Return-Path: Sender: "Marvin Kaye" To: lml@lancaironline.net Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 10:18:32 -0400 Message-ID: X-Original-Return-Path: Received: from imo-m23.mx.aol.com ([64.12.137.4] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 4.2.5) with ESMTP id 490634 for lml@lancaironline.net; Fri, 29 Oct 2004 08:50:05 -0400 Received-SPF: pass receiver=logan.com; client-ip=64.12.137.4; envelope-from=MikeEasley@aol.com Received: from MikeEasley@aol.com by imo-m23.mx.aol.com (mail_out_v37_r3.8.) id q.140.36131609 (25305) for ; Fri, 29 Oct 2004 08:49:34 -0400 (EDT) From: MikeEasley@aol.com X-Original-Message-ID: <140.36131609.2eb3965d@aol.com> X-Original-Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 08:49:33 EDT Subject: Re: [LML] Runway size for first ES flight X-Original-To: lml@lancaironline.net MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="-----------------------------1099054173" X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5115 -------------------------------1099054173 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dan, All the really smart guys have already given their opinions! I have 75' wide by 6,000, but we're at 6,900 elevation. We have nothing but open fields and antelope around our airport. I hired a test pilot, Orin Riddell. He did a couple high speed taxi tests and used about 2/3 of the runway. He also carried about 90 kts on final so he used a good chunk of the runway on rollout. I don't think Orin is available any more. He's gone off to fly for the airlines. But Bryan and I were very glad we hired a pro. Before I hired Orin, my original plan (with me flying the first flight) was to take off from Meadow Lake and circle the field, but divert to COS with huge 150' wide runways for the first landing. That way, if it was difficult to keep straight, due to brake problems, more likely pilot problems, I had some room to maneuver. I was used to a steerable nosewheel, so getting accustomed to the extra rudder needed to steer took a couple takeoffs and landings. I was glad to have the 75'. It's not cheap to hire a test pilot, but if the guy is satisfied with your home field, he could do the first flight and relocate the aircraft to another field at the same time. Be sure to consider where you would like to land and make sure the field is in your test area! If the plane is fine, you'll have no trouble flying in and out of your home field. The plane is a pussycat in the pattern. One other thing, don't fly without the wheel pants. The gear leg fairings will separate in flight, it's happened before. Mike Easley Colorado Springs -------------------------------1099054173 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Dan,

All the really smart guys have already given their opinions! I ha= ve 75' wide by 6,000, but we're at 6,900 elevation. We have nothing bu= t open fields and antelope around our airport.

I hired a test pilot, Orin Riddell. He did a couple high speed ta= xi tests and used about 2/3 of the runway. He also carried about 90 kt= s on final so he used a good chunk of the runway on rollout. I don't t= hink Orin is available any more. He's gone off to fly for the airlines= . But Bryan and I were very glad we hired a pro.

Before I hired Orin, my original plan (with me flying the first flight)= was to take off from Meadow Lake and circle the field, but divert to COS wi= th huge 150' wide runways for the first landing. That way, if it was d= ifficult to keep straight, due to brake problems, more likely pilot problems= , I had some room to maneuver. I was used to a steerable nosewheel, so= getting accustomed to the extra rudder needed to steer took a couple takeof= fs and landings. I was glad to have the 75'.

It's not cheap to hire a test pilot, but if the guy is satisfied w= ith your home field, he could do the first flight and relocate the aircraft=20= to another field at the same time. Be sure to consider where you would= like to land and make sure the field is in your test area!

If the plane is fine, you'll have no trouble flying in and out of = your home field. The plane is a pussycat in the pattern. On= e other thing, don't fly without the wheel pants. The gear leg fairing= s will separate in flight, it's happened before.

Mike Easley

Colorado Springs

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