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When I arrived at the field I took a few minutes to attach the wing and struts. I gave the plane a final
ìonce-overî checking all the clevises, servos, etc. This is my first plane with a Zenoah engine. Having
worked on other gas engines, I was expecting that it would take the usual lengthy time to get the
proper combination of choke and throttle allowing the engine to fire. I was pleasantly surprised. I held
my finger over the velocity stack and spun the prop a couple times to prime the engine. I turned off
the ignition kill switch and flipped the prop a couple times and it started right up. I could not believe
that this engine started so easily. I ran a tank through the engine on the ground to start the break in
process, all the while debating on whether or not to fly in this wind.
TAKEOFF:
I refueled the fuel tank and filled the smoke oil tank and proceeded to the flight line. A couple quick
flips and the engine started right up again. I figured I would do some taxi tests. This plane looks so
nice taxing up and down the runway. It tracked perfectly straight on the ground. I looked to my friend
and fellow test pilot, Charlie Cronin, to see if he wanted to give it a whirl while I took photos and
video. Charlie never says no, so he took the radio and pointed it directly into the wind. He advanced
the throttle to full and after about 100 feet the plane broke ground. A few clicks of up trim was needed
get her flying straight and level.
TAKEOFF!
FLIGHT PERFORMANCE:
The G23 pulled the plane along in a very scale-like manner. Understanding that this plane is
supposed to have some of the same flying characteristics as a Piper Cub, the first turn was
coordinated with rudder as you would with a cub. Quickly we found out how effective the rudder was.
The plane immediately dropped a wing in the turn. This came as quite a surprise, but would later
prove to be very helpful when aerobatics are performed.
While still on low rates, Charlie attempted an aileron roll. It looked more like a barrel roll. We switched
to high rates and this plane rolled as if it were an Extra 300, very axial ñ another pleasant surprise.
During this flight you could tell the engine was breaking in as you could feel the engine producing a
bit more power. Charlie flew it for a few more passes and then handed me the controls.
AEROBATICS:
I flew a couple ovals to get used to the sensitivity of the plane. Once comfortable, I tried a few basic
aerobatic maneuvers. To perform my first loop I pointed the plane into the wind and will full power I
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