Jim McIlrath, Red Wing, MN
RV-9A, N244MC, First flight September 3, 2009
As promised I'd send you a picture which includes my wife and
myself and the new RV!
Description of aircraft:
LYC-10-360M1B, Hartzell
C/S blended foil prop, Advanced 3500/3400 EFIS, Garmin 430, Garmin
SL30 Nav/Com, Garmin GMA 340 Audio, Garmin GTX 330 Transponder,
Tru-Trak Digi II VS, XM Weather (Panel built by Aerotronics)-
absolutely super company. Two things (out of the box) are keyless
entry tip up canopy, and an 8 gallon aux fuel tank. Also a Sam
James Holy Cowl. The interior is by Classic Aero Designs. Needless
to say we call her "Miss Chubby" but comfortable. First flight went
well. Only problems were pilot induced communication. The plane
flies straight, very little rudder needed. VERY little brake when
taxiing. What a surprise compared to other free castoring nose gear
aircraft that I've flown. At cruise the ball is centered and I was
surprised and also very happy as it was one of my biggest concerns
when building the aircraft. Thanks goes to Paul Irlbeck who helped
me mount the wings and tail feathers. Experience speaks everything
in this category. The take offs seem to be very short. It climbs at
24 squared at 120 kts IAS, 1000 ft per minute V/S/M. On a hot day
CYL temps get too hot under 120 kts. Cruise speed at 5500 ft 24
squared is 136 kts. IAS, TAS 149, GPH 7.7, 74% power and OAT 56
degrees. I have more details but this is probably enough for just a
few hours on the airplane. Its just really fun to fly.
A little payback time- you and Tom Berge- I know the best- have
always helped me and a lot of other people. I truly appreciate
those efforts. I am offering my time to help others with your
guidance and you wanted my experience and history:
Military Service- 1963- A/C mechanic O/1/L19 Cessna Birddogs,
DHC-Beaver, DHC3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou. Major time was spent on the
Grumman OV1-Mohawk.
In Service time in US Army-1963-1964, 1964-1965 Korea, 1965-1966
Viet Nam,
1966-1969 Northwest Airlines. At Northwest worked on 727's, 320 B
and C models.
1968- Commercial Pilots License
1969- Back to college and out of aviation until 1989
2000- started building an RV9-A
2006- obtained A&P license and worked for Blue Airways as an
A&P working on Cessna 150, 172, 182, Citation 5, Beech Barons,
and various other aircraft.
2006 to Present- mostly spent on my RV9-A and friend's RV7-A, RV8
and F1Rocket.
As a special note I flew my RV9-A for the first time on 09/03/09-
46 years to the day that I stepped on a bus after being drafted and
went to bootcamp. Ha!
If I can help with your group somehow to assist anyone that can use
my experience I am willing to do so.
Happy Skies,
Mac