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Re: Europa-List: The Dang thing Flew

Subject: Re: Europa-List: The Dang thing Flew
From: JEFF ROBERTS <jeff@rmmm.net>
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 19:46:45

Thanks to all that have replied!
My test pilot was Mike Bowden who has flown everything but the kitchen 
sink. He has never sat in a Europa before but like all skilled pilots 
with 20K plus hours it was just another airplane. As soon as he got use 
to the finger brakes he was off. When he returned his words we're... I 
had know Idea this airplane handle this nice. He was very impressed and 
didn't want paid, but I do have to now let him fly it once in a while.
Sorry on the lack of documenting the build. I have never been one to 
keep accurate records but I would guess it to be around 1500 to 2000 
hours. I jumped started it with Bob at flight Crafters for a few weeks 
before bringing it home for the completion. She has the 912-S with the 
ground adjustable warp drive prop, so I guess she's very normal to 
others. We have a 5000 and an 8000 foot runway at Smyrna so I set the 
prop at 21 degrees instead of the recommended 19. She still left the 
ground in less than 600 feet and climbed much faster than the local 
DA-20 Katanna. I am hoping for some good cruse numbers after I install 
the wheel pants.
I am a low time pilot so it may explain this next comment. I must say  
say that I have never experienced anything like that feeling I felt as 
I pulled it off the runway. My family and some friends we're watching 
so I was a bit nervous but wow! Other than reversing the trim wires I 
don't believe there is any other adjustment needed.
Her empty weight is 877 LBS with all leg faring installed. I took today 
off but I hope to get back in the air tomorrow and as I get some more 
numbers I'll let you all know.
I would like to hear from other tri-gear Europa flyers on there 
recommended landing pattern speeds, and flap settings that work best 
for them.
Best Regards to All and keep at it.  You have a better plane in your 
shop than you know!

Jeff
A258 N128LJ She's flying now!


On Mar 11, 2006, at 12:41 PM, Rowland Carson wrote:

>
>
>> N128LJ took to the sky's out of MQY Smyrna TN
>
> Jeff - many congratulations! Just for the record, can you let me know
> engine & prop used, empty weight, and does Mike have a last name? If
> you kept a record of build hours, that would be great to know too.
>
> regards
>
> Rowland
> -- 
> | Rowland Carson (retiring) 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>
>
>



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