EMERGENCY - Landing Gear Stuck/Engine Issues - Bowerspony Flt015 Wasabi Flight Test

[@jpopwell1]

don't disregard the low voltage flash. when you first hit the gear up switch the hydraulic motor is under a very light load, but as the gear gets higher the load on the hydraulic motor increases drastically. the flash you saw on the low voltage indicator tells me the battery / wiring to the hydraulic motor cannot supply enough power to finish the cycle. this drops the pressure and then the motor has a harder time to get it back as well. this also messes with the pressure regulator. so you get a "pumping/ surge " cycle going. ..... motor/wiring cannot get enough juice to run without dragging down the voltage, making the motor now to under powered to continue. if you set the pressures up you'll get past it sometimes as the motor is under strain for less time (faster cycle). test: connect the low voltage indicator directly to the motor actually physically AT the motor to see actually what it's getting to work with and get a digital scope to monitor this and save the voltage profile all thru the whole cycle. now you can actually see the motor strain as it works. be aware that testing on the ground, does not simulate flight. especially in electrical. to just cycle the gear alone is not valid as the battery is at it's best...... Test with full avionics/radios/lights on and engine running. each system lowers the battery voltage a little. is the aircraft alternator regulator able to compensate and support the aircraft even at idle? or are you slowly eating away at the battery voltage with a long taxi or long ramp time, then asking it to get the gear up while it's weakened........ a weak or under rated battery could be the cause ,...... but i would be looking at the wiring to the motor, and a probable increase in the wire size (lower gage) to not have as much wiring voltage loss to the hydraulic motor. now redo the scope test . every piece of wire, connection, switch, will affect the performance of the motor. wires are like rubber bands. each one stretches(looses a little power) depending on load (amps used). more load=more stretch=less voltage to work with smaller wires lose more, heavier wires lose less..... length also matters..... take some measurements and see what the motor has to work with. love watching you work.... i've been following this since the beginning, even talked with Jim and Peggy years ago about buying the company he had about 43 kits sold then....before the trouble he had with his overseas production tooling getting tied up in foreign country. please pass this on... to them thx Jim

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the detailed comment.

[@sharaihmolyneaux8181]

Great comment 👍🏻

[@noelwade]

Wouldn't that be an amperage issue, not a voltage issue though?

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l agree...

[@onfloat17]

@@noelwade if the amperage is maxed and the breaker doesn't pop, the voltage will drop.

[@pauledhlund4350]

Really like the format and style of the video. Learning a lot from your test methodology. Thank you!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks Paul!

[@billstewart5421]

GREAT CONTENT!!!!! Keep doing what you’re doing!!!! This is a GRAND-SLAM for Aviation enthusiasts!!!! Watching you guys trouble shoot issues and explain the fixes AWSOME!!!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for saying that

[@ForFunFlyer]

I said it before, I'll say it again; I just love this format! As a private pilot and airplane owner, there are always things to learn, to pickup from your videos. Even when my plane and engine is from a very different category. Very. Nice. Job! 🤙🏻😎

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the note. I am glad to see the positive response to the format. Glad you dig. We should fly together!!

[@ForFunFlyer]

@@utopiasnow For sure! When this whole C-19 crap passes, I'll revisit all my SoCal/Hollywood friends and stop by at Mojave 😉

[@utopiasnow]

@@ForFunFlyer Sounds like we have a plan!

[@ForFunFlyer]

@@utopiasnow We do! 👍🏻

[@johnfife3062]

Soaking it up -- it's all osmosis and reflection, especially the procedural discipline. The review of judgment calls, whys and wherefores, totality of situation as aggregated, is all instructive and the best ever. Takeaways: When it's a hydro check flight, chase needs to be there waiting for each event stage. Also, more attention to electrical underlying the process which seems to be at 95% instead of 110%. It feels guilty to gain so much from the setbacks of this fine owner/builder. Admire the tenacity and resilience. Wholehearted rooting for his success and triumph of the Bowerspony!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment John. I really appreciate the considerate reflection.

[@gawebm]

Elliot - thank you so much for posting these detailed videos. As an experimental pilot/builder I always have concerns regarding my aircraft and how I will respond in an emergency. I feel like I learn something from your in-depth analysis of both in-flight and post-flight issues. Clearly your professional attitude is both impressive and provides a real-world learning experience. Thanks again!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for saying that. The effort for these longer videos is correspondingly bigger, but feedback like this makes it worth it. What airplane are you working on now?

[@michaelschmid6116]

Very impressed by this: First of the detail of the video (thank you!) and 2nd by the procedures you apply before, during and after the flight. I run a web hosting company and we do similar things on big and important changes or maintenance: pre-execution briefings (going through everything and making sure everybody is informed - and yea we also have cases like the tractor person, in our situation it's more like a customer freaking out :). What we're not doing yet: a post-briefing where we go through everything that happened step by step with everybody confirming their approval or possibility to add. Will totally do this in the future! Thank you!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks Michael, I am glad any of this is useful.

