Posts: 649
Joined: 7/11/2003 From: Seattle,
WA, USA Status: offline
BTW...Mine came out at 18.2 pounds and I had to add 9 ounces of lead to the nose to get the airplane to balance at the forward CG mark. I'll attribute the added weight due to the pneumatic brake system which the brakes were aft of the CG datum and not benefiting to using the Kavan brake system which adds 2 ounces to the nose. I'm sure that I'll be able to pull an ounce or two out and move the CG toward the aft of the range but for right now I like how she handles. This jet has a lot of wing area and had no problem doing what I wanted it to do. She does land very nicely.
I almost forgot to mention that I didn't have a single problem with melting Monokote yesterday. I used my start tube during the start and just after shutdown and not even a sag anywhere aft of the turbine exhaust. Bruce is correct, when the engine is running there's nothing to worry about. Only during start and possibly during shutdown. The 8" stove pipe worked great for me.
If you guys want further details about my configuration drop me a line.
I'm off to the post office to get my paperwork to the AMA
Cheers,
< Message edited by tschuy -- 3/21/2005 3:32:01 PM >
Posts: 337
Joined: 11/29/2003 From: Rogue River,
OR, USA Status: offline
To say I'm pleased would be a huge understatement. I am geeked! Tim, you are exactly the kind of modeler the R54 design was aimed at - skilled builder and flyer looking for the next challenge. I'm happy for you and proud of you. As far as I know, this is the first customer-built R54 to fly. OK Dave, Ron, Mike, Tommy, Gary, and the many other R54 builders out there - who's next?
Thanks again for the outstanding flight report, Tim. Wonder what your mind will be drifting off to today at work...
Posts: 649
Joined: 7/11/2003 From: Seattle,
WA, USA Status: offline
Sorry Bruce,
What I should have said is your next "big adventure with a new aircraft design". Lord knows that your busy enough already. Keep those kits rolling out....
Posts: 765
Joined: 12/15/2001 From: reisterstown,
MD, USA Status: offline
I am just starting to cover mine. My job has kept me busy and with the minor heath setback; I just didn't feel like going into the shop at night when I got home. After reading the flight report and seeing the videos I am back at it. Bruce I'll see you at Toledo in a week and a half.
Another R54 flies! YUP! Dave Rigotti is no longer a zero time turbine pilot! With the help of Jim Hiller (MA turbine columnist) the Rigotti Reaction 54 took to the air for the first time. After quite a few mis-starts due to the cold weather we got her spooled up and Jim had the honors of the first take-off. After about a 300 foot ground roll she lifted off and climbed out very well. After several laps he made the commnet that he has not needed to touch the trims! "Oh Yeah!" He handed the control to me and I flew around for the next five minutes doing loops, rolls, split S's and the like. I set up for landing and dropped full flap and the nose pitched down a bit, not a lot, just a bit (too much down mix, my fault). Brought her on to final and had to stretch the approach a bit and had a minor bounce. No gamage at all. HEY BRUCE...the flaps are big enough!!!
About an hour later after a through check over we were ready to try again. Took out all but 5% down trim mix with flaps this try. I taxi'd to the end of the runway and spooled up...took off with a grunt of up elevator and climbed out AOK. The grass field at this time of year is pretty poor. Again, loops rolls, and photo passes were flown. She handles like a well behaved low wing sport plane should. ROCK SOLID! Forgot to start the timer (DOH!) so I setup for landing using half flap and proceeded to "grease her in". I think I like half flap better! No tendency to drop a wing, kinda "locked on" and just a matter of elevator timing for the flare.
I'll post some pics and video (from the still camera) shortly........
Thank You Bruce Tharpe! I know the road was bumpy for both of us at times. You have a great airplane to be proud of. Thank You Tim for ALL the PM keeping me focused and allowing me a sanity check at times. Thank You to my family...The allowed HOURS spent away with this endeavor is appreciated And of course Thank You Connie for allowing, yet another segment of the hobby, to be enjoyed. :-))
Dave "turbine pilot" Rigotti
< Message edited by rcguy! -- 4/5/2005 3:01:24 AM >
Oh Man I gotta get this other project off the bench so I can start mine. Congratulations Dave!!
Thank you! I'll let you know next time we go to the Fairgrounds in Trumbull County. Can't be too far of a drive? It's right near the SW corner of Mosquito Creek Reservoir. Several turbine pilots there.
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit - 
I gotta get this other project off the bench so I can start mine. 