MLS Metro Launch System Install on Blue Emperor Butterfly

[Greg Mitchell]

First test flight video and story so far is 190 rrpm at 4700 eng rpm at 25 C in variable 15-25 knot winds.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItXaKn6HvFM

[NiqueNaque]

Greg,Had a look at it, I think I can see you grinning from ear to ear or is that just the helmet?? I noticed your neck mobility seems to have improved alot from when we were talking at Strathfield, I guess a fair amount of healing has happened between now and then, good to see it has paid some divies there.On the video - on

[Des Garvin]

Ah Nic, When you are taking off when the nose first lifts what is your proceedure fom there with regard to lowering the nose to get to liftoff. Just curious thats all. Des Garvin

[NiqueNaque]

Des,Generally I can"t take off when the nose "first" lifts, there is not enough rotor speed - The first nose lift off happens when the rotor has gained its advantage over the weight holding the nose down... at that time I lower the nose and "try" to keep it just off the ground until the gyro accelerates and

[Greg Mitchell]

Yeah Nic, neck and pain a lot better than the last 12-15 years.You are correct Nic, second lift off was definitely nose high but I think I got it level quick enough. The first was not nearly so radical. Remember it is/was the first test flights since installing the MLS and I am test flying my own mods and weight changes these days as there is a shortage of experienced pilots here in Tas.As the testing proceeds and I become more proficient I will endeavour to get more data.Hope you and yours are well Nic and your easter was full of sugar..... (triple sugar) ;DMitch.

[Greg Mitchell]

OK so I went flying this afternoon. WOW!Much cooler and S & L the rrpms were 345. 10 less than last time out.I only intended to do some static spin ups but ended up getting 3 flights in during the arvo. I"ll play with the video footage over the next 24 hrs and post a link.I got 220 rrpm static 18 C and 5 -10 knots wind. Second static spin up again 220 rrpm.Out on the "paddock" 205 rrpm as my gyro began to creep.I like the 195 rrpm figure. The 503 MLS gets there very quickly and allows a 600lb Butterfly/Pilot combo to get off in less than 100 feet.So 2 static spin ups 220 rrpm and 7 takeoff spin-ups to 190-195 rrpm.She still flys great and seems to hold her altitude pretty well in turns with out big throttle changes.I paid particular attention to my max engine rpm and I am sure I am only seeing 6,350rpm, which is a little low eh! Prop is Tennessee timber 60 X 40.Comments most welcome.Mitch.

[Greg Mitchell]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXgfS2ZKhTEYes I forgot my lid first time around, once realise I corrected the situation.I prefer a lid Might re-adjust the wind conditions.....I think you can see the wind sock doing a 5-15 knots.Mitch.

[Brian]

Thats great stuff Mitch and although I cant do the video, I can see you smiling !! ;DGood to see you back off the revs a bit as those Patroneys are going to want to fly with a few more revs, mine will fly at 270 althought they are 27 ft 6 inch. If you want to see 270 /290 revs , put a set of AK"s on and you will do it easy as they have very little pitch and spin up fast, thats why you saw Gyro Ron bragging about how a Dominator can spin them up to 270 revs. He wouldnt or couldnt do that with Patroneys or he"d be on his side real quick. :I"m envious of you guys being able to spin up to those revs, would make my life a whole lot easier although I reckon my next gyro will be able to do it !!

[Greg Mitchell]

G"Day Brian,Roger that! Ron is talking DW"s at 43 lbs Vs 75 lb on the Pat"s.The other thing Ron dosent get is it"s not what rrpm you see on your tacho or how ready they look when you eyeball them.........it"s how quick you get off the ground. With the Monarch 582 it goes...One ..Two...Three! and your in the air!With the 503 at 190rrpm it"s One...Two.....up to.........Eight! and your in the air.Ron"s 270 rrpm is a long way from 325 rrpm flight speed for the 23 foot DW"s. Like you said Bro...wasted time there. I wont indulge him anymore. We know where we are at.I would like a 582 upgrade and extra fuel, so I can go places. ;DMitch