SHE FLIES!
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On Saturday the 5th of May 2007 my Flitzer, VH-SFF, took to the air in the capable hands of Bob Grimstead
for longer than just a hop.
Trim was all good but the Jabiru was significantly down in power -
so just the one circuit. Some work on it (particularly the carburetor as well as a new, custom made
propellor) subsequently has improved the power a lot.
Subsequent flights have proven that it is
very responsive to control inputs and very docile in the stall.
A BIG "thank you" to Bob for risking
life and limb to test fly my baby. He really has been a fantastic help on this project throughout.
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Here the Flitzer is taxiing back. How much more 1920's can you get than with a Flitzer and a Pietenpol
Scout in the same picture!
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Here is the pose after the first flight. My daughter, Paige, is in the cockpit, then a very elated
Bob with a well earned glass of celebratory wine, next to a very relieved me. I have never been as nervous
as I was that afternoon in all my life!
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On Sunday May 20th I finally took 'SFF' up for a quick sortie myself.
Bob had already done a terrific
job of preparing me for it over the previous few weeks - first some extra tailwheel time in his Maule,
followed by some time solo in his Flybaby. I have to admit I LOVE flying the Flybaby and open cockpit
flying is REAL flying!
The flight was only for a for a few minutes (2 circuits actually) and
I didn't get a lot of time to really enjoy it as I spent the whole time climbing, turning, descending,
and checking instruments - esp. engine ones!
I'm still not happy with CHT's and will spend some
time trying to get them lower before I fly it too much more.
Otherwise, controls and handling
are terrific - very nimble but not twitchy. I look forward to a lot of fun with her.
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Above is a shot of Serpentine Club including the grass and hard runways. The view through the biplane
wings with all of the wires is like time travelling back to the grass roots of aviation - it's great!
The other shot is of yours truly in the helmet that Colin Morrow has lent me for the test period. Not
very 1920's I know but then how many test pilots in 1920 could have really done with one? I have the
period leather cap ready for after.
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Below are some pictures taken of SFF with Bob Grimstead as he does a photo shoot for a Kitplanes article
he has written. Pictures by Karen Grimstead.
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Below is a pic of yours truly in period leather helmet and goggles. Unfortunately the microphone isn't
quite period! Next to it is a pic I took as I flew over a friend's house near Byford.
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