| Volume 3 Issue 1 | ONLINE EDITION | Spring 1999 |
Completion Report: Steve Nelson
C
ongratulations are in order for Mr. Steve Nelson of Minneapolis, MN who is now flying his new Comp Air 6 taper wing airplane.
Nelson, a first-time airplane builder, assembled his airplane
in just over one year, while still working a full-time job. Nelson’s airplane is
fitted with a 260 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine and tricycle gear. Nelson is a low-time pilot
who had been inactive for a number of years before the idea of building his own airplane
rekindled his interest in flying. He chose the tricycle gear configuration because he felt
that mastering the high performance Comp Air 6 would be challenging enough without adding
the challenge of mastering tailwheel flying at the same time.
As this article goes to press, Nelson is still in the process of completing the test-flying hours on his airplane. He reports that the airplane is cruising comfortably at 155 mph IAS with only 22" of manifold pressure. True airspeed would, of course, be faster at higher cruise altitudes, or if he decided to use higher power settings.
Nelson submitted the following report on his initial test-flying progress:
After construction time of 12 months my CompAir 6 was ready to fly. I had to wait 5 months for the FAA inspection, and a couple more for the cold of MN winter to leave. Finally I had a green light for test flight of my 260 hp, taper winged, tricycle configured aircraft that I built in my garage. That alone is a bit intimidating to swallow. As Deke Slayton said "You have to bite off most of the danger on that first flight, that's just the way it is". I am a low time pilot, so I found a test pilot that was interested in the kit, who also stopped by on occasion during the build process. He was comfortable with the finished product and offered to test fly it.
It was a perfect day for flying, as far as MN winters go. 30 degrees, clear, and only a 9 knot quartering crosswind to the long runway. We checked everything three times and decided it was time. First flight was two times around the pattern and a perfect landing. We did a quick prop adjustment, some trim adjustment, and pulled the cowl to check everything three times again.
After the insurance 10 hours and 10 landings requirement was met, we had coverage. It was my turn to fly. We had mounted a camcorder over the right seat with full view of the panel, horizon, and sticks . Then we filmed 8 take off and landing sequences which I studied closely. This was very helpful to learn the characteristics and speeds.
I took off and climbed at 90 mph and got to field elevation before the end of the runway. I departed the pattern and did some approach stalls at just under 60 with full fuel, and practiced MCA turns and flap procedures. I was getting pretty confident I could hit the numbers with a stall landing after only 30 minutes of practice (I had a few hours in the factory planes that helped). I lined up on a 3 mile approach just high of the VASI's and setup for the option. Mixture, prop, throttle, Speed 90, full flaps, Gear Down(I wish), and 2000Rpm to maintain 90 on the glideslope. Over the fence I slowed to 75, then touched down just past the numbers at about 60. I'm sure the controllers were clapping with approval at this spectacular sight of a first time builder flying his creation 18 months after he started it.
The feel is much like a 182. I am working on making speed fairings and cleaning up things to get a better cruise. The numbers look very close to what Aerocomp told me I would get. The trim issues are close to hands off, and I am as happy as can be! It has been a very rewarding experience that I hope to repeat sometime again in my life. Weather permitting I should be at Sun and Fun.
Steve Nelson N378SN
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