An aircraft scale is used to weigh the nose wheel.
The airplane is rolled out and readied for high speed taxi testing.
After the inspection by the FAA a Special Airworthiness Certificate is given.
(photo date October 14, 2004)
The builder's leaves a message on the rudder for friends and volunteers about the outcome of the inspection process. The "thumb's up" means that the inspection was a success.
(photo date October 14, 2004)
At about 10:50 a.m. the builder flies N905KM for the first time.
(photo date November 14, 2004)
The airplane is flown over the airport conducting some speed and timing tests.
(photo date November 14, 2004)
The builder flares the airplane to land after a short test flight.
(photo date November 14, 2004)
We conducted four brief tests flights on the first day. During the first flight the engine tended to overspeed when leveled for cruise flight so we brought it in to add more pitch to the propeller.
During the second flight we tested the controls, which were found to have good control harmony. The oil temperature was starting to run high so the flight was quickly ended. We devised a makeshift shroud from scrap metal and duct tape to try bringing the oil temperature under control.
During the third and fourth flights the oil temperature continued to run high, but with the shroud it took a bit longer for the temperature to climb.
Using a handheld GPS unit we attempted to check the airspeed indicator by running carefully controlled runs in both directions at a precise altitude and engine setting. Because of the high oil temperatures we were unable to conduct full and proper speed tests. Initial tests showed that the airplane cruises at about 90 kts indicated, without the landing lights covered, and most of the canopy gap seals to be installed. I also have not yet installed wheel pants; many builders report that these give a good speed increase with this design.