panhandler1956
Well Known Member
This weekend I had the pleasure of conducting the 1st flight on my friend Dean Merchant's new RV-8.
His airplane did great; it brought me back with 0 squawks!
It was a warm day in Ohio and even with breaking in a new engine his temps stayed right where they needed to be.
Dean has made every effort to build it light (1050#) and boy it really flew great with the 180HP and fixed pitch prop. It was interesting for me to see the contrast as my airplane is almost 100# heavier and has all the bells and whistles. I can see why Van says to build 'em light.
I think it'll be fast too, because it had no trouble doing 170 mph indicated at 3000' without fairings.
His airplane did great; it brought me back with 0 squawks!
It was a warm day in Ohio and even with breaking in a new engine his temps stayed right where they needed to be.
Dean has made every effort to build it light (1050#) and boy it really flew great with the 180HP and fixed pitch prop. It was interesting for me to see the contrast as my airplane is almost 100# heavier and has all the bells and whistles. I can see why Van says to build 'em light.
I think it'll be fast too, because it had no trouble doing 170 mph indicated at 3000' without fairings.
Congratulations to Dean and new flying machine (pic taken just after the flight).
A proud Mr. Merchant!
A proud Mr. Merchant!
