First Flights

[DRL]

N439 flew for the first time today. It was really a non event, it flies straight hands off with great control harmony, a rudder trim tab may be unnecessary. After much concern that we were not building it precisely enough, it only took about 3 minutes for those doubts to disappear. This was kit number 16, it took about 3 years 2 months for the three of us to build it and we lost track of our hours a long time ago. The only minor first flight glitch was a rudder return spring that came disconnected, so we will find a very flexible person to hook that up again. With a few adjustments in the Skyview and we will be ready to go again. The deck angle on takeoff is very impressive, jet like.

Dave

[ceslaw]

Congratulations!

When does the little one makes its maiden flight?

[Mitch]

Congratulations

Great job. Send me some pictures and i will put it in the kit registry. I will email you the registry form.

Mitch

[EVRoosevelt]

Congratulations looks great
EV

[Dan L]

Congratulations Dave! It looks really nice and flies just as good it sounds.

What is the empty weight with the little tires?

[DRL]

Congratulations Dave! It looks really nice and flies just as good it sounds.

What is the empty weight with the little tires?

The empty weight is 958, with the standard baggage compartment and fuel tanks. We probably have some "extra" pounds in the paint and the rear windows add a few. The tailwheel, EX gear, and tail feathers add a bit more over the LSA. Originally we planned a 1320 gross, had we known we would go to 1865 we would have put in the extra tanks and extended baggage.