NetHeads, I've been flying almost every day for the last week, thanks to the gorgeous weather we've enjoyed in the south. Today I spent some time doing some fuel economy tests at various speeds, in an effort the find the "drag bucket" for my plane, and the best speed/rpm for best range. Yesterday I did 3-4 touch and goes at five airports, and several simulated engine out landings at various places. I got a little crazy and started whipping around doing 180's at high speeds, trying to see if the engine would come off the mount, or maybe the wings would come off (although I knew that wasn't going to happen). I can happily report that I can swap directions in a matter of a few seconds, and the engine remains attached! I also did a few "engine-out" takeoffs, and 500' is definitely a piece of cake now. Man, what a hoot this airplane is to fly!
All of this is an effort to get my fill of flying, because I'll be gone for a while. I'm headed to Andover England Tuesday morning, and will be looking for British builders/flyers to entertain me while I'm there. The job takes me there, and I have to admit, I volunteered. I'll be there for Farnborough in July, so it'll be a good substitute for missing SNF. I have already set OSH and the KR Gathering in stone, however, so I'll make them for sure. Some Brit buddies have already filled me in on several local flyins on the weekends that'll keep me busy. Anybody close by is welcome to invite me over for a beer some weekend. Bass ale on tap... that has a nice ring to it... Mark Langford N56ML "at" hiwaay.net website at http://www.N56ML.com --------------------------------------------------------
