The Murphy Builders Site

Mike you want BOTH tanks on at ALL times. The only time I'd ever use a
single tank is when trying to run it down for service or a fuel type change
over...or to ease refueling at a seaplane dock to fill a single
tank..instead of getting to both sides.

For your maiden flights, I would be putting a well strapped down 50lb bag of
......... (what ever you can get..plastic pellets/sand/concrete) in the
baggage area. Either that or a 5 gallon camping jug full of water with the
straps thru the handle to hold it in place.

For landing...65MPH on final slowing to 60 over the fence until you get used
to the sink rate of the wing below that speed. Fly to within a few feet of
the ground and then hold it off with minimal power on and let it slowly
settle while bringing the stick back SLOWLY. If it ballons on you go FULL
power NOW...drop the nose so it flies again and go around. Do not try to
salvage the landing until you get really use to the airplane....I have too
many repair pictures I could show...for those that have tried too salvage a
balloon too early after first flights. The Rebel/Elite does not float like a
C172 does!

Wayne



----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Betti" <mbetti@hughes.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:55 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the
inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no
problem.
Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at
1472# and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk
of this subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot
to be in with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a
full flair to 3 point the most conservative landing.
I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most
situations, take-off, cruise?
Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E



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Wayne, how about flaps? Should I just leave them alone for a while? I will
be using a 5,000' asphalt runway.
Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne G. O'Shea" <oifa@irishfield.on.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:17 PM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

Mike you want BOTH tanks on at ALL times. The only time I'd ever use a
single tank is when trying to run it down for service or a fuel type
change
over...or to ease refueling at a seaplane dock to fill a single
tank..instead of getting to both sides.

For your maiden flights, I would be putting a well strapped down 50lb bag
of
......... (what ever you can get..plastic pellets/sand/concrete) in the
baggage area. Either that or a 5 gallon camping jug full of water with the
straps thru the handle to hold it in place.

For landing...65MPH on final slowing to 60 over the fence until you get
used
to the sink rate of the wing below that speed. Fly to within a few feet of
the ground and then hold it off with minimal power on and let it slowly
settle while bringing the stick back SLOWLY. If it ballons on you go FULL
power NOW...drop the nose so it flies again and go around. Do not try to
salvage the landing until you get really use to the airplane....I have too
many repair pictures I could show...for those that have tried too salvage
a
balloon too early after first flights. The Rebel/Elite does not float like
a
C172 does!

Wayne



----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Betti" <mbetti@hughes.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:55 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the
inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no
problem.
Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at
1472# and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk
of this subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot
to be in with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a
full flair to 3 point the most conservative landing.
I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most
situations, take-off, cruise?
Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E



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Hi Mike: I am going to add by 2c worth to this also. - I always flew the
Rebel with both tanks on unless I wanted to purposely lower the fuel level
on a tank and that was done at altitude. I have never flown an Elite, but I
found it much easier to wheel land the Rebel then three point and only ever
used half flap with the full length flaperons. Wheel landings for me where
much easier to control especially in a cross wind as the slight increase in
speed required resulted it greater rudder authority. I am really looking
forward to flying a Rebel again - now back to the build. Bob J Rebel
192/731.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Betti" <mbetti@hughes.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:55 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the
inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no
problem.
Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at
1472# and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk
of this subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot
to be in with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a
full flair to 3 point the most conservative landing.
I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most
situations, take-off, cruise?
Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E



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Hi Mike !

That weight of 1,472 lb - does that include you ?? And is that 13.42"
CG with you and the fuel in place, or empty ??? What is the empty
weight & CG ??

If both of the above include the pilot, then you are in pretty good
shape. You could put maybe 20 - 30 lb. in the baggage area, centered,
and well secured. I think the current RECOMMENDED CG range
is something like 12 to 18 .... you could check with the factory ...
(recommended for most pleasant flying)

I always try to do the first few flights with just over half tanks -
filling it right up really adds weight & changes the handing....
Just use 1 notch of flap for the takeoff. Ease it up once you have
everything sorted out on climb - at about 70 mph ... Set the
trim for neutral, or slightly nose up (maybe 1/4" of tab showing
underneath ..) before taxiiing out for takeoff ...
and don't change it initially - it'll be one less thing to worry about.
You don't have to constantly re-trim like a Cessna... The climb
angle will be awesome - don't let it throw you !! Use the horizon
to guide you once you have the speed where you want it ...
keep your eyes outside as much as possible. Best to schedule
test flight at a quiet time - and work with the tower guys.....
they like to help.

