ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

Went out to the field about 5 tonight and the winds were calm and out of the south.  Chris was there putting the finishing touches on a new mod he was working on and I pulled the max out of the hangar.  It started right up and purred like a kitten having finally found all the little things it needed fixed.  Headed it south and was in the air in flash it was climbing at a nice rate and I headed on south.  The trees are just starting to turn here and the fields are green, the motor sounded great and at 3275 was cruising along at about 72 just taking in the view.  Flew for an hour staying pretty close to the hangar... well probably a 5 mile radius and notice Chris putting his plane back in the hangar so set mine down to see what was up.  Seem Chris had the same problems a few of the other guys on the board have had... the back left wing mount was loose allowing the wing to move.  Seeing Chris without a plane I offered mine to let him get some air time in and he took me up on it.  NOW.... Chris weights 80 pounds less then I do.. although I am now down 28 pounds.....yaaaaa.... Chris climbed in and started off and then he came back... seems his legs are shorter then mine and he couldn't reach the rudder pedals so we got him a back booster seat and he was soon in the air.  Now the 80 pounds really came into play, he took off and stayed in a climb to what he said was 1000 feet in about a mile and a half or so.. and come to find out he was cruising at 75 with the throttle at 3210.  Although I would look dead at the 125 he weights I can't wait to be down to 175 a total of 50 pounds off seems it will be the speed mod I really need.  Didn't realize just how quiet my VW is as I could see him a long time before I could hear him coming back...and when he came into final in a glide all I could hear was the wind whisling across the wings and didn't hear the motor at all so all in all a very good evening in Kansas.  Now to just get my camera and take a few pictures... but one thing at a time.

Yes Bill, your max does fly quite well, now I can say 2 of the 3 times I have flown it the engine has run flawlessly althoug it was leaking oil this time. Oh, and I would be cautious about losing more weight as that hard seat without cushions will start to get uncomfortable!

hard to believe that your max with a half vw out climbs mine with a 447 by almost 300ft/min!

Chris

It isn't that the seat is that hard and there is a foam custion, it is just that you don't weigh enough to dent it.  Have flown for 4 hours on it in a day and find it fine, course I spent days on a Harley seat so I am more used to a firm seat.  I do wish it would climb for me like it does for you but then am sure it is the 80 pounds difference in our weights. Hope you get your wing fixed by sat for the flyin at Alley field.  I might be able to help you on friday evening.

Bill,

You will feel better and your knees will really thank you for it.  Every pound off is like five pounds off of your knees.  Hang in there and good luck.