Yes YES Y-E-S!   N301ES has successfully made its' first flight!

After getting the FAA sign-off last Friday, the Composite Aircraft Consulting group (aka Mark Mahnke and Associates) worked day and night to prep for the first flight.  Nearly 30 items had surfaced that had to be addressed before flight.  We fixed.  We did tethered run-ups.  We cleaned and adjusted.  We swapped out parts.  Fortunately this was done at Redmond Airport so Lancair was there with needed components and advice.  A recently available avionics tech came in early and late to tweak the panel.  Oil spray smoke and smell reduced to non-existence.

Wednesday afternoon approached, but our scheduled test pilot was called away.  Things looked bleak, until Pete Zaccacnino (HPAT) stepped in and took over for the first flight.  An in-depth review of our records and an inspection of the plane led to a high speed taxi and then a beautiful full power take off.  Engine ran beautifully, climb was quick, and the plane flew straight and level with no low-wing tendency.  Pete taxied back to the hanger where we tore off the cowling, to be greeted by a clean and still beautiful engine.  No problems Mate!

During the next couple weeks we'll wring out the plane, putting it through high and low speed tests, loaded heavy and light, and take it up to the flight levels.

Oh - you guys have to hear that 4-bladed MT prop - it whistles like a turbine.

Robert Simon