RV-9A N908BL Flies!

videobobk · #1 02-27-2007, 07:06 PM

This evening a little after 1700 N908BL took to the air for the first time! After a little over 3 years building, it was a great experience.

First, thanks: To God for the opportunity and abilities, to Glenda the love of my life for her support and patience, to Larry my partner and friend for his help, to Brian my son for his help, and to my ground crew, Jim, Dave and Paul Pocock for flying chase in his -7 and the transition time in it also. Of course a big thanks to Van's for making such a great kit.

Brief report: Slightly heavy right wing and some garbled transmissions (may be the headsets.) No other squacks! I flew with everything except upper fairings on the gear legs. Takeoff was VERY quick as was climbout. Airspeeds checked right on with Paul's RV-7. Indicated 167 @ 2450 and around 2000 fpm @ 100. Had an awful time getting it slowed to land. Glad I had practiced slips in the 7. Landing was very nice, although I would liked to have bled off a little more speed. The difference in height of my eyes above the runway (RV-7 vs. RV-9A) made my flare a little low and I touched a couple seconds early. Not bad, anyway. All in all, everything is right with Van's specs.

I don't know when this will soak in, but I know I haven't landed yet. I kinda hope I never do.

And oh, yes, one final thanks--to all of you whose ideas and information have helped make N908BL the airplane that it is.

Bob Kelly

DeltaRomeo · #2 02-27-2007, 07:09 PM

Way to go, Bob!!!!!!

Welcome to the 'flying' column.

Best always,
Doug

petehowell · #3 02-27-2007, 08:06 PM

You will love the -9A. It is a great machine!

KirkGrovesRV8 · #4 02-27-2007, 08:09 PM

Congrats! It only gets better

Geico266 · #5 02-27-2007, 08:10 PM

The 9 is a great plane, and you are to be commended for getting another one in the air!

RV7Guy · #6 02-27-2007, 09:59 PM

Congrats Bob,

All that pain, suffering, blood, sweat and tears of the building process is now fading into the sunset. Now the fun and change in life style have begun.

Fly safe and enjoy!!!!

dhusk · #7 02-28-2007, 07:44 AM

Congratulations, Bob. Reports like yours keep me fired up to finish mine. What else can you tell us about your plane, avionics, engine, etc. Any pictures of the first flight?

Darren Kerns · #8 02-28-2007, 08:13 AM

Bob,
Congratulations!! I was flying my RV8 last night and I heard somebody over the radio tell somebody "It looks beautiful!" They also mentioned a 3-bladed prop running as smooth as ever. Was this you? Anyhow, congratulations and good luck.

Darren Kerns
RV8 N214TK
Taswell, IN
Hangared at FRH

videobobk · #9 02-28-2007, 08:28 AM

Some of the details: The plane was complete except for upper fairings and interior. With a borrowed interior it weighed in at 1054 empty (with oil of course.) I have a Dynon D10A, Trio AP and alt hold, Narco 111 VOR, XCOM 760, AF2500 engine monitor, AvMap IV GPS, KT-76 xponder, ASI, ROC and ALT. It has the CreativAir position lights and strobes. It is painted. Next stop, IFR.

The engine has 885 TTSN and is a 160hp O-320 D1A. B&C 60 amp alt, Catto 3 blade and Odyssey battery. It has what looks like now may make it almost unique--the carbon fiber canopy from the now-defunt Gamut Services. The canopy, battery and prop helped keep it light. BTW, still really happy with the canopy, if not it's maker. I really hate it that some of you may have lost money with Gamut and here I am with an orphan. Bad deal all around.

Will get some pics up soon. Had in-flight pics shot but they didn't turn out very well. Argh. Shot video of the instrument panel and am happy with that.

I took the advice of a VERY experienced A&P/IA/CFII and left the rpm lower than I actually was comfortable with. His advice; you can't stop the prop without pulling the mixtrue, so keep it low for braking. Just don't pull the throttle all the way on the ground. Good advice. Even with a 450 rpm idle when setting still, I was showing 870 on final. I found it difficult to slow down. Entering DW at 100 mph, I could have flown the pattern almost at idle. Actually pulled power turning base and was still way high. The -7 I did transition in had a CS prop and the difference is amazing.

Keep pounding those rivets!!

Bob Kelly

videobobk · #10 02-28-2007, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren Kerns

Bob,
Congratulations!! I was flying my RV8 last night and I heard somebody over the radio tell somebody "It looks beautiful!" They also mentioned a 3-bladed prop running as smooth as ever. Was this you? Anyhow, congratulations and good luck.

Darren Kerns
RV8 N214TK
Taswell, IN
Hangared at FRH

Darren,

If it was around 5:30 that probably was me. I orbited OVO for about 40 minutes. N922AJ with Paul Pocock at the controls was probably who you heard. Stop down to OVO sometime.

Bob