Card 2 and 3 – Flap and Gear Operation

CG: One-fourth to one-third back from front of envelope

Fuel: One hour minimum

Ground Observer: As desired with radio.

Possible Emergencies: Asymmetric flap setting and airframe or control surface damage due to exceeding speed limits.

Procedures:

1. START: Normal
2. FLAPS: Retracted
3. Record engine readings when stabilized.
4. TAKEOFF: Flaps up, leave landing gear extended
5. CLIMB: Expected V_Y or, if not known, 1.3 times estimated V_S.
6. Perform 180-degree turn at a safe altitude (2,000 agl) to orbit airport.
7. Check engine instruments in the green. If so, continue climb over the airport.
8. LEVEL OFF: Orbit at planned safe altitude
9. Set power to maintain 1.5 to 2.0 V_SO and trim for straight and level flight.
10. Record engine instrument readings.
11. Slow to V_FE or below.
12. Extend flaps to takeoff position in small increments. Add power to maintain straight-and-level flight.
13. With takeoff flaps set, retard throttle to idle.
14. Decelerate in 5-knot increments to onset of stall buffet or comfort level of control authority and notate speed.
15. Retract flaps, climb back to starting altitude and repeat test for full flaps setting.
16. Simulate landing at 5,000 feet with flaps using target approach speed.
17. Record power settings and rate of descent.
18. Note controllability
19. LANDING: Normal, with flaps, gear down.
20. SHUTDOWN: Normal

Results:

Performed normal flaps up takeoff and climbed above airport to 5,000 feet to continue to test run engine and perform flap operation check. During takeoff roll and climb out, noted cylinder 4 and 6 EGT approach high limits and reduced power slightly after liftoff to cool temperatures; enriching fuel needle seemed to help high EGTs but will further enrichen fuel mixture to help control high EGT temps. Also noticed slightly low oil temp and pressure; will experiment with blocking off oil cooler inlet to better control oil temps. Upon reaching safe altitude, began flap check procedure. Recorded indicated airspeed at which buffet first began to occur and airspeed where flight controls noticeably “mushed” speeds are within expected range and aircraft performed as expected in slow flight with flaps deployed. Also performed Test Card 3 – Gear Check by verifying gear was still attached to aircraft in down position. Also performed Dynon in-flight compass calibration with quality rating of 114 after performing a number of 360 degree turns in both directions. Returned to airport for normal landing with full flaps.

Stabilized Engine Readings Before Takeoff

Stabilized Engine Readings Cruise

Flap Check

Landing Gear Check