[@noelwade]

As a fellow IT professional I can attest to the value of both post-flight debriefs and "post mortem" debriefs after a major update or outage. Its important that they don't turn into a "blame-game" and get personal; but rather focus on things that can be done better next time through concrete action (i.e. different comms verbiage, adding checklist items, cross-checks, etc). One way to help with that at company meetings is to alternate talking about 1 thing that went poorly, and then 1 thing that went well. Having those little moments where people can pat each other (or themselves) on the back avoids falling into a big negative spiral.

[@michaelschmid6116]

@@noelwade and I think that's exactly what I'm so impressed by Elliot and other test pilots: the capability to look at faults, even if they are human faults, and just accept them with no blame, and not only this but also search an improvement on themselves that could have prevented the situation. I think that's a huge skill that we should flex more and more, not just while flying or work.

[@geraldmartsy2165]

LOL the freaking tractor guy just showing up and taking the airplane.

[@michaelmcconnell3777]

There is so much to learn from this flight. We can't say it enough, thanks for what you do for Rod B and for the Stewart community. #Continuousimprovement #neverevergiveup #S51D

[@utopiasnow]

We are lucky to have Rod and his entire team.

[@av8ir68]

Thanks Elliot for the in depth review of your test flights. Your flight planning and sticking to a game plan during a flight and observing all the data that is available to you at that given time is stellar. Keep up the great work!! Love your channel.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man, I appreciate the support.

[@adamschwartzberg5238]

You're really hitting your stride on the editing and formatting/directing. Awesome video.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Adam

[@gblank70]

The only thing I would suggest is to have chase do a departure pick up like you have done in the past with this aircraft. My flight testing is in the rotary wing world so we have the luxury of having chase aboard from the time we leave the chocks, however, when we utilize a fix wing as chase we always do a departure pickup even if the mission is a low risk. As you well know any risk is a risk that can compound when things are not going as planned/expected. When you have an anomaly chase is there to give you immediate feed back of the situation to help cool the helmet fire. We have found that it is strong risk mitigation . Just my two cents worth. Love the new format. I can’t wait for more.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the comment. We recently got bit by low chase on this program, so we switched back to high chase. The real answer is a chase plane that can keep up. Maybe someday.

[@2Phast4Rocket]

Great to hear all the prebrief and the debrief.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the comment. I appreciate the support.

[@dvatp]

I fly fully-certified and well-maintained jets for a living -- nothing close to experimental -- and I really enjoy hearing your thought processes and analysis for handling abnormal scenarios. Another great video, with this one going all out on the editing / music. Keep up the great work, Elliot.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man, I appreciate the perspective. Very different worlds, I am always very impressed by the certified jet world.

[@noelwade]

Love it. Thanks for taking all the time to put these videos together - I know that editing multi-camera footage and snipping out all the important bits takes *many* hours of work! Its great to be able to understand your methodology and see the thought processes play out. My upcoming Sonex first flight will be _far_ less sophisticated than any of the ships you're testing, but its still great to be able to see your experiences and glean little nuggets here and there. Reading about flight testing is all well & good, but seeing attitudes and decisions play out is also hugely beneficial. Thanks again!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Noel, I am glad you enjoy it and find it useful. Best of luck with your sonex, fun times ahead for you!! I am jealous. airplanes are cool

[@citadelgrad87]

Excellent video. I am not a pilot, but am the son of an AF command pilot. Ive loved planes all my life. You are an excellent communicator, the detail is easy to digest despite the tech heavy subject. Thats a very cool plane. You clearly love what youre doing. Thanks for this channel and your content.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for saying that.

[@KitfoxPilot]

Fastest debrief I've ever watched, great job.

[@utopiasnow]

Haha, thanks. The full debrief was 35 minutes, these are the highlights.

[@sharaihmolyneaux8181]

I really enjoy watching her fly and the senior gentlemen is a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for doing a great job of walking us through the process and educating along the way. 👍🏻✊🏻✊🏻

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the feedback.

[@kevchilton908]

The style and content really work for me. Love the snappy changes as they help deal with all the information we're getting, so there's no info overload at any one time. Aced it again! Keep up the excellent work Elliot 👌👍

[@utopiasnow]

Great to hear! Thank you Kevin.

[@highpointview256]

Elliot, I like any and all efforts you make to post these videos and the longer format is good. Bottom line is that you are showcasing an original and unique perspective of the aviation experience and that is all that matters. We're lucky you want to do this and share with us.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you HV. I appreciate that perspective.

[@maegenyoungs2591]

You were the best safety flight channel on KZbin.

