Thanks Pete!
Just got back from the field today.
Took off ,went into a spin and she went straight in..[X(]
Just kidding.
I took my time on this one,built my own control rods,pumped the motor and did a thorough engine break-in.
I went over this thing countless times,rechecking everything,threadlocking every nut and bolt,checking fuel lines etc.This Giles drove me nuts,waking at night,tossing and turning.Even took a day off from work,just to get a good long day into building.
I just suffered a major total loss on my GSP Katana,which was caused by large oversight on my part.That is one reason why I was little nervous and cautious.Also the Giles required a few hundred extra $ to get airborne.
I put the CG bang on to manual but upped the throws and dialed in some expo all around.
She took off at 1/2 throttle and tracked nicely during climbout.2 clicks of right aileron on my first circuit and she was flying hands off.The motor is a OS 160 with pump and is new.She sounded great and ran well,just a touch rich during acceleration.Landed fine,settled in on its own and kissed the runway.
Flight number 2.Took off into a 800 foot vertical climb at 80% power and put it into a smoooth flat spin.Very nice.I had a Zinger 18-6-10 up front,which is not a high performance prop.The APC 18-6W wil go on soon.Knife edges are pretty and effortless,point rolls are precise.
Flight # 3.Motor ran smoother.50% power enough ,stupid (read excessive) power in uplines.Snaps are quick and precise.Tumbles are a joy.By now I am very comfortable with this plane,in fact this is a really honest fun machine.
I aint no 3D pro but I think in the hands of some of the reckongnized pilots she should be a great performer.At 11.5 pounds,it is not too far off ideal weight.
Did some hovers but fell out as motor response was rich,but plenty of pull power even with the Zinger.High Alpha went well.
I have never put a plane through such an agressive routine on it's first 3 flights. The Giles 202 put a huge smile on my face.I love this hobby,Often there are bummer frustrating days.But today is one of those feel good/rewarding ones that make everything so worth it.
