Killer Bee Maiden Today!

At the field today was beautiful, high 80's and some clouds. Wind was good to nearly down the runway about 5-8 mph.

I choose to break in the ST 3250 at the feild bringing along an extra gallon of fuel. I have used a perry carb on a 46 Fox and liked it, but the ST has a perry pump and carb. Following instruction from Perry I set to recommendation. The Hanger 9 starter I have just barely turns over the ST. I could only get it to start at full throttle and then it was super rich, would not even run with glow ignitor removed. Turned in the needle to just 1 turn out before it would go. Adjusted idle, pump pressure and high speed over the course of two tanks before I could get it to run with good transition, idle and rich on the top. Took a little fiddling but it happened. The third tank was to further breakin and fine tune the throttle. Top end is still rich, like I want it, so transition to top end was a little sloppy, but acceptable.

As the battery wore down I had to resort to a flip with a chicken stick. I was suprised when about the sixth flip it took off. This will likely become the preferred method assuming as the engine breaks in, tunes in and I get some experience with a hand start. However I will rig a 6V sealed lead acid battery in series to provide some extra volts. The Hanger 9 starter should turn it over with some authority with that setup.

Take off was uneventful. However plane did require alot of left trim. I feel half of the trim is from the right wheel pant that refuses to stay in place. The air flow twists it on the gear wire perhaps causing drag to the right, made up with left trim. A few clicks of up and she was good. Minimal down while inverted and wonderful rolls, loops, etc. Not a 3D machine, nor was this the design intent.

The ST 3250 is plenty of power even running sloppy rich. Pulls good through verticals but not unlimited. Could get there when the ST gets leaned out. But the smoke tank, pump and battery add probably 8 oz to the total. Feels like 12-14lbs.

Landings are wonderful. Steady, good control to the very end. One touch and go stalled about 12" off runway. Nose dropped without any snap or other unpleasant behavior. The plane bounced pretty hard but without damage then accelerated to takeoff.

Only two flights today. I did not try alot of serious stuff, but that will come. Mess is not bad at all on the plane, I had expected alot of oil and gunk from the ST. This will get even better as it leans out and the break in finishes and I switch to a lower content oil.

In summary I really like the plane and its flight characteristics. It is going to offer some serious competion to my Hog Bipe for a favorite flier. Could be that it is just new and my first big plane.

I did not try the TME smoke system. I plan to finish the breakin and get completly comfortable with the Bridi Killer Bee before I bring that online. When I do I'll include some pictures.

Its been a long build (started in April 06?) but I'm gonna like this bird.

Scott