Great video. I went to the open house this past weekend at Rans. Demo flight with Randy was awesome. Looking forward to your refinement of test flight procedures. We are not professional test pilots out here so your insights and documentation will be a tremendous asset!
Man, oh man, oh man. This calls for a whiskey. So awesome. What a rush. World class preflight with the guys. Nice going, amigo. Couldn't be more proud. Edit...As for the vid and flight test critique...I'm no expert, but my 2 cents is that it seems you have the flight test thing down. I haven't done test piloting but I have worked for decades in dangerous environments and can recognize good safety culture. Excellent prep (for yourself and the crew). You have a calm, methodical approach to tasks which allows for time to think if stuff should go sideways...critical in your 'everything is for the 1st time' with the Bogey. Safe altitudes and environments for the program which includes being ready head for home pronto, if it's not looking right. You're a natural with vid production so no critiques there either. Pats on the back all around. She's a beaut.
Awesome work Steve! Congrats on such a huge milestone in the journey. The preflight briefing and post-flight debrief were stellar, and a great example to the rest of us. Can’t wait to see the rest of the testing phase.
Great video! Congrats on the achievement! Never had to test fly an entirely new plane, but even for minor changes to my 701 I know how it can all spiral into sensory overload. Great job flying the plane while navigating all of the in cockpit stuff. I especially loved the pre-flight brief and the debrief. A lot to learn there for me. With regards to the frame rates, try putting a ND filter on the GoPro. You need to match or lower the exposure of the GoPro to the refresh rate of the G3X. Awesome stuff all around!
I wish my retirement beard would follow your very organized retirement beard example. Oh, well. Looks like the wheat crop will be great this year in NW Kansas, so I'll get to at least get some low-level tactical maneuvering in this year. Great section brief, btw!
That inside the cockpit wing root looks like my S-7S's, ia small width area that is covered by the wing bottom closeout, the length of the chord, so a fair amount of storage real estate. I zip tied some lexan to mine, and now have the perfect cubby hole on both sides for sunglasses, a small roll of toilet paper and duct tape, and other numerous misc. smaller items, all while staying clear of the sight tubes of course.
Awesome! For others remember you can also have an additional pilot, just follow the FAA rules. I used one and it was a big help with my first flight. Steve, try 16 degrees on the prop, you’ll get 2250-2300 static and it is a good setting between STOL and cruise. Great Job!
Thanks! I’m settling on 17.5° for break-in. Anything less and I can’t generate the constant power at speed. I end up having to pull too much power to stay under redline.
Commissioning into USAF in May!!! Your Channel is just one of the many ways you can inspire others. Can't wait to see the rest of the flight test videos!
Thanks! It's in a fairly standard format and really helps to primarily wrap my head around a complex operation (this one is pretty simple compared to some of the larger military air ops I've planned), and also to communicate the plan (obviously).
Former Navy E2 Hawkeye mechanic. I really dig the respect call out to the mechs in this video. I would love nothing more than to course correct my life to get back into aviation. This "long form" video lasted exactly 2 minutes and 13 seconds. Time flies like a Bogey. Love ya Steve. Less focus on quality" " of video, and more on content push. We don't care if it's cell phone " " quality ish. Don't be too critical. You are good. Esthetics aren't important imo...
Awe man, this made my day...sorry so slow in responding. I really needed to hear that perspective. I struggle with being too picky on my shots, edits, etc. I'm trying to push more content faster and lower my standards a bit. Anyway, thanks for your service and it's never too late to get into aviation!
Yeah… something just goes through your body when pulling onto the RW for a first flight. Fear, dread, excitement, and focus all at the same time! Have fun flying phase 1!
I have test flown 3 aircraft I have built. Two Kitfox, one standard SS 7 and one STI SS7 STOL. The other an RV 14A IFR capable plane. Glad to see you refine the fly off. All my test were finished well before the 40 hrs and I found myself flying off hrs before I could get out of the 50 miles range they gave me for no good reason. Going to build the RV15 when it is finished as a prototype. I hope to shorten my fly off by watching yours. Thanks
Awesome! Yeah this is a big step in the right direction. With your experience, it'll go lickety-split. I've found the thing that takes the longest (so far) is getting the engine sufficiently broken it before I start messing with all the low-power testing (slow flight, stalls, stability, etc.). But there's still plenty to get done at the high end.
