On August 23, 2008, N4684C made its’ maiden flight! I finally got some “pay back” for the last 7 ½ years of work I’ve spent building this RV4. I had perfect weather to work with for test flying from the Moriarty, New Mexico (0E0) airport. All the prep work evidently paid off. I didn’t have any problems. My only ground support personnel was my son, a paramedic. Am I lucky or what.
I made an early morning departure. This airplane requires substantial right rudder on take off. I circled the field three times staying close while monitoring temperatures and pressures. Every thing was fine so I proceeded with my plan. I left the pattern and went to an area that I had scouted as a good emergency landing site. I made several turns, then some slow flight. Then came stalls, with and without flaps. I noted the airspeed, to be used in calculating my approach speed. After that I set up a glide to simulate my approach. Climb back to altitude and do it again. Then it was time to return to the field for my first landing. I was in a mindset to go around for even the smallest reason. It ended up not being necessary, the landing went fine. It rolled out straight.
Some statistics: N4684C is serial number 68 (sixty eight – it’s not a misprint). O360 RSP, Sterba 70 X 80, day/night VFR, steam, no vacuum, 951 lbs. It’s way too early for performance statistics. I know that the control harmony is a delight. It also climbs like a rocket. It’s harder to slow down than the airplanes I’m used to. The FUN meter was definitely pegged.
I’ll try to get an image to post.
Cameron Smith
RV4 serial #68 (flying-finally)
I made an early morning departure. This airplane requires substantial right rudder on take off. I circled the field three times staying close while monitoring temperatures and pressures. Every thing was fine so I proceeded with my plan. I left the pattern and went to an area that I had scouted as a good emergency landing site. I made several turns, then some slow flight. Then came stalls, with and without flaps. I noted the airspeed, to be used in calculating my approach speed. After that I set up a glide to simulate my approach. Climb back to altitude and do it again. Then it was time to return to the field for my first landing. I was in a mindset to go around for even the smallest reason. It ended up not being necessary, the landing went fine. It rolled out straight.
Some statistics: N4684C is serial number 68 (sixty eight – it’s not a misprint). O360 RSP, Sterba 70 X 80, day/night VFR, steam, no vacuum, 951 lbs. It’s way too early for performance statistics. I know that the control harmony is a delight. It also climbs like a rocket. It’s harder to slow down than the airplanes I’m used to. The FUN meter was definitely pegged.
I’ll try to get an image to post.
Cameron Smith
RV4 serial #68 (flying-finally)
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