The Hatz Bantam left the nest! After many taxi tests and lots of preparation to fly at an airport surrounded by water, the new bird took flight early Friday (8-5-05) morning. I logged an hour and fifteen minutes of the most fun a person can stand.

Take off speed was around 45 MPH. The Jabiru never missed a beat climbing out between 65-70 MPH @ 950-1000 FPM. The controls were light and responsive but required a slight right rudder input even after leveling off. It also took a small amount of forward (nose down) trim to stay level. After flying around in circles at 3000 AGL for several minutes I took it up to 5000 for a few tests. Slow flight and full power nose high attitude turns left and right demonstrated good control. Cylinder head temps were normal for break in, the hottest reaching 345 degrees during the climb. Oil temp got up to 240 degrees and pressure between 40-45 lbs. Level flight at 2700 RPM indicated 100 MPH (3350 is Max. and 2750 is Max. continuous). I did two practice landing patterns at 5000 AGL trying to establish a predictable descent rate then just flew around enjoying the beautiful veiw. The plane didn't seem to want to go down to pattern altitude and neither did I, but it was time to make a landing. Gulp! On the first try I was just too high and too fast to even consider setting it down so I practiced my first "go around". The second time required a slip even with no power and a longer pattern. For a while I felt like I was back in the J-3 Cub. With the nose up a little more and the speed between 60-55 it finally settled in for a "fairly" decent wheel landing. The roll out was just like the taxi test...steady and predictable. I was having a good day.

After a good inspection I made two adjustments for the next flight. The horizontal stablizer was designed to be adjustable. It was set parallel to the longerons so I moved it up one notch. Then I increased the spring tension on the right rudder pedal. Now it's ready go again. It's too bad I won't be able to do any work or chores until the forty hours have been flown off...but it has to be done and I can't wait!

To all of you out there building Hatzes, IT'S WORTH IT ALL!

Mark Marino
N101HB

Caasi

(pictures? .... pictures?)

Looks like you don't have to worry about running off into the grass from the homefield. Water, maybe, but not grass.

Caasi