Originally Posted by Asif

Right on!!
I am working on installing the flex pipe, installing the FG-61 has been hassle free, the pipe length is perfect too!

Good info... Thank you!

I think it looks better with 2 onboard...

Just placed a backorder for the FG-61TS.... can't wait!

Sunday, August 20, maiden flight. Based on the CG requirements in the manual, I moved the three 3200 LiFe batteries to a shelf I built underneath the rear-most area of the canopy, above the elevator control rods and rudder pull-pull cables. Balance was nearly perfect without fuel, which would add 1 lb to the nose and give me a more forward CG.


Set up the control throws as identified in the manual. First flight was on all low rates, except for rudder, with about 25% exponential on all surfacts. No aileron trim needed, but she really wanted to climb, so added some down elevator trim. On landing, found the airplane was very pitch sensitive. Made a couple of missed approaches, not only due to the pitch sensitivity, but this ship wants to keep on floating down the runway. Had a light wind right down the runway, about 3-5 kts. Made a couple more landings with and without the first notch of flaps. The recommended 5" of full flaps was just too much, slowed her down tremendously. I think I'll reduce the full flaps significantly.


The DLE-40 twin ran fine, made some slight adjustments to lean out the high-speed needle. BTW, my all-up weight, minus fuel is 19.26 lbs.


On the second flight, I moved two of the batteries up front and left one in the rear. I also added some more expo to the elevator. This flight was much more enjoyable. After getting home, I moved all three of the batteries up front, just in front of my Smart-Fly.


The DLE-40 with a 19x8 prop had plenty of power. The ship is very stable in roll, even in a breeze. Good roll-rate, even on low rates, due to the relatively short wingspan.


I'll post a couple of flying photos later this week. That's a 60% Hemple Cub in the background...makes my 1/4 scale Polish Army Cub look puny!

Thanks for the flight report.

excellent! Congrats !

Can anyone tell me if this has a tunnel for pipes?

Originally Posted by Spridal

Can anyone tell me if this has a tunnel for pipes?

There is a muffler tunnel yes. But I doubt its long enough for full length tuned pipes. I had the factory build it in for canister style mufflers. The internal length of the box is 10.5". That's approx 16-1/4" from the center of the exhaust port on an Evo 33cc engine. I hope that is of help?
Regards Ali

Maiden Flight photos from this past Sunday.

Originally Posted by Ali Machinchy

There is a muffler tunnel yes. But I doubt its long enough for full length tuned pipes. I had the factory build it in for canister style mufflers. The internal length of the box is 10.5". That's approx 16-1/4" from the center of the exhaust port on an Evo 33cc engine. I hope that is of help?
Regards Ali

Thanks Ali,
I meant to say canister not pipe. I'm thinking of going with the Valley View twin and canister. The ultimate would be the Saito 61 4-stroke but I've had problems with the Saito gas engines in the past and I'm reluctant to give them another try.

Originally Posted by Planejaw

Maiden Flight photos from this past Sunday.

Congrats!

For you guys that have built the RV4, did you have trouble figuring out which control horn is used for each surface? The instructions are not really clear to me.

Never mind guys. I think I figured it out

Flight report! I maiden the rv4 today! 10 to 15 mph winds I almost did not put her up.
The first run up of the evo 33 gave me another problem. the back plate screws came loose, my fault I did not check them form the factory, a little lock tight and good to go.
I took Ali's advice on take off, let the tail come up and a bump of the elv. and off the ground she went. Balance was great at the suggested point. the wind did cause a little bumping around but not much. No trim was needed! The rv4 was a complete pleasure to fly very stable turns, a real floater. I did not do any aerobatics on this flight just getting it dialed in.
Had about a 8min flight then set up for the landing kept it a little hot and did a three bounce landing. Gear held up great. I always seem to do the first landing hot just to see how it bleeds off
speed. I will come in a lot slower next time it will land like a trainer.
As far as the gt33 evo. plenty of power. I have a 18x6 xaor sword prop.
My exhaust extensions from spark plug boots was discarded. used all. tubing and brazed the to the org. tubing.
Love this plane!!!!!

"My exhaust extensions from spark plug boots was discarded. used all. tubing and brazed the to the org. tubing."

Any pictures?