and thanks for the encouragement. As I sat yesterday with
fuel dripping down my arms from a leaking fuel strainer I did wonder whether
it was really worth it after 7 years!
Regards
Steve Pitt #403
----- Original Message -----
From: "Edward Gladstone" <Ted_Gladstone@compuserve.com>
Subject: Europa-List: Kit No 15 Flies at Last
<Ted_Gladstone@compuserve.com>
>
>
> 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
>
>
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