Congrats - now the fun starts, hopefully you have better luck than we did
with the weather for completing the test schedule !!
Tony Bale
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rowland Carson" <rowil@clara.net>
Subject: Europa-List: Fwd: Kit No 15 Flies at Last
>
> 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
> --
> | Rowland Carson Europa Club Membership Secretary - email for info!
> | Europa 435 G-ROWI (750 hours building) PFA #16532
> | e-mail <memsec@europaclub.org.uk> website <www.europaclub.org.uk>
>
>
|