Don't have a lot of Elite time - somewhere between 50 & 100 hr ...
but I would definitely keep the speed about 70 - 75 on approach,
with 2 notches of flap (assuming you are set up with 3 ...)
Keep that speed right to the flare, about maybe 5 - 8 ft up,
then gradually level, until you are about 2-3 ft. up, and level.
Then pull slowly & steadily back until you get the right
attitude - by then the wheels should be touching. Three point
landings are ALWAYS safest ! Don't attempt wheel landings
until you are very comfortable with the Elite ... and avoid
strong gusty crosswinds for a long time (like 50+ hours ...)

The important thing is:
If the stick is ALL THE WAY BACK when the wheels touch,
you will have a good landing !

Check to be sure your toes are not pressing the brakes
just before touchdown - it'll spoil your day !

The extra speed gives you a bit of float - and time to get
the tail down into the right attitude. Fix the picure of the nose
& runway positions in your mind before takeoff. You have lots
of runway ahead - don't try to make the first turn-off , just let
it roll to a stop !

As Wayne suggests - if you bounce, just push in the power
and go around. If it's just a <skip>, KEEP THE STICK ALL THE
WAY BACK & WAIT - it'll be fine ! DO NOT ease forward, relax grip,
or add power, unless you are going around.

For the first flight, figure on just doing once around
the field, & checking everything over afterwards for leaks,
etc. - Chances are temps will get higher than you like ....
remember to FLY THE AIRPLANE !!!

IF the temps are ok, and the airplane feels ok - extend the
flight to the local area - and keep climbing, so you are within
gliding distance of the airport. At 3 or 4,000 feet, you can
throttle back & relax a bit - do some turns to get comfortable,
then try gentle stalls.... This will give you a feel for the landing
attitude & feel. Do not stay out more than about 1/2 hour ...

Fuel selectors should both be ON for this flight. Once the
testing is over, I often run both for takeoff & landing, but mostly
just the left for local flying - this leaves a bit more fuel on the right
to balance my weight .... makes cruise trim easier.

In this cold weather, you will not want to shock cool that new
engine, so keep the throttle reductions small & slow - keep
about 1900 rpm on base & final, cutting it to idle at about 100 - 200 ft.
Playing with the throttle ruins many landings !! Close it & leave it !
Concentrate on flying the plane !!
Maybe you have already mostly blocked the oil cooler air inlet -
only a sqare inch or so needed - if that ! And, if it's really cold, you
might want to partly block the cowling air inlets with metal covers -
you will likely see examples around, if they are needed there...

Through all of this, I'm assuming you have had at least 10 hours
or more of recent dual on a taildragger - if not, definitely do that !!
In fact, it's not a bad idea to go do a couple of circuits (trips around
the pattern ...) in a taildragger just before flying your Elite - you'll
know what the day is like, and be fresh....

Have fun, and ENJOY !! You will have a permanent smile !!!!

Email me your phone number if you want to kick it around
more - I can call almost anytime ....

--
......bobp
http://www.prosumers.ca
http://bpatterson.qhealthbeauty.com
http://apatterson2.qhealthzone.com

-------------------------------orig.-------------------------
On Wednesday 31 January 2007 22:55, Mike Betti wrote:

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the

inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no problem.

Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at 1472#

and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk of this
subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot to be in
with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a full flair to
3 point the most conservative landing.

I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most

situations, take-off, cruise?

Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E

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Congratulations and good luck, Mike. I can't comment on landing, as I have
only flown it on amphibs. The elevator is quite a bit more effective than
the Rebel's apparently, so you shouldn't have trouble running out of travel.
I personally like to run the tanks down one at a time, so I can keep track
of how much is in each.






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Thanks Bob,
Empty is 1110#, 11.92" aft
I'm current in a C140, so hoping not to be surprised with ground handling. I
will email with a number so time.
Mike Betti
771E

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Patterson" <beep@sympatico.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:26 PM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

Hi Mike !

That weight of 1,472 lb - does that include you ?? And is that 13.42"
CG with you and the fuel in place, or empty ??? What is the empty
weight & CG ??

