---------------------------------------------------------- Rocket-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 08/18/06: 1 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:00 AM - Re: RV-List: Tail lifting during full power static test (JOHN STARN) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:00:20 AM PST US From: "JOHN STARN" Subject: Rocket-List: Re: RV-List: Tail lifting during full power static test 60# in the baggage compartment (tied down of course) vs 230# at a much longer moment. BUT your right the rope (we use a chain) could break, the tie down could fail BUT not even our Rocket is going to lift an additional 230# because at the first "forward" motion the power would be at an idle. Chuck Wentworth's TBM could but that's another story. We "normally" have a third person standing in full view of the test pilot and the "ballast". As the power slowly comes up, the third person is watching the "ballast" ( who moves his head up & down YES to continue or side to side NO to stop) & the tail wheel, anything happens & the test pilot gets the slash, cut throat signal. Nothing is absolute, (except death & taxes) 100% fool proof but we believe that our method is well within the acceptable area of risk. BUT your mileage may vary. You would be surprised how many helping, knowledgeable people gather when we do a test runup. KABONG. Do Not Archive ----- Original Message ----- From: JhnstnIII@aol.com To: rv-list@matronics.com Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 8:27 PM Subject: Re: RV-List: Tail lifting during full power static test "Did you're engine supplier not run your engine in the test stand before delivering it to you ? It should be marked in the log book, I think. I.E. do you really need to run it for a whole hour ? Aerosport ran my engine for a total of 45 mins before it was delivered - so apart from a short short "shake down" run and some taxi tests - its next run will be the wild blue yonder." It was run at the factory, but now it is installed in a new airplane with new fuel lines, engine mount, exhaust system, etc. I would not have felt comfortable signing the form without running it in its current installation and knowing it would go to full power in takeoff/climb attitude. Re the question of how to tie down the tail securely, all I can say is I used an airport tie down that looked solidly anchored with a rope in good condition. I tied it around the tail spring with three loops and two half hitches. I also added about 60 pounds to the baggage compartment. I would not want anyone hanging on the fuselage as some have mentioned. That sounds like asking for trouble. LeRoy Johnston in Ohio.