I just had a couple of things to do this morning before the plane was ready for first flight. I installed the cowl inlet seals and then installed the cowl. I also reinstalled the lower empennage fairings. Finally, I got the GoPro cameras ready and changed into my Nomex flight suit. Jenn grabbed this picture of me for posterity.
Several people wanted to get some last minute pictures before the flight.
Here is a video of the first flight. The flight itself was a non-event. Everything went beautifully and the plane flew hands off. My buddy Greg flew chase in his Bonanza and we were able to check airspeeds and altitudes. My buddy Andre and Jenn manned radios on the ground. Thanks to everyone who came out for this momentous milestone.
After the flight, Jenn grabbed another picture of me to prove I survived.
I did a very thorough post-flight inspection and found a couple of minor things to change. The silicone wrap I used here had rubbed through, so I used a layer of spiral wrap and some electrical tape to provide a wear layer here.
There was a missing tie-wrap here. Not sure if it broke or I had just missed it.
My oil pressure was high. I swapped the oil pressure regulator and have it turned all the way down, so I was starting to suspect the sender. I rigged up a secondary gauge and confirmed the sender is correct.
