---------------------------------------------------------- Lightning-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 09/17/07: 9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 10:07 AM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Brian Whittingham) 2. 10:35 AM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Jim Langley) 3. 10:44 AM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Brian Whittingham) 4. 03:39 PM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Mark Stauffer) 5. 05:25 PM - Building my Lightning (pequeajim) 6. 05:33 PM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Jim Langley) 7. 06:55 PM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Brian Whittingham) 8. 08:22 PM - Re: Re: More Nemesis Chatter (Mark Stauffer) 9. 10:38 PM - Another Flight to Shelbyville (N1BZRich@AOL.COM) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 10:07:25 AM PST US From: "Brian Whittingham" Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter Last post on the subject, NXT's took the top two positions in the Super Sport Gold Final at the Reno National Championship Air Races. John Sharp took first at about 389mph average speed. This isn't a high altitude cross country event either, this is about a 50 foot off the ground pylong race. Kevin in Relentless got passed after a couple of laps. No word on his speed, but fast. It's funny that the sport airplane finished faster than any of the bronze class Unlimited racers (typically stock WWII birds). Rare Bear took the Unlimiteds at 475ish mph. Mayday by a mustang just as the races started, then Rare Bear and Sept. Fury were battling for first when the fury popped an engine and had a minor fire under the cowling, put down on the runway safely. Then, after the race, Rare Bear had a stuck throttle at 2400 RPM and 48 inches manifold pressure. John Penney pulled up and orbited the field while the severely clipped wing fury cleared the runway. Then with Steve Hinton on his wing in a T-33 and 30 gallons of fuel left (think about that, a modified Grumann Bearcat at high RPM, how much time do you think it takes to burn 30 gallons?) Mr. Penney leaned the mixture abeam the runway and made a dead stick in. Everything worked out fine. When he got on the ground they found a huge 2-3 foot section of bondo from the cowlind had chipped off and dented the wing and ingested into the engine. Also had an exhaust stack that was burned completely off. The jet races were won by a T-2 Buckeye at about 489mph. The IF1 was won by an Arnold AR-6 called Endeavor at about 245mph. The biplane won by Miss Gianna a Pitts LR-1 at about 234mph. See here if you don't know what a Pitts LR-1 is: http://www.aafo.com/gallery/potw/12-27-05.html and the T6 class was won by Midnight Miss at 235mph. (these are stock engines on a T6, how in the world do they get them up to that speed? Balanced controls, good sheet metal, etc.) Turned out to be a bad week/good week. Very close and exciting racing but 3 pilots died. Jason Somes recovered from eye surgery after his accident earlier in the week and was at the races again on Sunday. (not flying) In conclusion, yes the NXT is a super fast rocket ship. If you've got lots of money, time, and pilot skill, it's probably a good plane. If you want a fast and efficient plane that is more on the level that most of us can afford, the Lightning is a great choice. Brian W. _________________________________________________________________ Share your special parenting moments! http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 10:35:49 AM PST US From: "Jim Langley" Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter It would be interesting to see a race between the Jabiru/Rotax powered aircraft! Lightning, Zodiac, WT9, etc. etc. On 9/17/07, Brian Whittingham wrote: > > dashvii@hotmail.com> > > Last post on the subject, > NXT's took the top two positions in the Super Sport Gold Final at the > Reno National Championship Air Races. John Sharp took first at about > 389mph > average speed. This isn't a high altitude cross country event either, > this > is about a 50 foot off the ground pylong race. Kevin in Relentless got > passed after a couple of laps. No word on his speed, but fast. It's > funny > that the sport airplane finished faster than any of the bronze class > Unlimited racers (typically stock WWII birds). > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 10:44:51 AM PST US From: "Brian Whittingham" Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter There is a new aircraft from Germany that I think looks neat. It's dang fast, but doesn't look like room for much of anything except maybe another passenger. Wild looking wing planform. Tail section reminds me of a BAE Hawk trainer jet. It is extremely fast with a 100hp rotax. Can you imagine a 120hp Jabiru firewall forward kit for this plane? http://www.millennium-aircraft.com/ Brian W. From: "Jim Langley" Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter It would be interesting to see a race between the Jabiru/Rotax powered aircraft! Lightning, Zodiac, WT9, etc. etc. On 9/17/07, Brian Whittingham wrote: > > dashvii@hotmail.com> > > Last post on the subject, > NXT's took the top two positions in the Super Sport Gold Final at the > Reno National Championship Air Races. John Sharp took first at about > 389mph > average speed. This isn't a high altitude cross country event either, > this > is about a 50 foot off the ground pylong race. Kevin in Relentless got > passed after a couple of laps. No word on his speed, but fast. It's > funny > that the sport airplane finished faster than any of the bronze class > Unlimited racers (typically stock WWII birds). > > _________________________________________________________________ Test your celebrity IQ. Play Red Carpet Reveal and earn great prizes! http://club.live.com/red_carpet_reveal.aspx?icid=redcarpet_hotmailtextlink2 ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 