Congratulations Steve on an build well done, have been following your progress over the years of your build, love your methodical approach to test flight procedures / program. One thing caught my attention 10min, 15 seconds in - there appears to fluid/ or perhaps grease leaking from the centre of the inside of your left wheel? perhaps an overpacked wheel bearing? hopefully not break fluid? Again well done 👏👏👏 Cheers From DownUnder, Glenn.
Thanks Glenn! And thanks for the concern on the fluid. Good eye! It's a stain from a previous leaky brake fitting. The sealant I used suuuuucked and spent most the night before my Fed inspection changing them out and getting fluid all over EVERYTHING. The rubber tires were the hardest to clean. I'll be upgrading them soon anyway :) Cheers mate!
And thanks for keeping the pre and post test flight briefing in the video. I especially enjoyed the preflight brief with your team. This was very informative. Thank you!
Spent some time searching and don't see too many discussions related directly to S-21 & the IO340 and what would be considered normal. ~460F seems high (even for a climb out)? Any idea what's expected? Curious how the temps have tracked after the break in.
Steve, Is there enough room to install a pull down sun shade? A medium tint on the rest of the windows and you cut down the excess light. Pull down, so it can open at night. Thoughts?
Great video. I went to the open house this past weekend at Rans. Demo flight with Randy was awesome. Looking forward to your refinement of test flight procedures. We are not professional test pilots out here so your insights and documentation will be a tremendous asset!
Awesome video Steve! Nice work, congrats on a beautiful bird! Can’t wait to see it at OSH 2024, looks like an award winner to Me!
I’m not sure about that, but THANK YOU! That means a lot coming from you, Kurt! I’m so excited for you to check it out.
Man, oh man, oh man. This calls for a whiskey. So awesome. What a rush. World class preflight with the guys. Nice going, amigo. Couldn't be more proud. Edit...As for the vid and flight test critique...I'm no expert, but my 2 cents is that it seems you have the flight test thing down. I haven't done test piloting but I have worked for decades in dangerous environments and can recognize good safety culture.
Excellent prep (for yourself and the crew). You have a calm, methodical approach to tasks which allows for time to think if stuff should go sideways...critical in your 'everything is for the 1st time' with the Bogey. Safe altitudes and environments for the program which includes being ready head for home pronto, if it's not looking right.
You're a natural with vid production so no critiques there either. Pats on the back all around. She's a beaut.
Awesome work Steve! Congrats on such a huge milestone in the journey. The preflight briefing and post-flight debrief were stellar, and a great example to the rest of us. Can’t wait to see the rest of the testing phase.
Congrats on the maiden Sir, If I can get back to my old flying weight I plan to wear my old flightsuit for my test flights in a couple years as well.
Wow! I love the 360 format. Switching from watching the exterior to watching you flying was great. I’m amazed by the visibility from the cockpit!
Great video! Congrats on the achievement!
Never had to test fly an entirely new plane, but even for minor changes to my 701 I know how it can all spiral into sensory overload. Great job flying the plane while navigating all of the in cockpit stuff.
I especially loved the pre-flight brief and the debrief. A lot to learn there for me.
With regards to the frame rates, try putting a ND filter on the GoPro. You need to match or lower the exposure of the GoPro to the refresh rate of the G3X.
Awesome stuff all around!
Great information! Love your excitement even though you’re a seasoned fighter pilot !
I wish my retirement beard would follow your very organized retirement beard example. Oh, well. Looks like the wheat crop will be great this year in NW Kansas, so I'll get to at least get some low-level tactical maneuvering in this year. Great section brief, btw!
That inside the cockpit wing root looks like my S-7S's, ia small width area that is covered by the wing bottom closeout, the length of the chord, so a fair amount of storage real estate. I zip tied some lexan to mine, and now have the perfect cubby hole on both sides for sunglasses, a small roll of toilet paper and duct tape, and other numerous misc. smaller items, all while staying clear of the sight tubes of course.
Awesome! For others remember you can also have an additional pilot, just follow the FAA rules. I used one and it was a big help with my first flight. Steve, try 16 degrees on the prop, you’ll get 2250-2300 static and it is a good setting between STOL and cruise. Great Job!
Thanks! I’m settling on 17.5° for break-in. Anything less and I can’t generate the constant power at speed. I end up having to pull too much power to stay under redline.
Enjoyed your open, clear and honest video!
Cool Reflection of the Bo on your PFD at 23:32
Right! I caught that too...