If both of the above include the pilot, then you are in pretty good
shape. You could put maybe 20 - 30 lb. in the baggage area, centered,
and well secured. I think the current RECOMMENDED CG range
is something like 12 to 18 .... you could check with the factory ...
(recommended for most pleasant flying)

I always try to do the first few flights with just over half tanks -
filling it right up really adds weight & changes the handing....
Just use 1 notch of flap for the takeoff. Ease it up once you have
everything sorted out on climb - at about 70 mph ... Set the
trim for neutral, or slightly nose up (maybe 1/4" of tab showing
underneath ..) before taxiiing out for takeoff ...
and don't change it initially - it'll be one less thing to worry about.
You don't have to constantly re-trim like a Cessna... The climb
angle will be awesome - don't let it throw you !! Use the horizon
to guide you once you have the speed where you want it ...
keep your eyes outside as much as possible. Best to schedule
test flight at a quiet time - and work with the tower guys.....
they like to help.

Don't have a lot of Elite time - somewhere between 50 & 100 hr ...
but I would definitely keep the speed about 70 - 75 on approach,
with 2 notches of flap (assuming you are set up with 3 ...)
Keep that speed right to the flare, about maybe 5 - 8 ft up,
then gradually level, until you are about 2-3 ft. up, and level.
Then pull slowly & steadily back until you get the right
attitude - by then the wheels should be touching. Three point
landings are ALWAYS safest ! Don't attempt wheel landings
until you are very comfortable with the Elite ... and avoid
strong gusty crosswinds for a long time (like 50+ hours ...)

The important thing is:
If the stick is ALL THE WAY BACK when the wheels touch,
you will have a good landing !

Check to be sure your toes are not pressing the brakes
just before touchdown - it'll spoil your day !

The extra speed gives you a bit of float - and time to get
the tail down into the right attitude. Fix the picure of the nose
& runway positions in your mind before takeoff. You have lots
of runway ahead - don't try to make the first turn-off , just let
it roll to a stop !

As Wayne suggests - if you bounce, just push in the power
and go around. If it's just a <skip>, KEEP THE STICK ALL THE
WAY BACK & WAIT - it'll be fine ! DO NOT ease forward, relax grip,
or add power, unless you are going around.

For the first flight, figure on just doing once around
the field, & checking everything over afterwards for leaks,
etc. - Chances are temps will get higher than you like ....
remember to FLY THE AIRPLANE !!!

IF the temps are ok, and the airplane feels ok - extend the
flight to the local area - and keep climbing, so you are within
gliding distance of the airport. At 3 or 4,000 feet, you can
throttle back & relax a bit - do some turns to get comfortable,
then try gentle stalls.... This will give you a feel for the landing
attitude & feel. Do not stay out more than about 1/2 hour ...

Fuel selectors should both be ON for this flight. Once the
testing is over, I often run both for takeoff & landing, but mostly
just the left for local flying - this leaves a bit more fuel on the right
to balance my weight .... makes cruise trim easier.

In this cold weather, you will not want to shock cool that new
engine, so keep the throttle reductions small & slow - keep
about 1900 rpm on base & final, cutting it to idle at about 100 - 200 ft.
Playing with the throttle ruins many landings !! Close it & leave it !
Concentrate on flying the plane !!
Maybe you have already mostly blocked the oil cooler air inlet -
only a sqare inch or so needed - if that ! And, if it's really cold, you
might want to partly block the cowling air inlets with metal covers -
you will likely see examples around, if they are needed there...

Through all of this, I'm assuming you have had at least 10 hours
or more of recent dual on a taildragger - if not, definitely do that !!
In fact, it's not a bad idea to go do a couple of circuits (trips around
the pattern ...) in a taildragger just before flying your Elite - you'll
know what the day is like, and be fresh....

Have fun, and ENJOY !! You will have a permanent smile !!!!

Email me your phone number if you want to kick it around
more - I can call almost anytime ....

--
......bobp
http://www.prosumers.ca
http://bpatterson.qhealthbeauty.com
http://apatterson2.qhealthzone.com

-------------------------------orig.-------------------------
On Wednesday 31 January 2007 22:55, Mike Betti wrote:

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the

inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no
problem.

Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at
1472#

and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk of this
subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot to be in
with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a full flair
to
3 point the most conservative landing.

I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most

situations, take-off, cruise?

Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E

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Hi Mike !

