K8 recovering

[blake]

Ok guys,

Well, it's done enough to fly.....LOL!
Are they ever really completely done....?

CG is set at 125mm behind the LE.
Total weight came out to 37lbs.

Maiden this coming weekend at the Windy Ridge event.



Pretty plain looking at the present time. Will get to the details later on in the season.



Proof!
All I know is that it's a heavy bugger!


Blake

[lenb]

Really nice Blake.
Looking forward to seeing it in person.

[blake]

Thanks Len.

I used that CG machine I got from you last year at Cumberland. It was rather maxed out with this big bird on it though.

[blake]

And one more overall shot.....

[lenb]

Looks like you needed to add some nose weight based on that picture?

[blake]

Len

I added 4 oz. to get the nose down a bit, and that is at 125mm, most guys are flying this airplane back at 145-150mm with the stab shimmed up.
So for the maiden I will leave it where it is, and move it according to what Tom P and Steve R recommend after seeing it fly.

Blake

[Tom]

Len

I added 4 oz. to get the nose down a bit, and that is at 125mm, most guys are flying this airplane back at 145-150mm with the stab shimmed up.
So for the maiden I will leave it where it is, and move it according to what Tom P and Steve R recommend after seeing it fly.

Blake

125mm is super conservative......which is fine......just be prepared to hold a bunch of up with your stick......at that balance point I don't think you will have enough trim avalible for level flight. If you want to be conservative for your first flights then 135mm would be a good starting point......along with the 5-6mm stab shim you will be fine for the first flights

[blake]

Tom,

Thanks, I was hoping you were going to chime in here....LOL!
Ok, will adjust to 135mm for the first flight then.

Blake

[lenb]

Excellent info Tom...

[blake]

Ok guys,

I reworked the CG by removing a couple of oz. of lead shot that was glued into the nose.
Now sitting comfortably at 135mm, but to get it further back will involve moving the batteries aft.
I will bring my balance stand with me so I can get it dialed in closer after flying it.

Blake

[blake]

With some time left before I pack and leave for Hammondsport, I found myself doing some "nice to haves" on the K8.

A nose skid being one of them.....

I removed some material from the keel then drilled holes for the ends of the wire skid. I formed the wire to conform to the shape of the bottom of the fuse so it would lay tight against the wood.

I then used epoxy to fasten the wire in place.

We will see how long this lasts before I need to get more creative!

Blake

[Tom]

So.......how did it fly?

[blake]

Tom

Great actually.
Len stood beside me for the maiden, which was a non event overall. I was still shaking the entire flight though.
Nailed the landing too!

Blake

[lenb]

Congrats Blake.

The plane looked great in person too. On takeoff the plane was hands off, no trim needed. I think he can adjust the CG a bit, but other than that is a winner.

[ARUP]

Awesome news!