FLIGHT REPORT!!!
Well, with the wind cooperating I went out to the field. Did all my usual checks, made sure defelctions were correct and the way I wanted them. Did a run-up and range check.
I put her on the field and started a run-up to take off and hit a bump and with the tussle I throttled down quick to have a light nose-over. No big deal. I reset on a smoother patch of grass and decided to give more throttle to overcome any more bumps. After a short roll-out she was up and slightly eased back on the elevator. Rolling left slightly, I adjusted the roll trim. on the down-wind leg I noticed she was not tracking entirely straight so I coupled some right rudder. Up-wind looked straight. Tracking perfect and making good time at half throttle I took her up high on the next down-wind leg. I eased back on the throttle and started to feed in the elevator. NEVER once did she drop a wing... I knew I was safe for landing. I eased off on the elevator to see a sharp nose drop and fed in the throttle. I did a couple more laps testing the speed envelope and did a couple of low-ish passes to test for abnormal noises to make sure things were holding tight in the airframe. Things were good at all times and no whistles that were distracting either. I did not do any fancy maneuvers, just testing for stability and flight worthiness. She really looks the part. I like the speed envelope. On WOT she really cruises and really looks like she is going for a speed run. lowering the throttle back to half she just goes where I tell her to. Saw that 3 minutes was up so its time to land. Gave a good approach and eased back the throttle but not to stop the prop. You want airflow over these short-coupled planes to keep up the tail authority. She settled in well and bounced twice then on the ground she rolled for about 4 feet and nosed-over. No damage and nerves were shot. Inspected for any lose connections and she was fine. Battery was quite warm but I knew I would be pushing this battery for that amount of time. 3:24 total flight time and I could not be happier. I think she can handle more weight with the extra paint I'll need as well as the decals applied. ESC was warm but not hot. Motor was as well and no bad smells. The prop's pitch is set at 5 (lowest setting) and I think I'll keep her there. I like how it performs. I do not see any issues with power at all so I'm convinced that this is a good solution. I've got the battery back on the charger now and I'll report back with power consumption. I'm thinking I could go with the ZIPPY compact 4000 for longer flights and a little more punch. As it is a 2200 will fit the bill for a quick flight.
