I accomplished some maintenance Saturday that took longer than expected. I didn't have time to fly once I was done so decided to do the test
flight this morning. Winds were calm or light (260 @ 3 at KLNS) and the air was cold (32 F) though hazy.
Smoketown Airport from 1500' AGL (looking towards runway 28)
I arrived at 7:15 just after sunrise. The hangar doors were coated with a layer of frost. I pulled the airplane out, did a quick preflight, and went through the starting routine.
Silence.
After a few more throws I gave it more prime, spun the prop through a dozen times, and added a bit more throttle. It caught, then started sputtering. Another round of startup and finally she caught and after a few early stumbles started running smoothly.
Tiedown and chocks out, climb in, taxi to runway 28. The windscreen was now sporting a haze of frost but was still clear enough to see forward. I did an extra-long runup and everything checked out. Taxi to centerline, hold brakes, apply full power -- all good. Release and takeoff.
I stayed in the pattern, climbing to 2000' and enjoying the smooth air and million-mile view above the haze clinging to the cold ground.
I had limited time, so checked carb heat, then mags. Each side gave a 50 RPM drop at full power -- good. I really wanted to fly somewhere this beautiful day but had to get back down, get in the car, and drive to Exton. A passable landing on the pavement and then push back in, chock, close and lock, and drive away. She's good to go until next time!
Smoketown Airport from 1500' AGL (looking towards runway 28)
 |
| Clear above, hazy below |
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| Hazy sunshine |
I arrived at 7:15 just after sunrise. The hangar doors were coated with a layer of frost. I pulled the airplane out, did a quick preflight, and went through the starting routine.
Silence.
After a few more throws I gave it more prime, spun the prop through a dozen times, and added a bit more throttle. It caught, then started sputtering. Another round of startup and finally she caught and after a few early stumbles started running smoothly.
Tiedown and chocks out, climb in, taxi to runway 28. The windscreen was now sporting a haze of frost but was still clear enough to see forward. I did an extra-long runup and everything checked out. Taxi to centerline, hold brakes, apply full power -- all good. Release and takeoff.
I stayed in the pattern, climbing to 2000' and enjoying the smooth air and million-mile view above the haze clinging to the cold ground.
I had limited time, so checked carb heat, then mags. Each side gave a 50 RPM drop at full power -- good. I really wanted to fly somewhere this beautiful day but had to get back down, get in the car, and drive to Exton. A passable landing on the pavement and then push back in, chock, close and lock, and drive away. She's good to go until next time!
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