First flight of N239WB

[jcbarker]

9WB finally took to the air after 3 1/2 years of build. A lot of that time was taken up with shipping delays, laser cut part remediation and the uncertainty of chapter 11.
The 30 minute flight was uneventful. Monitored engine parameters, stall series and return to land. Pulled the cowling for inspection post flight; no drips, no runs, no errors. Dry as a bone on the outside. I learned two things: cowl flap is very effective and running rich really cools the engine. The only excitement was my idle is set too low so the engine quite on roll out after landing. I was half expecting that so I carried a wee bit of power until I flared. I had enough speed to coast onto the first taxiway, stopped and restarted.
I want to thank everyone that contributed their wisdom to this project. No one builds one of these alone.

 

[Mike S]

John, congrats on the new fledgling

 

[jcbarker]

Thanks Mike!
One other item I failed to mention: My right wing is a little heavy. What is the best way to trim that out?

 

[BobTurner]

Thanks Mike!
One other item I failed to mention: My right wing is a little heavy. What is the best way to trim that out?

Congrats on the first flight.
Re: heavy wing
I’ll assume you’ve rigged the ailerons per instructions, both flaps are full up against the aft spar, wingtips are identical, etc., all the usual stuff.
1. Ignore comments from RV7 owners about squeezing the trailing edge. Your ailerons are different.
2. Place the ailerons in trail. You will need to lock your elevator in neutral, or, just do one wing at a time.
3. Standing in front of the wing, sight down the top back half of the wing and across the aileron. I’m guessing that on the left wing you’ll observe that the leading edge of the aileron sticks up into your line of sight, maybe 1/32 - 1/16”. On the right wing my guess is the leading edge of the aileron is sticking up into your line of sight maybe 1/16 - 3/32”. A vertical 1/32” does make a difference! Remove the right aileron, use a drill to change the mounting holes from round to a slot ( in the direction to lower the aileron - measure 3 times, drill once). Re-install aileron, applying pressure to hold the aileron lower than before until the screws are tight. Test fly. If no change I was wrong! If better but not perfect, enlarge the slot a bit more. When happy, pull the aileron, fill the unwanted end of the slot with JB weld, when dry file flat, re-drill hole, re-install. Don’t forget it won’t be perfect, depending on whether there’s one or two on board, one tank is more full than the other, etc. For a nicer fix Vans can sell you an undrilled hinge, and you can drill new holes (with care) where they should be.

 

[DeltaRomeo]

YEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! Many congrats, sir!!!!!

 

[jcbarker]

Thanks Doug!

Bob: That's an interesting technique I will check my ailerons per your suggestion and see what I get.

 

[rockwoodrv9]

I’m sure you are going to enjoy your plane as much as the rest of us do. Congratulations on your accomplishment. It will give you something to be proud of the rest of your life! Have fun!!

 

[cjs]

Love the grin.

 

[BobTurner]

Bob: That's an interesting technique I will check my ailerons per your suggestion and see what I get.

Search VAF for a detailed post on wing heavy and ailerons by scsmith (Steve Smith, the rv10/14 wing airfoil designer) for more info.

 

[tareed]

Congratulations! Savor the moment!

 

[mstrauss]

Nice job… Enjoy!

 

[Daddyman58]

9WB finally took to the air after 3 1/2 years of build. A lot of that time was taken up with shipping delays, laser cut part remediation and the uncertainty of chapter 11.
The 30 minute flight was uneventful. Monitored engine parameters, stall series and return to land. Pulled the cowling for inspection post flight; no drips, no runs, no errors. Dry as a bone on the outside. I learned two things: cowl flap is very effective and running rich really cools the engine. The only excitement was my idle is set too low so the engine quite on roll out after landing. I was half expecting that so I carried a wee bit of power until I flared. I had enough speed to coast onto the first taxiway, stopped and restarted.
I want to thank everyone that contributed their wisdom to this project. No one builds one of these alone.

View attachment 104958

View attachment 104959

JCBarker,
What a pretty plane.
Looks like you really crafted it well.
Daddyman58

 

[bsponcil]

Congrats! That's an RV grin for sure

 

[wjb]

Congrats from a fellow WB (N430WB)!