Final Race Prep and Testing

[Schmleff]

This could have gone in either Sportsman or Supervee since my Sonerai is legal in both classes.

Just getting the final prep done on the plane before the Airventure Cup. I saw the entry list and there were no other Sportsman planes entered yet, though I have heard rumor that Steve Glover will fly his 2400cc T4 KR1 this year. I hope he follows through.

If not, I am at least hoping to best one of the RV aircraft this year. The Midget Mustang is back and might be faster.

I am hoping for good winds, which on this course means minimal head winds. I have made numerous changes that I am hoping will help me beat my AVC best of 183.06mph. It's getting hard to find much more speed without taking the fabric off, something I am not willing to do at this point.

The course is shorter this year, some 380 miles or so. I am hoping to install a 4 gallon aux tank in the turtle deck giving me a total of 17 gallons. If the winds are ok and my fuel burn is down, I may be able to make it the full length without stopping, but it would be pretty tight. Eric Whyte said that the mid course fuel stop is available either way.

Still time for you guys to join me!

[Schmleff]

Well, getting the turtle deck fuel tank in and properly secured was not as easy as I had hoped. I like what I ended up with minus one part, but its safe and will have to suffice for now.

I had hoped to head out tomorrow afternoon but I still have to plumb the tank, test the system and wash and wax. Not to mention the flight plan and packing. With any luck I will get out tomorrow, but I am not pressing it. If I have to leave on Saturday so be it.

[Schmleff]

Well, I am a full day behind, but the tanks are in, the flow is tested and the plane has been flight tested. I calculated the cg before flying with fuel in the turtle deck tank and I am well within cg. The year of dieting and working out paid off ;D

It flew great, a bit more sensitive on the controls.

Final spit polish in the morning and off to dayton.

[n3480h]

Glad cg worked out and tested ok. Wish we could see a flight following camera, live. Is there a site we can get results from, or could you let us know when you can?

Tom