The weather yesterday (Saturday) was perfect for another flight by
a low time KR pilot. I put some much oversized C150 wheel pants
on the KR to see if they made a differance on my cruise. They
were so much out of rig that they were of little value. I got maybe
an extra 4 or 5 knots. I don't know how the C150 flew. One pant
was 1 1/2 inches higher than the other and they were mounted to
the same brackets that came off the Cessna. So much for that.
The more time I get in the KR the more I love it. It has to be one
of the nicest flying aircraft I've flown and I've been in several in my
950 hours of flight time.
The three landings after my first flight have gone great. I've learned
quickly not to really move the stick for flare but to just pressure it
back to bring the nose up a bit. A hightime taildragger pilot friend
of mine that witnessed the landing called it a PERFECT wheel
landing with a tail up roll out. It seemed like the KR was doing the
flying and I was along for the ride. I know that's not true but that's
the feeling you get.
I eased it into a stall attitude until I felt some buffet and then flew
back out. There was no tendenancy to drop a wing and it flew
stable with only minor control inputs. The ASI remained on the
peg at below 40K's. This thing is a pure joy to fly!!!!!!!
All engine and aircraft systems continue to work without a flaw.
The CHT stays at approx 300F and the oil temp never got
above 170F. This was on a 40F day.
My four point harness popped open at about 1000 feet so I continued
to climb to 2500 before trying to secure it. This is not a hands off
airplane if you are trying to wrestle around in the cockpit but I managed
to get it secured. I need to check my buckle as it has popped on me
before and I attributed it catching the buckle with my hand without
realizing it. Now I think there is something else going on.
My engine RPM is still low and I think a re-pitch of the prop is in order.
I'll keep you posted. Right now I'm having too much fun flying!!!!
Larry Flesner