Commissioning into USAF in May!!! Your Channel is just one of the many ways you can inspire others. Can't wait to see the rest of the flight test videos!
Wow! Congratulations and thanks for your willingness to serve! Have an awesome career and keep in touch!
Love the AS TPC briefing bruh!
I like the military style briefing you conducted at the beginning and end. I’m guessing it’s in a standard format?
Thanks! It's in a fairly standard format and really helps to primarily wrap my head around a complex operation (this one is pretty simple compared to some of the larger military air ops I've planned), and also to communicate the plan (obviously).
First time I fell asleep in an Eagle brief in about 15 years. HAHAHA Congrats
Yeah that's why I was never in danger of going to WIC. :)
Oh and that's why shortform exists :)
Former Navy E2 Hawkeye mechanic. I really dig the respect call out to the mechs in this video.
I would love nothing more than to course correct my life to get back into aviation. This "long form" video lasted exactly 2 minutes and 13 seconds. Time flies like a Bogey.
Love ya Steve. Less focus on quality" " of video, and more on content push. We don't care if it's cell phone " " quality ish. Don't be too critical. You are good.
Esthetics aren't important imo...
Awe man, this made my day...sorry so slow in responding. I really needed to hear that perspective. I struggle with being too picky on my shots, edits, etc. I'm trying to push more content faster and lower my standards a bit. Anyway, thanks for your service and it's never too late to get into aviation!
@@CLEAREDDIRECT Awesome. I really like your content and we don't judge on little things. I definitely as considering getting into it.
Yeah… something just goes through your body when pulling onto the RW for a first flight. Fear, dread, excitement, and focus all at the same time! Have fun flying phase 1!
Well said! I totally agree. What an incredible experience. Thanks for the note!
Thank you Steve! Congrats on a great plane, professional video and your video's have been very helpful/educational with my project! Keep them coming.
I have test flown 3 aircraft I have built. Two Kitfox, one standard SS 7 and one STI SS7 STOL. The other an RV 14A IFR capable plane. Glad to see you refine the fly off. All my test were finished well before the 40 hrs and I found myself flying off hrs before I could get out of the 50 miles range they gave me for no good reason. Going to build the RV15 when it is finished as a prototype. I hope to shorten my fly off by watching yours. Thanks
Awesome! Yeah this is a big step in the right direction. With your experience, it'll go lickety-split. I've found the thing that takes the longest (so far) is getting the engine sufficiently broken it before I start messing with all the low-power testing (slow flight, stalls, stability, etc.). But there's still plenty to get done at the high end.
Really nice job. Well planned, well executed. Congratulations.
Congratulations Steve on an build well done, have been following your progress over the years of your build, love your methodical approach to test flight procedures / program.
One thing caught my attention 10min, 15 seconds in - there appears to fluid/ or perhaps grease leaking from the centre of the inside of your left wheel? perhaps an overpacked wheel bearing? hopefully not break fluid?
Again well done 👏👏👏
Cheers From DownUnder,
Glenn.
Thanks Glenn! And thanks for the concern on the fluid. Good eye! It's a stain from a previous leaky brake fitting. The sealant I used suuuuucked and spent most the night before my Fed inspection changing them out and getting fluid all over EVERYTHING. The rubber tires were the hardest to clean. I'll be upgrading them soon anyway :) Cheers mate!
Dam so organized compared to many who wing it.
I am so happy for you. This is awesome!
And thanks for keeping the pre and post test flight briefing in the video. I especially enjoyed the preflight brief with your team. This was very informative. Thank you!
Oh. Last and Never Least....
Bravo Zulu, Brother.... ⚓🇺🇸⚓
RUclips doesn't like ⚓ 🇺🇸 ⚓
So rad!!
Spent some time searching and don't see too many discussions related directly to S-21 & the IO340 and what would be considered normal. ~460F seems high (even for a climb out)? Any idea what's expected?
Curious how the temps have tracked after the break in.
WAY. TO. GO! Fucking epic, Steve!
Steve, Is there enough room to install a pull down sun shade? A medium tint on the rest of the windows and you cut down the excess light. Pull down, so it can open at night. Thoughts?
I think so?! Yeah, I need to think ahead about this before summer cooks me alive.......
Motivational 🎉
Is this a Rans aircraft?
RANS S-21 Outbound
@@CLEAREDDIRECT nice