Scott & Tanya Card RV9A build log (N4822C)

Today I went out to test fly the prop governor among other things. The verdict is ‘nah’, not good enough. The modified (version -F) governor isn’t nearly as stable in basic cruise and wanders 30-40 RPM every now and then. When the oil is over 200 deg, it definitely surges on takeoff by about 120 RPM. Not nearly as bad as previously, but definitely not good enough. I’ll be ordering a PCU5000 on Monday. It is reported to be the end-all solution.
The new COM belly whip antenna on COM2 that replaced the wing tip antenna is a very major improvement. I’m super happy with that. The GNS430 ARINC 429 configuration change didn’t work out. When the gps came up with the ARINC output configured to be GAMA 429 (this is for vertical steering command output), it continuously jumped to the user waypoint input screen! Completely inoperable. I found that if I turned off, or configured the GTX330 transponder to not output “Garmin w/tis” the GNS430 calmed down and looked ok. That will require more digging. For this flight, I just set it back to what I know works and moved on.

All I can say right now is WOW! I should have buckled down and got the wheel pants, gear leg fairings, and intersection fairings on it long ago. Rough first indications on the first .5hr test flight is +23mph at 70% power at 3000′. Not to mention some slightly cooler CHTs to go with it. Much fun! I’m still chewing on the data recorded, and much more test flying to come to fully identify the difference (it is huge).

Just in case anyone was doubting my comments about just “roughing in” some of this glass work, here are a few pictures :). The pictures actually make it look uglier than it really is. I’ll get it cleaned up between flights. This was also the first flight that I’ve been up past sunset and the first time I actually *needed* some of the lights that I installed. I was happy to have the glare shield flood light and the EFIS dimmer.

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Today I finished up the last of phase I flight tests and hours. Very thorough inspections have been completed over the past few days. That was ultimately the final (personal) requirement for me to declare it ready. So I made THE aircraft logbook entry that basically says that I deem this aircraft safe to operate. With that, we’re free to roam.
Tanya brought lunch and later in the afternoon saddled up for her first ride. We headed out east and I basically showed her my primary flight test area where I’ve been spending all my time. We went up to 8500′ and cruised for a bit, then it was her turn at the controls once we got back below the clouds. She was a bit overwhelmed with all the electronic toys that there are to tinker with. Ultimately none of the whiz-bang stuff really matters. Looking out the window and wiggling the stick is the primary fun.
It was a great day all together. Quite an accomplishment. But it isn’t all done yet. I’m still working on wheel fairings and cooling…

 

  

  

 

I got a short flight in this evening before the tropical storm rains start rolling in. The ignitions were fine.
After the flight, I finished up the installation of the new 2.25″ TruTrak ADI. Very cool. Can’t wait to flight test it. It is supposed to rain for the next three days or so.
As I’m closing in on the end of Phase I flight testing, I’m going to do the equivalent of a full condition inspection. All access panels will come off and everything that can be touched and wiggled, will be. I might start some of that if the weather doesn’t cooperate for flying.

I got a flight in this evening. Doing some weight and performance testing. Stopped at the fuel pumps before putting the bird away. Taxiing back to the hangar after fueling, the right mag didn’t seem to be firing evenly at all. The RPMs were up and down like it was firing, then it wasn’t. Maybe I just had a fouled plug or something after the hot start. I don’t know. I pulled the top cowl back at the hangar to see if anything was obvious (not). Drug it back out and did a run-up in front of the hangar and all seemed well… Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’m pretty well tuned in to when it isn’t smooth at this point.