(Second) First Flight 7965A

[Greg Arehart]

I am pleased to report that N7965A is back in the air again. After the engine failure in December, the engine finally got IRAN (to the tune of $10k), but in the interim, I decided to move the third wheel to the back. This afternoon wasn't ideal (a bit of crosswind and some thin rain showers in the distance) but I just couldn't wait any longer since the last several days the weather has been garbage. Second first flight went well - a bit bumpy up there, but no squawks and I got in the first 5 or so landings all at once.

Great thanks to Bill Repucci, Mike Ice, Cameron Kurth, and Greg Vouga, who have all gone before and provided important advice on the changeover. Also thanks are due to the local RV crowd (Bob Mills, Dan Ross, Steve Barger, Walt Murphy) for moral support and air time during the last several months while I've been airplaneless.

Not too many folks get the opportunity to do their first flight twice - I've still got the RV grin this afternoon. Now to get my Phase I completed (again) and go somewhere in the air for fun!

Cheers,
greg

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

I am pleased to report that N7965A is back in the air again.
Cheers,
greg

Good to hear that.

Now, if the weather would just cooperate ...........

[Ironflight]

Congratulations Greg - that was FAST work!

Let's see, five landings...I'm guessing you only had to wind up the key about halfway for that?

Paul

[N941WR]

Greg,

You are more than welcome for all the help!

Welcome to the Dragon Tail Club!

How do you like it with the little wheel in the back? Hopefully it lives up to all the hype as one easy tail dragger.

[bret]

Congrats Greg,

[Lars]

As the post title says... The weather on this side of the hill hasn't exactly been benign either, though cloudy = cool, so putting in some long hours before the heat comes. Congratulations on a successful flight! How long is Phase 1 rev2?

[gvouga]

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

I am pleased to report that N7965A is back in the air again. After the engine failure in December, the engine finally got IRAN (to the tune of $10k), but in the interim, I decided to move the third wheel to the back. This afternoon wasn't ideal (a bit of crosswind and some thin rain showers in the distance) but I just couldn't wait any longer since the last several days the weather has been garbage. Second first flight went well - a bit bumpy up there, but no squawks and I got in the first 5 or so landings all at once.

Great thanks to Bill Repucci, Mike Ice, Cameron Kurth, and Greg Vouga, who have all gone before and provided important advice on the changeover. Also thanks are due to the local RV crowd (Bob Mills, Dan Ross, Steve Barger, Walt Murphy) for moral support and air time during the last several months while I've been airplaneless.

Not too many folks get the opportunity to do their first flight twice - I've still got the RV grin this afternoon. Now to get my Phase I completed (again) and go somewhere in the air for fun!

Cheers,
greg

Glad to hear everything is working out with the T/W. I'm really enjoying mine since the conversion also. Those landings will smooth out. Wheel landings take a bit of practice and they still bite me every now and then after ~50hrs. They get easier every hour though.

Greg
RV-7

[apkp777]

Awesome Greg! We can now show you the secret -9 handshake. Welcome to the rarest of all RV's club!

[Greg Arehart]

Here's the contrast:

New look (without gear fairings):



Old look:



I got in 3.1 more hours of test flying today (low and fast over the playa to break in the new cylinders) and may get some air-to-air shots tomorrow, weather permitting. Only 5 hours required, so I'll be free to travel soon.

Cheers,
greg

[sbarger24]

Awesome Greg! Glad to see your bird back in the air. Anytime on the help. When you get your 5 hours flown off we will have to go get some $100 pancakes.