I think I might have figured out the vibration issue but maybe not? It doesn't matter because 160 HP just isn't enough.
After completing the phase 1 sign-off and doing the W&B I found it could only be flown with Marcia in the front pit within a very narrow fuel load@ 1320#. I could "fix" that with a 3" prop extension and/or going back to a the heavy starter. But it's not really a fix.
Bottom line, today we found that @ 1317# gross and 90F. the airplane is a pig, climbs like a C150. Except for my Phase 1 V-speed test when I loaded the front seat with sand bags(which was a cool day) I have been flying the airplane at more like 1200#. It's no Pitts but fun enough to fly. But I don't need a single place airplane (unless a Pitts)
. The plan was always for it to be a family airplane.
We flew around awhile before landing back at home. I asked Marcia what she thought? She offered two things,
"I liked the Starduster Too better."
"I'd just as soon fly the Spezio."
I was thinking exactly the same thing as regards the Spezio.
My next thing to do was dynamic balance. Why bother? I will most likely sell the IO320B1A as a core. Marcia suggested finding a decent O360. I don't know if I want to basically start over? We can't afford two airplanes. Basic Med for me is problematic. I could fly the airplane single place with a 180-200 HP @ 1320# but I don't want to do that. If we keep an airplane going it has to be for both of us. Marcia says she doesn't care but I do.
Oh well. I'll think about it but I'm leaning toward two FS ads, one for the engine and another for the airframe.
It's been a blast. I'm glad I did it but frankly I'm tired.
Warm regards,
Jack
After completing the phase 1 sign-off and doing the W&B I found it could only be flown with Marcia in the front pit within a very narrow fuel load@ 1320#. I could "fix" that with a 3" prop extension and/or going back to a the heavy starter. But it's not really a fix.
Bottom line, today we found that @ 1317# gross and 90F. the airplane is a pig, climbs like a C150. Except for my Phase 1 V-speed test when I loaded the front seat with sand bags(which was a cool day) I have been flying the airplane at more like 1200#. It's no Pitts but fun enough to fly. But I don't need a single place airplane (unless a Pitts)
. The plan was always for it to be a family airplane.We flew around awhile before landing back at home. I asked Marcia what she thought? She offered two things,
"I liked the Starduster Too better."
"I'd just as soon fly the Spezio."
I was thinking exactly the same thing as regards the Spezio.
My next thing to do was dynamic balance. Why bother? I will most likely sell the IO320B1A as a core. Marcia suggested finding a decent O360. I don't know if I want to basically start over? We can't afford two airplanes. Basic Med for me is problematic. I could fly the airplane single place with a 180-200 HP @ 1320# but I don't want to do that. If we keep an airplane going it has to be for both of us. Marcia says she doesn't care but I do.
Oh well. I'll think about it but I'm leaning toward two FS ads, one for the engine and another for the airframe.
It's been a blast. I'm glad I did it but frankly I'm tired.
Warm regards,
Jack
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