Monthly Archives: August 2023

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Phase 2

The initial focus of Phase 2 has been short cross-country flights of about an hour for additional practice at ATC communications, enroute navigation, landings under various flap conditions, and final adjustment of avionics settings.  It is amazing the number of configurations available on a G3X Touch system.  It has taken some time to get comfortable with all the complexity and initial information overload.  While still learning the systems every day, my confidence in concluding safe flight has increased.

I have recently started the ‘$100 hamburger lunch’ flights, which includes meeting colleagues at airports with on-field restaurants. I have looked forward to this type of flight for many years.  Next step in expansion of my flying horizons will be refresh my instrument skills and get current again with an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC).  Then longer trips may be forthcoming.

Phase 1

The Phase 1 period began immediately after receipt of the Airworthiness Certificate.  First flight occurred on March 15, 2023.  Many thanks to Tal for his support during the fly-off period. Could not have done it without him.

Because of the hot weather in this part of the country, many of the initial flights occurred around sunrise in the morning.  This was beneficial to get cooler air for engine break-in, better lift, and pilot comfort.  It also helped avoid local traffic, as most activity started later in the morning.

 

 

The 40 hour milestone was reached on May 3, 2023. I utilized the EAA Flight Test Manual as the basis for establishing the flight characteristics of the aircraft.  The test cards were completed on June 16, 2023 with 57.3 hours on the engine. There were no major issues to resolve during this period.