Sbach 342 Maiden!

It was a fine day of weather to maiden the Pilot 73" Sbach 342!  All went well and pictures will be added soon.  The DLE-30 started and ran perfectly fine (might be a wee bit rich but not much to worry about)...it took about 30 flips to get the first cough from the engine with throttle full and choke on.  After that it took 7 flips with throttle at idle and choke off to start and stay running.  After just one lap down the runway for ground handling check, I took off into the wind.  The plane was airborne before I reached full throttle, even with the throttle curve I programmed in to lessen throttle response at the low end, and have some response at the top end of the  stick movement.  Once in the air, the plane needed two clicks up and one click right to fly straight and level.  It was real sensitive on elevator.  Sure enough when I went inverted, the plane climbed.  On the second flight with the batteries moved about as far forward as I could get them, the plane was still tail heavy.  On the ground after the 2nd flight, I checked and found elevator to be slightly down.  This also explains why the plane tucks hard to the LG in knife edge.  I am going to add weight to the engine box, perhaps about 3 ounces, for the next flights.

I also flew the Imagine 50 three times today, and had a blast with it again.  It's so stable for pattern type flying.  The wide speed envelope makes it fun for just slowing to a crawl, and for landing lightly.  Great fun.

To top the day off, a beautiful bald eagle passed low over the pit area and runway, from north to south as it thermaled ever higher.  When it was over us, it was fairly low and its white head and tail shone brightly for all to admire.  Utterly breathtaking.   Luckily Tad was there and it was his very first bald eagle sighting!  Jer was there too and was equally enthralled.  What a GREAT DAY!

EXCEPTION:  Jer rekitted his Stinger 40 when he just lost perspective and went blank.  No explanation other than the sad picture is needed.