Al, that’s too cool!  Your report is sweet music to my ears.  I have been in the 90-90 point for over a year now.  Reading your report encourages me to get with it and get ‘er done.  Now how about some pictures?  (…and no more lame excuses about the camera malfunctioning.)

 

Mark S.

Lancair ES - N/A 20B 

 

 

Got the Velocity 20B back in the air on Monday for two flights of about 30 minutes each.  I have very little data because both times I thought the video camera was recording the engine monitor screen, but both times it was on pause too long before I pressed the button for it to record, and didn’t realized it had gone to auto-shutoff.

 

However; I have motivational highlights.  The first flight the test pilot took off and climbed out to the NE and disappeared into the distance below some high scattered clouds.  We knew he was out there, doing his “work”, and occasionally we’d hear the distant distinctive sound of the 3-rotor engine.  After about 35 minutes of anticipation and anxiety, we heard his call to the tower, and shortly after could see the speck of the plane to the east.  We also heard his request for straight in over the runway, with a break to left downwind over mid-field.  And soon, there it was – in a hard left bank overhead at 1000 agl, that distinctive beautiful gear-up canard silhouette against the background of high broken clouds.  What a sight – what a sound!! Smooth and fast - MY airplane; my sweat and effort and anxiety. That moment of exhilaration I’ll remember, and know one of the reasons why we do this. (Damn; video camera was in the airplane).

 

Later I climbed in the right seat for a flight to focus on engine parameters.  I did that through most of the climb-out, and for awhile as we cruised at 3500’ agl.  But then I started to enjoy the view, and the sensation of speed - even at that altitude, as we banked over the hills and valleys. I took the stick to get a feel for the control response.  Felt great.  Smooth and responsive.  I was flying my plane; with the very kool EFIS displays, cruising at 200 mph, and enjoying the beautiful view.  Definitely high; a natural high.

 

For those not yet flying keep at it; and that moment will come.  Ok, there are still some problems to solve and things to adjust, but that’s for later.

 

Now a little data (from my memory). Density altitude about 7500’.  Engine rpm 5200, 21-22” MAP, 175 KIAS, 197 KTAS. OAT 78F, coolant temp 175F, oil temp 205F.  Still some work to do on air flow to oil cooler.

 

Thanks for help getting it there.

 

Al (looking forward to getting out of insurance restriction prison so I can take left seat)