Airdrome Nieuport 17 - Florida Version

[Bookmaker]

Back to the travel subject and my wife. I was talking to her about a trip to Holden, then she asked what kind of engine I planned to use. I said that Robert was the distributor for the Rotec radial engines that are made in Australia. Her immediate comment was, "We can go to Australia to pick it up".

Sounds interesting, but I don't think we can claim it as checked baggage!

[Brad]

Originally Posted by Bookmaker

Back to the travel subject and my wife. I was talking to her about a trip to Holden, then she asked what kind of engine I planned to use. I said that Robert was the distributor for the Rotec radial engines that are made in Australia. Her immediate comment was, "We can go to Australia to pick it up".

Sounds interesting, but I don't think we can claim it as checked baggage!

The rudder looks very nice!

And while I suspect you are right... I like the way she thinks!

[Bookmaker]

Thanks Brad.

I had some trouble getting the control horn holes, control horn and side plate lined up. It may not be acceptable as it is. I will have my A & P friend look at it.

In any case, it's experience.

Yes, Rose will travel if given a chance.

I start working on Tail dragger time this weekend. A man in Panama City, FL has a Citabria that he does tail wheel and unusual attitude instruction. I have time in a Stearman and a few landings in a Champ, but that was several years ago. I was technically signed off for tail wheel, but really should not have been as we really didn't cover enough variables.

Dale

[Dart]

Do me a favor and ask about his VW engine while you're there. The price looks very good, and I was wondering if he had the junk to go around it (carb, ignition, etc.) for sale as well.

[Bookmaker]

Dart, Check this link.

Valley Engineering, L.L.C - Culver Propellors

Dale

[Dart]

Yep, it's one of my favorite airplane pr0n sites. My prop will come from there, but I have to call and ask about prices on smaller firewall forward rigs - the Deluxe Package shown is wwaaaaayyyy outside my budget.

[Bookmaker]

My work on taildragger proficiency has begun. Here is my trusty steed
N8718V



This photo was taken AFTER the flight. Notice, no bent parts

We spent a good deal of this first flight getting to know the plane. Lots of turns, climbs, glides and a couple of stalls. One thing I noticed is that the Citabria will turn on a dime compared to a 172 or 182.

I did the first take off in 3 wheel attitude and had no problem. I should mention there was about a 10-12kt quartering crosswind. However the trees pretty much block this at ground level. Also, this is a grass strip. First landing, 3 pointer straight as an arrow. He took off from the roll out as I guess he didn't want to test my handling the torque quite yet. Anyway, another 3 point landing, taxi back then a Wheel Take off. It is pretty wierd pushing the stick hard forward on take off. I did OK, but really should have held more forward pressure for most of the run. Third 3 pointer landing. Actually, 1 pointer - tail wheel first.

We decided to call it a day. I need to exercise my right arm, it started to let me know it wasn't use to doing this type thing. I am really looking forward to more flight in this plane, its a blast.

Dale

[Dart]

Awesome!

[Bookmaker]

The rudder frame is completed - mostly.



The opposite of the aluminum plate at the bottom is not riveted. I want it looked over first.

Also, the hinges have not been set.

If you notice that the two upper ribs aren't parallel, I did that intentionally. The original just had one rib and it was parallel to the top of the rudder. I mounted the upper rib in more or less that configuration.

It will be a while now for any more progress.

Dale

[Dart]

Set the bottom hinge - you'll have to before you put the other gusset in anyway.

The top one just floats free until the fuselage is done - one marries them up on the spot.

Looks great!

How are you doing your builder's log?