That sounds good - you should have no C of G problems, even
without 20-30 lb. in the center of the baggage area. Still best not
to fill it right up - just over half will be easiest. Just take off -
DO NOT try 'fast taxi' or 'crow hops' - these concentrate the
most dangerous parts of the flight !! Set in your mind before
opening the throttle that you will NOT turn back, no matter what -
if things go bad, land straight ahead, or slightly off if necessary
to avoid trees .... ;-) ....and get the flaps down first - it'll make
it a lot less painful !

You've done well on the weight - I've never seen an Elite that
weighed less than 1,100 lb. - that's where the 180 hp. comes in. ;-)

If you can handle a C-140, especially one without those gear
extenders that move the wheels forward, you'll have NO problems
with the Elite. It's nowhere near as squirrely !! The flaps are more
effective, with more pitch change - the ailerons & rudder less so .....
... forces will be similar. Climb will leave you breathless !!!
It won't float as much on landing... be as gentle as you can on
the brakes - it's the braking loads that really pull the gear legs.

Have fun !!! :-)

And let me know if you want to talk ....

--
......bobp
http://www.prosumers.ca
http://bpatterson.qhealthbeauty.com
http://apatterson2.qhealthzone.com

-------------------------------orig.-------------------------
On Thursday 01 February 2007 23:30, Mike Betti wrote:

Thanks Bob,
Empty is 1110#, 11.92" aft
I'm current in a C140, so hoping not to be surprised with ground handling. I
will email with a number so time.
Mike Betti
771E

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Patterson" <beep@sympatico.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:26 PM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

Hi Mike !

That weight of 1,472 lb - does that include you ?? And is that 13.42"
CG with you and the fuel in place, or empty ??? What is the empty
weight & CG ??

If both of the above include the pilot, then you are in pretty good
shape. You could put maybe 20 - 30 lb. in the baggage area, centered,
and well secured. I think the current RECOMMENDED CG range
is something like 12 to 18 .... you could check with the factory ...
(recommended for most pleasant flying)

I always try to do the first few flights with just over half tanks -
filling it right up really adds weight & changes the handing....
Just use 1 notch of flap for the takeoff. Ease it up once you have
everything sorted out on climb - at about 70 mph ... Set the
trim for neutral, or slightly nose up (maybe 1/4" of tab showing
underneath ..) before taxiiing out for takeoff ...
and don't change it initially - it'll be one less thing to worry about.
You don't have to constantly re-trim like a Cessna... The climb
angle will be awesome - don't let it throw you !! Use the horizon
to guide you once you have the speed where you want it ...
keep your eyes outside as much as possible. Best to schedule
test flight at a quiet time - and work with the tower guys.....
they like to help.

Don't have a lot of Elite time - somewhere between 50 & 100 hr ...
but I would definitely keep the speed about 70 - 75 on approach,
with 2 notches of flap (assuming you are set up with 3 ...)
Keep that speed right to the flare, about maybe 5 - 8 ft up,
then gradually level, until you are about 2-3 ft. up, and level.
Then pull slowly & steadily back until you get the right
attitude - by then the wheels should be touching. Three point
landings are ALWAYS safest ! Don't attempt wheel landings
until you are very comfortable with the Elite ... and avoid
strong gusty crosswinds for a long time (like 50+ hours ...)

The important thing is:
If the stick is ALL THE WAY BACK when the wheels touch,
you will have a good landing !

Check to be sure your toes are not pressing the brakes
just before touchdown - it'll spoil your day !

The extra speed gives you a bit of float - and time to get
the tail down into the right attitude. Fix the picure of the nose
& runway positions in your mind before takeoff. You have lots
of runway ahead - don't try to make the first turn-off , just let
it roll to a stop !

As Wayne suggests - if you bounce, just push in the power
and go around. If it's just a <skip>, KEEP THE STICK ALL THE
WAY BACK & WAIT - it'll be fine ! DO NOT ease forward, relax grip,
or add power, unless you are going around.

For the first flight, figure on just doing once around
the field, & checking everything over afterwards for leaks,
etc. - Chances are temps will get higher than you like ....
remember to FLY THE AIRPLANE !!!

IF the temps are ok, and the airplane feels ok - extend the
flight to the local area - and keep climbing, so you are within
gliding distance of the airport. At 3 or 4,000 feet, you can
throttle back & relax a bit - do some turns to get comfortable,
then try gentle stalls.... This will give you a feel for the landing
attitude & feel. Do not stay out more than about 1/2 hour ...