03:39:59 PM PST US From: "Mark Stauffer" Subject: RE: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter Well, when I finish my Jabiru powered Zodiac... I really don't want to embarrass Nick though. It's enough that they put with me at the shop since I'm building a "beer can" airplane!! All in fun. Mark From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jim Langley Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter It would be interesting to see a race between the Jabiru/Rotax powered aircraft! Lightning, Zodiac, WT9, etc. etc. On 9/17/07, Brian Whittingham wrote: dashvii@hotmail.com > Last post on the subject, NXT's took the top two positions in the Super Sport Gold Final at the Reno National Championship Air Races. John Sharp took first at about 389mph average speed. This isn't a high altitude cross country event either, this is about a 50 foot off the ground pylong race. Kevin in Relentless got passed after a couple of laps. No word on his speed, but fast. It's funny that the sport airplane finished faster than any of the bronze class Unlimited racers (typically stock WWII birds). ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 05:25:16 PM PST US Subject: Lightning-List: Building my Lightning From: "pequeajim" Thanks for the encouragement Greg. I am very excited about my Lightning. I have had nothing but good support from the guys at Green Landings and Arion. It is a beautiful airplane that also is a terrific flier! Good luck with your Sport Pilot license. Jimmy is a great guy and I'm sure will do you right. Sorry I missed you. I'm not back down there for a week or two. Then I hope to be working on my panel. The Stratomaster Enigma is a nice unit and great value. I am told that my Odyssey will in next month, so I'm crossing my fingers! Last time I spoke with Dana Otterback at Jabiru, there were 2-3 openings left. If you hurry, you should be able to get in on the class. Call and ask for Dana. I hope to see you at the shop next time I'm down there! Keep plugging away! Jim! > > Jim, > > > My name is Greg Crouchley. I own the Red/White Skyranger at Green Landings. I have been following your journey to Lightning on the blog, your website, and of course through Ryan. I live in RI but have been traveling there a lot over the last 18 months, staying in my Jeep overnights. I don't have a nice motor home like you, (yet!) but am very comfortable working on the plane until sundown, then cooking up some dinner and turning in, only to rise early and fly in the calm! Was there this weekend, hoping to meet you. Oh well, I called Pete and left a message to see if the Jab course in Oct had openings left..never heard so I will call him again later today. I see that you are going so maybe I will meet you there. > > > I can report to you Ryan's dad was on the sander at 7:15 am both days on your plane, and worked a full, full day both days. Further, I have been there since they built Ryan's Lightning and can honestly say that your plane is the best BY FAR body prep of all the planes there! That, coupled with your FANTASTIC paint proposal, should make a gorgeous and FAST airplane. > > > I have been talking to Ryan about the Enigma for about 8 months now and WAS thinking to put it in the SkyRanger over the coming winter. I want to see one in real life as I somehow forget to see it at OSH. Then I saw the Odyssey and I think you are planning to put that in your baby. Any word on when they are going to ship it? > > > Lastly, even thought I am a student SP pilot under Jimmy Long, and have about 40 hours total, I have not yet tested. I asked Ryan a couple of weeks ago for my first Lightning ride. AMAZING. So, of course I am now thinking about getting one later this winter, and using it with prop pitch and vortex generators until I can pass my Private. Then using it for commuting to visit Green Landings, and for a lot of business travel makes a lot of sense! > > > Anyway, wanted to say hello and let you know that your enthusiasm is contagious! > > > Greg Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=134930#134930 ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 05:33:05 PM PST US From: "Jim Langley" Subject: RE: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter Beer cans can fly fast too. _____ From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Mark Stauffer Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 6:38 PM Subject: RE: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter Well, when I finish my Jabiru powered Zodiac... I really don't want to embarrass Nick though. It's enough that they put with me at the shop since I'm building a "beer can" airplane!! All in fun. Mark From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jim Langley Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter It would be interesting to see a race between the Jabiru/Rotax powered aircraft! Lightning, Zodiac, WT9, etc. etc. On 9/17/07, Brian Whittingham wrote: dashvii@hotmail.com > Last post on the subject, NXT's took the top two positions in the Super Sport Gold Final at the Reno National Championship Air Races. John Sharp took first at about 389mph average speed. This isn't a high altitude cross country event either, this is about a 50 foot off the ground pylong race. Kevin in Relentless got passed after a couple of laps. No word on his speed, but fast. It's funny that the sport airplane finished faster than any of the bronze class Unlimited racers (typically stock WWII birds). http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List http://forums.matronics.com ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:55:04 PM PST US From: "Brian Whittingham" Subject: RE: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter "Beer cans can fly fast too." You obviously haven't seen Mark ever build a beer can! *L* j/k _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE small business Web site and more from Microsoft Office Live! ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 08:22:16 PM PST US From: "Mark Stauffer" Subject: RE: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter Now, now. It's a very nice beer can!! And believe me, I have lots of experience with beer cans!! Mark -----Original Message----- From: owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Brian Whittingham Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 8:55 PM Subject: RE: Lightning-List: Re: More Nemesis Chatter "Beer cans can fly fast too." You obviously haven't seen Mark ever build a beer can! *L* j/k _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE small business Web site and more from MicrosoftR Office Live! ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:38:00 PM PST US From: N1BZRich@AOL.COM Subject: Lightning-List: Another Flight to Shelbyville Once again I made a nonstop flight from Williamsburg, VA, to Shelbyville, TN, today. It is an early arrival for the first annual Lightning Fly-In which is this Friday through Sunday. I came out a few days early to help a classmate that lives in a town near here to plan a high school reunion (bummer, don't know how I got roped into doing that), but the good thing is I will have a chance to put some more time on the prototype this week before the planned activities this weekend. As most of you know, when I get the chance to "add some info" for the group, I will write an e-mail so all can share in the knowledge or experience. So here is the latest attempt at that goal. Usually when I make a cross country flight I will post the overall speed and fuel burn so Lightning builders will get some idea of what they can expect with the Lightning/Jabiru 3300 combination. Remember my airplane, N31BZ, is a much modified Esqual with lots of Lightnings parts, the most noticeable being the Lightning cowling and firewall forward, and the Lightning gear leg fairings and wheel pants. Your Lightning, equipped with similar equipment, at a similar weight, and with the other clean up mods, should actually be about 5 mph or so faster. Normally when I make a cross country in N31BZ, I end up cruising somewhere between 8 to 12 thousand feet (I actually came back from Oshkosh this year at 13,500 for most of the flight). The reason for this is to get the higher true airspeeds, the lower fuel flows, and to be above most weather and a "bumpy" ride in the summer. My speeds and fuel flows have usually worked out to be in the 168 to 170 true airspeed mph range burning about 5.8 gallons per hour. As I mentioned above, your "jet" should be faster. This morning, however, was a very unusual day. No clouds, a smooth ride at a lower altitude, and believe it or not, only about 10 knots on the nose on a flight that is basically on a westerly heading. So I thought I would try something different. I made the flight at 4,500 until I got to the mountains, then climbed to 6,500 until clear of them, then back down to 4,500 for the remainder of the flight into Shelbyville. The speed and fuel flow numbers that I am going to give you are based on the following: Speed- The clock start for speed calculation started when I added power to takeoff at JGG and stopped when I cleared the runway at SYI. I used an initial cruise climb of 100 mph indicated to 4,500, then used 120 indicated when I climbed from 4,500 to 6,500. Descent from 6,500 to 4,500 was at 150 indicated, then descent to the SYI pattern was also done at 150 until I had to slow down to lower the flaps for a left base to 18. With the 10 knot head wind, my time to climbs, etc. the average tas in mph was 153.4. Add the 10 kt. head wind back in and you get about 165 mph true from start of TO roll to end of landing roll. Not too bad. Fuel burn- I topped of the tanks late yesterday evening when it was no longer hot in Williamsburg so that I could squeeze in as much fuel as possible. Remember 31BZ's tanks hold about 29 gallons on a cold day and maybe 27 or so on a hot day. I told the EFIS that I had 28 on board. Anyway, the total fuel burn for the flight (start, taxi, engine run up, takeoff, climbs, en-route fuel burn, and taxi in at SYI) was 21.4 gallons with the tanks topped of to the same level as at JGG. Assuming it took 10 minutes to start and let the engine temperatures get up, taxi out and run up at JGG, and two minutes at SYI to taxi in and park at the fuel pump, fuel burn averaged 5,5 gph for the flight. Again, not to bad. A few quick words on the techniques I normally use on cross country flights in N31BZ. When cruising at the higher altitudes (8 to 12 thousand) I normally set the fuel flow I want (say 6 gph) instead of an rpm. I have made the higher altitude flights enough times that depending on the length of the trip, I find that technique easier than trying to set an rpm. Today, however, at the lower altitude, I wanted to see what fuel burn I would get at a certain rpm, so that is the parameter I sat today - 2900 rpm. No, I did not constantly work the throttle to keep exactly 2900. I had the auto pilot on (altitude hold also) and I accepted the rpm variations as the auto pilot "flew" the airplane to maintain altitude. Much easier on the pilot's work load. Heck, I almost fell asleep several times. So, did we learn anything from any of the above? Is flying in the 4 to 6 thousand range really almost as economical at flying up at 8 to 12 thousand? Does the Bing carb not lean as efficiently up at 8 to 12 as it does down at 4 to 6? BTSOM, but it does kind of look that way. Let all ask Earl these questions. Now that he has set a world record, he should know. Blue Skies and hope to see you in SYI this weekend. Be there, aloha. Buz ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message lightning-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Lightning-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/lightning-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/lightning-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.