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01-11-2018, 05:35 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: OH
Posts: 140
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Fist flight wheel pants
I have read several threads and was wondering what the basic consensus is about wheel pants on or off for the first flight? My Plane is done and inspected and the Engine was run for 1 1/2 hours by the engine builder, so Initial drag may not be much of a factor. I will be flying off pavement.
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01-11-2018, 05:59 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 4,218
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I'd fly with 'em. The main benefit is your engine will stay cooler because you'll be going faster and getting more cooling airflow. The second benefit is that your airplane will climb faster, putting you out of the low altitude engine loss danger zone faster. Beyond that, if you lose the engine later in the flight, you'll have better glide performance with the pants on.
You want to give yourself the benefit of every advantage, large or small...
__________________
Kyle Boatright
Marietta, GA
2001 RV-6 N46KB
2019(?) RV-10
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01-11-2018, 08:10 PM
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Pocahontas MS
Posts: 3,884
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Always wear your pants in a fist flight.
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01-11-2018, 08:17 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 242
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Vans guidance (RV-6/6A)
Quote:
Originally Posted by laz
I have read several threads and was wondering what the basic consensus is about wheel pants on or off for the first flight? My Plane is done and inspected and the Engine was run for 1 1/2 hours by the engine builder, so Initial drag may not be much of a factor. I will be flying off pavement.
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IIRC, the guidance provided in the builder's manual (mine RV-6/6A) suggests that the nose gear pant should be installed and always used, but the mains should be exposed on the initial flight(s) for the purpose of exposing the brakes. Will give access and visibility to monitor brake operation (leaks?) during the earlier flight tests.
Due to 'get airborne-itis' I chose to fly naked for all of Phase 1, and probably would NOT do that again beyond the first few flights. I concluded that W&B, and other performance measurements during Phase 1 should be done with 'final configuration'. Factors such as speed measurements, stall, etc are affected by the wheel fairings, but it's not significant on the first flight.
Since you asked about first flight, it seems you intend to focus on the start of testing. Congratulation on the approaching First Flight.
__________________
gary
RV-6A QB Tip-Up, 1st Flight 3/18/17 
O-360-J2A (modified & F/I), Sensenich FP (cruise)
VP-X Sport, Dynon SkyView, VFR day
(FFZ) Mesa, AZ - N234GB -
www.mykitlog.com/garyc
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01-12-2018, 05:18 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Gardnerville Nv.
Posts: 2,828
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lots of issues that you need to prioritize, engine cooling, brake leaks, imbalanced flight due to miss rigged gear fairings. For me it was the engine cooling factor with piston sprayers and 200 HP, so I was fully dressed.
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7A Slider, EFII Angle 360, CS, SJ.
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01-12-2018, 05:28 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 2,861
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I'll be kind of a dissenter and say fly without them. At least for me I wasn't really wanting to go fast during those initial test flights, plus I wanted to easily inspect the tires and brakes after each flight and taking those pants on and off can be a PITA. Heck, I didn't even fit my wheel pants or gear fairings until months after my first flight. In the end though, I don't think it really matters one way or the other. YMMV.....
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Todd "I drink and know things" Stovall
PP ASEL-IA
RV-10 N728TT - Flying!
WAR EAGLE!
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01-12-2018, 06:54 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central IL
Posts: 5,516
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+1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auburntsts
I'll be kind of a dissenter and say fly without them. At least for me I wasn't really wanting to go fast during those initial test flights, plus I wanted to easily inspect the tires and brakes after each flight and taking those pants on and off can be a PITA. Heck, I didn't even fit my wheel pants or gear fairings until months after my first flight. In the end though, I don't think it really matters one way or the other. YMMV.....
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This is where I am - no wheel pants, but gear fairings installed. Our local gang had a discussion and with brakes at the center, the need to bed them in- it is pants off for first flight, but will be added for #2. No change of overheating brakes and fires or anything risky that way. Also will help the drag for landing sequence. Plenty cool for the engine this time of year, so that worry does not exist.
Laz - did you already run the engine in the airframe? You should do that just for proof positive of no leaks and that sort of thing. I will be preheating pretty good to ensure the oil is warm for TO. I am in the same situation as you. Signed off, all calibrated now, hitting the final details and waiting for weather to offer up a good day for 1st flight.
I used the cut down HF transmission stand for by tail stand, and set the calibrations that way. Still not sure what exactly to do on the magnetometer though.
__________________
Bill
RV-7
Lord Kelvin:
“I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about,
and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you
cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge
is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind.”
Last edited by BillL : 01-12-2018 at 07:00 AM.
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01-12-2018, 10:43 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: OH
Posts: 140
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Hi Bill,
Thanks for asking. Yes I did run the engine twice now not the airframe. Good that I did because off a loose B nut on the prop oil line in front on the engine. Spent some time cleaning it up. The second run was make for the FAA inspector who asked to see it run, with times with the cowl off.
The only thing left to do is the Magnetometer swing, Calibrate fuel tanks and run in the Matco brakes a per their instructions.
I am making the tail wheel lift for myself and a couple of friends who are building RV's . My problem is I am a tool freak and can fabricate most anything in my shop. I think there is a twelve step program to help me but probably too late.
Christer at Stein ari said just get the plane away from big metal and use your cell phone to find north and follow calibration procedures on uint Mine is a G3x
I will just look for a good day and will probably fly with pants on, primarily because it is such a pain to remove the gear leg fairings on the 8.
I have a lot of tail wheel time but also went to Texas to fly Bruce Bohanan's RV8 . did about 3.5 hours of landings (36). Bruce is a great instructor and the time and money were well with it.
Where are you located?
Mike
Last edited by laz : 01-12-2018 at 10:45 AM.
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