Fuel selectors should both be ON for this flight. Once the
testing is over, I often run both for takeoff & landing, but mostly
just the left for local flying - this leaves a bit more fuel on the right
to balance my weight .... makes cruise trim easier.

In this cold weather, you will not want to shock cool that new
engine, so keep the throttle reductions small & slow - keep
about 1900 rpm on base & final, cutting it to idle at about 100 - 200 ft.
Playing with the throttle ruins many landings !! Close it & leave it !
Concentrate on flying the plane !!
Maybe you have already mostly blocked the oil cooler air inlet -
only a sqare inch or so needed - if that ! And, if it's really cold, you
might want to partly block the cowling air inlets with metal covers -
you will likely see examples around, if they are needed there...

Through all of this, I'm assuming you have had at least 10 hours
or more of recent dual on a taildragger - if not, definitely do that !!
In fact, it's not a bad idea to go do a couple of circuits (trips around
the pattern ...) in a taildragger just before flying your Elite - you'll
know what the day is like, and be fresh....

Have fun, and ENJOY !! You will have a permanent smile !!!!

Email me your phone number if you want to kick it around
more - I can call almost anytime ....

--
......bobp
http://www.prosumers.ca
http://bpatterson.qhealthbeauty.com
http://apatterson2.qhealthzone.com

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-----------------------------------------------------------------

At 04:55 PM 1/31/2007 -0600, you wrote:

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the

inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no problem.

Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at

1472# and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk of
this subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot to
be in with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a full
flair to 3 point the most conservative landing.

I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most

situations, take-off, cruise?

Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E

Hi Mike if you're running both tanks keep an eye on both fuel gauges
because one tank might feed a lot faster than the other.
Drew



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Thanks again Bob,
I'm starting to get excited!
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Patterson" <beep@sympatico.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 6:14 PM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

Hi Mike !

That sounds good - you should have no C of G problems, even
without 20-30 lb. in the center of the baggage area. Still best not
to fill it right up - just over half will be easiest. Just take off -
DO NOT try 'fast taxi' or 'crow hops' - these concentrate the
most dangerous parts of the flight !! Set in your mind before
opening the throttle that you will NOT turn back, no matter what -
if things go bad, land straight ahead, or slightly off if necessary
to avoid trees .... ;-) ....and get the flaps down first - it'll
make
it a lot less painful !

You've done well on the weight - I've never seen an Elite that
weighed less than 1,100 lb. - that's where the 180 hp. comes in. ;-)

If you can handle a C-140, especially one without those gear
extenders that move the wheels forward, you'll have NO problems
with the Elite. It's nowhere near as squirrely !! The flaps are more
effective, with more pitch change - the ailerons & rudder less so .....
... forces will be similar. Climb will leave you breathless !!!
It won't float as much on landing... be as gentle as you can on
the brakes - it's the braking loads that really pull the gear legs.

Have fun !!! :-)

And let me know if you want to talk ....

--
......bobp
http://www.prosumers.ca
http://bpatterson.qhealthbeauty.com
http://apatterson2.qhealthzone.com

-------------------------------orig.-------------------------
On Thursday 01 February 2007 23:30, Mike Betti wrote:

Thanks Bob,
Empty is 1110#, 11.92" aft
I'm current in a C140, so hoping not to be surprised with ground
handling. I
will email with a number so time.
Mike Betti
771E

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Patterson" <beep@sympatico.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:26 PM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

Hi Mike !

That weight of 1,472 lb - does that include you ?? And is that
13.42"
CG with you and the fuel in place, or empty ??? What is the empty
weight & CG ??

If both of the above include the pilot, then you are in pretty good
shape. You could put maybe 20 - 30 lb. in the baggage area, centered,
and well secured. I think the current RECOMMENDED CG range
is something like 12 to 18 .... you could check with the factory ...
(recommended for most pleasant flying)

I always try to do the first few flights with just over half tanks -
filling it right up really adds weight & changes the handing....
Just use 1 notch of flap for the takeoff. Ease it up once you have
everything sorted out on climb - at about 70 mph ... Set the
trim for neutral, or slightly nose up (maybe 1/4" of tab showing
underneath ..) before taxiiing out for takeoff ...
and don't change it initially - it'll be one less thing to worry about.
You don't have to constantly re-trim like a Cessna... The climb
angle will be awesome - don't let it throw you !! Use the horizon
to guide you once you have the speed where you want it ...
keep your eyes outside as much as possible. Best to schedule
test flight at a quiet time - and work with the tower guys.....
they like to help.

