Builders:
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If you have not seen the Intro to this series, you can read it here: Understanding Flying Corvairs Pt. #1, Intro., It will explain the goals of the articles. Please take a moment to read it, including the comments section.
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Absolute rule of flight testing #4, from the Corvair Flight Ops manual by ww, 2009, Section 8, PG 70:
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“4) The plane must run perfectly at wide open throttle for at least two minutes at the climb out angle of attack with all of the flight systems, like the cowl, in place. There is no reason not to do this. If anyone objects, tell them to go away. If they are from the airport and they object, switch airports.”
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In the flight ops manual, I use the testing and first flight of Zenith N601LV as the case in point for the discussion of the two minute test. The aircraft was finished in our hangar that spring by Louis Kantor. Below is an excerpt from the manual:
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“We took the plane out and blocked it up at the climb out angle, and ran it for two solid minutes. We had already done the fuel flow tests for the FAA, but this was a running test. During the test, Louis tried in every way to get the engine to stumble by switching all four tanks and both ignitions and pumps. It did not let out even the slightest blip, and the temps were well within range despite no forward airspeed and an OAT of 95F.”
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Below are a series of photos from our main website. They trace the long flights and adventures Louis had in his 601XL in the summer and fall of 2009. All of this was done with zero maintenance issues, just oil changes. It all stems from conducting the two minute test by the side of the runway in front of our house. This is the reward for building an engine that 100% utilized the information we provide on Corvairs.
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