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  1. #1

    Question Norm's Flying Boat UL Flight Test Progress

    Norman,

    Do you have any reports on taxi testing progress?

  2. #2
    Norman Langlois's Avatar
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    Grant
    Last week the first trip to the lake was fruitless at the last start up before taxing out on the lake the pull starter rope stayed pulled all the way out and had to shut down and go home

    Today Sat at the lake 5:00am trying to beet the boaters to the launch. We had better luck. The first taxi took place with mixed results.
    There is a steering system that didn't work at all (water ruder). After locking it out.the air ruder provided enough control to taxi. low speed taxi was fine . the plane moves through the water level and with minimal correction.
    Adding throttle it bow planes,not to severe. I didn't take a lot of notes this time so I don't have the fine details.Somewhere near half throttle it quickly gets up on hull plane and builds speed, but here The problems begin . there are control problems that turn the plan resulting in sponsons dipping and and throwing water into the prop. I limited my test to taking the video and took the plane home to ponder the resolve.
    It may be a while before I attempt more testing but should be this flying season.

    The control problem has been found .After talking with Grant I went to inspect my prop for water strike damage and looked again at my cable mapping.After all this time its been reversed.I was stepping on my right ruder thinking I was just not getting a response I was it was left turn . I will make the changes and return to the lake next weekend.(weather permitting)
    Last edited by Norman Langlois; 08-07-2011 at 07:51 AM. Reason: control problem noted

  3. #3
    Norman Langlois's Avatar
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    A photo bucket video of the water taxi test run.

    video deleted addware the video early design V tail never flew

    After thinking about the upload of the video I tried it works pretty good . the explanation above and this video tells the story.
    Last edited by Norman Langlois; 02-24-2018 at 05:21 PM.

  4. #4
    Norman Langlois's Avatar
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    Note the edited first reply please

    Starting my first reply with bad info . please all take note of that I edited and applied the reason for the control problem.

    The sponsons are a problem as well and the arch and style of the rear floats will be redone soon.Taxi testing will resume with a flip side reversing of the sponsons putting them tail first will make some difference in there behavior and may allow me to skim and make hops.

  5. #5

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    I have little to add, but moral support, but if you need an extra pair of hands, I'd love to see the project. I live in Portsmouth, and have Family in Northwood (near Bow Lake and the Strafford line). Are you doing your taxi tests on Northwood Lake? Harvey? Bow?
    Last edited by WBNH; 08-08-2011 at 02:00 PM.

  6. #6
    Norman Langlois's Avatar
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    WBNH
    I will extend my hand and welcome any help.It has been difficult arranging to have a safety for the days I can fly.My son was operating the boat,and shot the video.
    I had the last week of July off and couldn't get a day on the water with anyone. Help is scarce to say the least. people work and on the week end the launch is busy with other boaters.If you would like to attend I expect to do more testing Saturday first light to avoid the boater traffic. wind and weather permitting I test only in the morning.
    The lake is Northwood lake. The launch is across the street from True Value Hardware . My #603 -942-6213
    I would like to add this is only the beginning .
    Last edited by Norman Langlois; 08-08-2011 at 04:25 PM.

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