Don't have a lot of Elite time - somewhere between 50 & 100 hr ...
but I would definitely keep the speed about 70 - 75 on approach,
with 2 notches of flap (assuming you are set up with 3 ...)
Keep that speed right to the flare, about maybe 5 - 8 ft up,
then gradually level, until you are about 2-3 ft. up, and level.
Then pull slowly & steadily back until you get the right
attitude - by then the wheels should be touching. Three point
landings are ALWAYS safest ! Don't attempt wheel landings
until you are very comfortable with the Elite ... and avoid
strong gusty crosswinds for a long time (like 50+ hours ...)

The important thing is:
If the stick is ALL THE WAY BACK when the wheels touch,
you will have a good landing !

Check to be sure your toes are not pressing the brakes
just before touchdown - it'll spoil your day !

The extra speed gives you a bit of float - and time to get
the tail down into the right attitude. Fix the picure of the nose
& runway positions in your mind before takeoff. You have lots
of runway ahead - don't try to make the first turn-off , just let
it roll to a stop !

As Wayne suggests - if you bounce, just push in the power
and go around. If it's just a <skip>, KEEP THE STICK ALL THE
WAY BACK & WAIT - it'll be fine ! DO NOT ease forward, relax grip,
or add power, unless you are going around.

For the first flight, figure on just doing once around
the field, & checking everything over afterwards for leaks,
etc. - Chances are temps will get higher than you like ....
remember to FLY THE AIRPLANE !!!

IF the temps are ok, and the airplane feels ok - extend the
flight to the local area - and keep climbing, so you are within
gliding distance of the airport. At 3 or 4,000 feet, you can
throttle back & relax a bit - do some turns to get comfortable,
then try gentle stalls.... This will give you a feel for the landing
attitude & feel. Do not stay out more than about 1/2 hour ...

Fuel selectors should both be ON for this flight. Once the
testing is over, I often run both for takeoff & landing, but mostly
just the left for local flying - this leaves a bit more fuel on the
right
to balance my weight .... makes cruise trim easier.

In this cold weather, you will not want to shock cool that new
engine, so keep the throttle reductions small & slow - keep
about 1900 rpm on base & final, cutting it to idle at about 100 - 200
ft.
Playing with the throttle ruins many landings !! Close it & leave it !
Concentrate on flying the plane !!
Maybe you have already mostly blocked the oil cooler air inlet -
only a sqare inch or so needed - if that ! And, if it's really cold,
you
might want to partly block the cowling air inlets with metal covers -
you will likely see examples around, if they are needed there...

Through all of this, I'm assuming you have had at least 10 hours
or more of recent dual on a taildragger - if not, definitely do that !!
In fact, it's not a bad idea to go do a couple of circuits (trips
around
the pattern ...) in a taildragger just before flying your Elite -
you'll
know what the day is like, and be fresh....

Have fun, and ENJOY !! You will have a permanent smile !!!!

Email me your phone number if you want to kick it around
more - I can call almost anytime ....

--
......bobp
http://www.prosumers.ca
http://bpatterson.qhealthbeauty.com
http://apatterson2.qhealthzone.com

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Thanks Drew,
I heard the same from another. I will let all know how it comes out in the
end.
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Drew Dalgleish" <drewjan@cabletv.on.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 7:34 PM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] CG for Elite

At 04:55 PM 1/31/2007 -0600, you wrote:

I now have my Elite assembled at the airport, just waiting on the

inspection. My tech counsler wears that hat too so I should have no
problem.

Recent weight and balance for my maiden flight, 3/4 tanks shows me at

1472# and CG at 13.42" aft. Limits are 7.7 to 19.7. With the recent talk
of
this subject I thought I would throw it our there. Is this a good spot to
be in with out adding ballast. Also, when it comes to flying it, is a full
flair to 3 point the most conservative landing.

I have 2 fuel shutoffs, do I want to use both in the on position for most

situations, take-off, cruise?

Thanks,
Mike Betti
771E

Hi Mike if you're running both tanks keep an eye on both fuel gauges
because one tank might feed a lot faster than the other.
Drew



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