Yesterday was a good day. I have been worried about getting the cg in the
forward half of the range as I am using a Jabiru 85 hp and had to extend the
engine mount based on the wt and balance we did without the engine. I double
checked my figures, but there was that nagging feeling about did I make a
mistake. Also, after filling and sanding, painting, wiring, instruments, etc.,
you wonder how much weight you have added. Also, my wings with the al tanks in
them each weight about 63 lbs. Anyway with it in flying configuration the
empty weight came out at 636 lbs and the rear cg with no fuel in the header
tank and my 177 lbs sitting in it came out at 11.17". Using sand bags, we
simulated adding a 187 lb passenger and no fuel in the header tank and full
wing tanks and the cg moved to 14.42. Still in the range, but from what I have
read, not a great idea. There isn't much room for a passenger anyway.
I have started talking to a DAR and getting the paper work in order for his
visit.
The Jabiru has an engine driven fuel pump. Question. How do you determine
fuel flow with an engine driven fuel pump? On my VP, I had gravity flow and it
was easy. I raised the front end to simulate a steep climb and measured the
flow rate. I might be able to use gravity flow on the KR2S, but won't know
until I try it. What angle should the fuselage be at for the test?
I have been reading the comments on the Jabiru and doesn't help my confidence.
I have over 60 hours on my 2200 in the VP and have never had any issues. The
cylinder head temps rarely went above 270 deg. It has the GRT engine monitor
with its wiring harness made for the engine. When climbing at full throttle,
the oil temp would definitely go up. I added a bigger oil cooler and that
helped. I generally cruised at around 2800 rpm which was comfortable in the
VP. It turned the VP in to a really fun airplane. I could outrun my friend's
Tri Pacer if I wanted to where in the past when I had the Franklin 60 HP 2A120B
2 cyl engine, he used to fly a circle every so often waiting for me. I gained
an electrical system with starter, battery, etc. and the empty weight was
within a pound of what it was with the Franklin.
The KR should be ready to fly before too long if all goes well with the
inspection, etc. I have never flown in one and think it would be wise so would
appreciate a chance to do so at the gathering. I plan to attend if the creek
don't rise as they say.
Dan
