Well, over the years I have test flown hundreds of models for myself and other people, but i have always said, don’t be too proud to let someone else do it if you are to close to the project.
Well today the weather was good and I suddenly realised that i was nervous about the flight (not normal for me) After what happened last time (true reason not really discovered) I decided to swallow my pride and contacted my good friend Trevor Skedge.
Trev has one of the Hawks with the scale wing so he has more experience with this model than any one else in the UK.
We arranged a time and met at the local field. Trevor did a full pre-flight check on the model and gave it the all clear.
Range check with engine running was fine so there was nothing left but to fly. [X(]
The 44 Gold fired up perfectly and Trev took control while I (very dry mouthed) followed with the camera.
Acceleration with the 44 on grass was brisk and a gentle application of up saw light under the wheels.
Gear up and then flaps, I took some photos on the take off but forgot initially when it was airborne
After one circuit I had to ask the one and only question 'how is it Trev'?
I looked away from the model to see Trev smiling, 'That’s hands off!" was the reply, no trim input just straight off the board.
Trev followed with a couple of low passes throttled back (pics are included but they are not the best, sorry
Time passed quickly and the landing alarm was bleeping.
It was decided to land using take off flaps just to get the feel (we have plenty of room at our field).
A prefect landing approach was followed by a perfect touchdown right in front of us
Trev taxied back and I smoked 20 cigarettes [:'(]
Trev gave the model a full thumbs up, in fact he was waxing lyrically for a while.
It was my turn next and Trev got the video rolling.
Take off was great, tracked dead straight and then airborne
Gear up , flaps up and away. [8D]
I flew a typical test flight, with some low passes for the video (Trev will post later).
The plane is really nice, smooth a really groovy.
At no time did I exceed 3/4 throttle in the flight and the speed was very scale like.
Once I have settled down with the model I am sure it will be a ‘pocket rocket’.
The flight went by the book, no drama, no problems and the landing was perfectly acceptable for a 1st time!
Lots of pics enclosed and I look forward to the video of my flight (I haven’t seen it !).
Many thanks to Trev for taking time out at the drop of a hat to test fly with me ...Thanks mate
Well Done Jim Fox Composites, a really nice Hawk.
Paul