G'day Jack & Mike,
I did the first flight
Daniel & I set a conservative schedule for the test flight. Like all of us here we wanted to get the job done ASAP, we worked hard over the final 3 months but were careful not to set tight deadlines. It was literally one step at a time, we didn't set a date for any subsequent step until the previous step was completed. This took a **** of a mental load off me as far as the first flight was concerned.
I'd only committed myself to doing the first flight probably 3 weeks prior even though it was in the back of my mind all along to do it. I sought advice from a couple of test pilots, talked to a couple of TC's & listened to the Approved Person who issued the CofA. Great advice from generous people. I'm still extraordinarily moved by the support of many people in this community who expect nothing in return.
I flew up to Brisvegas and did some conversion training with my good mate David Brown about a week prior. On the day of the flight we had very few things to check, the pace was relaxed and it was about getting my head in the right frame of mind. I wasn't nervous or anxious BUT there was a point where I said to myself 'I'm ready'
It flew absolutely beautifully! The rigging couldn't have been better and the engine was perfect, EGT's, CHT's, pressures etc were excellent. I haven't experienced rates of climb from any aircraft that I've flown previous to match this! The only thing we'll change quicker than we planned will be to put GAMI injectors in. I don't think the fuel flow to cylinder 2 is as good as the others.
I got a little nervous on the landing, we're operating into a tight-ish strip and the nature of the undershoot dictated landing with 5 knots tail wind, I needn't have been, it pulled up in about 300m without having to hit the anchors!
Jack, I don't think I'm qualified to give advice on whether to do the first flight, it's something you need to find in yourself I think! I've got about 1600 hours total: multi, turbine, aerobatics & instructing time but would have had no qualms saying no if my head was not in the right spot. Having said that, it was absolutely exhilarating. You've read it here so many times, the 10 is superb!
I'm in Melbourne itself, Adelaide is not far away (in a 10
) by all means get in contact with me, we'll definitely go for a fly! Good luck for your first flight, it is up there with, if not exceeding your first solo!
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