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Old 03-09-2004 | 01:21 AM
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KidVermin
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From: Macho Grande, KS
Default Dragon Lady Flew Today

Only problem, I was 50 feet from my transmitter at time of lift-off.

I had waited over two months for lower winds and warmer temp to match my days off for it's maiden flight -- 65 deg's and wind gusts 15 to 20 mph -- just about perfect. I did some final engine idle and cut-off tweaking with the Lady on one of our clubs safety start-up stands. Once ready to go and radio off, I went over to talk with a friend and re-carbonize waiting to see if the wind might lay down a tad. Just the opposite. All of a sudden, a micro burst or whatever brought in gusts 40 to 50 mph and before I could get there and put the plane on the ground, it rose 4 or 5 foot off the stand hitting the ground doing a cartwheel. My new plane broke loose the horiz stab and split the wing holdown plate, pulling out the blind nuts. I thought that weak lite ply plate needed to be replaced anyway.
WARNING --- that plane is too light. Never had this problem with my 20 pounders.