Took the Pitts to the field today for the shakedown cruise. RS Engines "BRUTE 45" with Biela 20x8 CF prop ran flawlessly! Only had to richen high needle about 1/8th of a click. This engine beats the pants off of anything in its class!!! Pulled the Pitts off the ground in less than 25 feet! All manuevers done at 1/2 throttle. Wing incidence set at 0 degrees bottom wing and 1/2 negative degrees top wing. Plane weighed in at 16 lbs.

1st flight take off straight down the runway and a steep climbout. Engine ran a little lean on top end so we landed and adjusted.

2nd flight resulted in awesome vertical. Rolls very axial with very little elevator required. Upon landing found two screws loosened. One on center cabane strut and one on right wing strut.

3rd flight plane was flying well when I noticed an unusual tendency to want to roll right. I handed plane over to chief test pilot and he got her down without a scratch. Upon inspection found two out of three lower aileron ca hinges had broken, probably due to flutter. We were very lucky to get this plane safely back on terra firma!

Got plane back to work shop and repaired aileron with new ca hinges. Will seal all control surfaces with clear ultracote which should help prevent this type of problem in the future. Other than this plane was rock solid. Thanks to Great Planes for putting out a great product and to RS Engines for a terrific engine!

Happy Flying!

LOOPMAN