Flew the Lightning for the first time today. Initial impressions of the Rhino/Lightning are good, plenty of power for this aircraft. Had a door cylinder problem so I couldn't suck up the gear, but I did confirm that the throws suggested in the manual are very good. 19 clicks of throttle held constant altitude with full gear and flaps at a reasonably slow speed. Gradually reduced this to 5 clicks on base and final, which is what I carried to touchdown, with a pretty stiff headwind. Even old guys like me have no problem seeing this plane.

Landing

Final

Congrats!!! Veeeeeeeeerrrry Coooool!! Get some more in-flight shots on your next sortie.....

Kevin

Congrats, What a feeling when you test fly your plane for the first time.
regards

Hi Kieth,
Whos kit is it ? My F-15 is ready for its first flight . Are you going to whitehouse tomorrow ?

Tim

Hi Tim. It is a Composite ARF. Not going to WH tomorrow, but probably next weekend.

I heard Jim got a new plane too. F15?

Keith

On the main doors check that when you pressurise the system the door isn't pulling away from the wing a 1/32" in the front corner.

On my Lightning when the ram was under pressure holding the door shut, it bowed just enough to allow air to get under the door and it opened during fast flight.
I've put an additional support under the hinge tube next to the ram/horn

Regards

Dave Wilshere
UK Comp ARF rep

Yes he picked up 2 new planes F-15 & Grippen. We have 3 ready for maiden flights now. We did taxi test today and all is ready to go. Minor finish work left , tighten bolts so on. Count us in for WH next weekend.