Another rainy day on Saturday and windy on Sunday made for less than ideal conditions for flying. However, I managed to do a little flying on Sunday. I started off with a couple of flights with my heli at our club in Huntsville and then an afternoon flight with a new Seagull Models Space Walker at our airplane club in Woodville. The Space Walker was purchased second hand but never flown and was powered by an OS 40LA. The first flight showed beyond a shadow of a doubt that the model was underpowered. The engine ran great, but the takeoff roll was long and climbout was hazardous as the plane threatened to stall several times until enough airspeed was achieved which seemed to take forever. Once in the air, almost full power was needed to make the plane handle nicely. It flew nicely after trimming until the engine started to sputter and finally went dead. That is just what you need on a maiden flight of a new aircraft, a 20 mph crosswind and a dead engine! Even with these conditions, the landing was fine with only a little bit of a hard touchdown. Nothing was damaged and after checking the engine, I believe that the problem is in the fuel tank. I will check it out and be ready again for next time.

I will be unable to fly for the next couple of weeks as I will be attending my daughter's graduation from pharmacy school in Houston. So all of you think of me when you are having fun on the next two PERFECT weekends!


Good Flying to all.