[@ricardocorbie6803]

I am astonished as to the logistics required!! Thanks!! I am fascinated by your power of mental recall in stressful situations! Great stuff! Glad you made it back to base safely!!❤️❤️

[@Ripper13F1V]

I appreciate why your test regimen must be so methodical. The feedback you give the builder is excellent to help them solve issues and to define out systems and handling. One things for sure, once you get through these issues, that (fingers crossed) will be as reliable as anything else!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks Ripper, its a lot of work but I feel super lucky to work the program.

[@isaacoberholzer7805]

Awesome work. Your videos motivated me to do an UPRT/aerobatics course. Airplanes are freakin cool!!

[@utopiasnow]

Glad we could help, let me know how the course goes!!

[@isaacoberholzer7805]

Already finished it up. I'm hooked!

[@Mrsournotes]

Well done handling the emergency. Excellent learning tool here. Thank you!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you. It was a day for sure.

[@funkgroovemaster]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos so informative and enjoyable to watch. Being able to watch the development of an aircraft from the perspective a test pilot is fantastic and pretty rare. The biggest takeaway I get is how you're able to 'normalize' abnormal or unexpected situations and deal with them methodically and effectively. It has improved my own troubleshooting in the cockpit, so thank you. I like the music a lot - you can't please everyone so just do what makes you happy and lets you express yourself, it's your channel after all. The AWOS mixed in with that beat; that was really rad. Cheers from Australia

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Tristan! I am glad you dig it.

[@mackdlite5900]

Great stuff Elliot! We're super stoked for you and the Dudeman to come fly the Raptor prototype! Get that baby airborne!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks Mike, video coming soon!

[@tdunne6176]

Elliot, I happen across your videos some time ago and I really find myself enjoy them. Thank you, I know it is time consuming putting them all together. I simply enjoys listening to a professional that is quite obviously skilled at his craft. It is a rare find indeed to find someone that is comfortable in there own skin to have the humility you do. You own your mistakes and expect others to do the same. That’s how I know your good at what you do! I’m just a fairly low time VFR PPL that loves flying so you won’t get any arm chair quarterbacking from me. My grandfather was a pilot and later a test pilot just after WWII. He and his friend Chuck Yeager learned to fly out in Taft CA on Gardner Field. That’s where he and my grandmother are buried now. Anyhow, they were both mechanics together before learning to fly. Growing up around some of those guys was pretty awesome. Anyhow, stay safe and Blue Sky’s my friend.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the note. Sounds like yours was a house filled with great people telling great stories. Keep me honest if you see anything, I think I can take the feedback. airplanes are cool

[@onfloat17]

Awesome debriefing! I work with a bunch of hospital executives and have discussed debriefing benefits with them. I'm thinking I'm going to show them this video to show them how it's done.

[@utopiasnow]

I hope it helps. Thank you.

[@MrEndoftheRoadRC]

The edit after the cold open with the ATIS on top is fire . Nice job to the editor.

[@utopiasnow]

I really appreciate that, thank you

[@alexandrearraou]

Your content is very unique, amazing video as always.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you very much! Glad you think so.

[@MonkPetite]

All in all a freaking nice mini mustang.. it’s a perfect looking bird..

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man! Its a sweet heart for sure.

[@cleareddirect7013]

Hey Elliott. I know you are really proud of yourself and all.... the guy towing the airplane was Garry Zinger. He has been at the Visalia airport since the day that Rodney shot the first rivet in that airplane. The reason that he towed the airplane up to the taxiway because it was under the direction of the airport manager. I believe there was a Notam. Perhaps in the future you will be spend less time worrying about your cameras. RIP Garry Zinger

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the comment I was sorry to hear about Garry’s passing. The purpose of the comment in the video was to talk about the wide range of factors with working at a new location and a new group of people (like construction and closed taxi ways). As stated in the video if there is someone at fault here it’s me for not stepping in to figure out what was going on and make sure we were all on the same page. My apologies if that segment landed wrong, that wasn’t my intent. RIP Mr Zinger.

[@romanflys6544]

I third that

[@TheVonStalhein]

Really enjoying the longer format videos and appreciate the time it must take to edit and tidy up. Following the problem solving processes on the ground and in the air is very entertaining and thought provoking. Thanks & stay safe!

[@utopiasnow]

thank you for the note. I am glad you dig!

[@CCitis]

Fantastic format, as I noted on your last vid. You are taking us along on the test program, which I find fascinating as a pilot. Love all the nerdy details... and great footage editing etc. Keep on keepin on. Also, props to the chase plane for wearing masks... It sucks I know, but it works. Too many people not following those recommendations, will take forever to get back to normal.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the comment Jeremy. I am glad you are enjoying it. Stay safe!

[@hardy_bm]

Thanks for the wonderful video Elliot. You and these guys can’t seem to catch a break. Hope you get there soon

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Hardy. There are good things ahead.

[@hechtspeed]

Great video...boy....sure seems like this thing is never going to be fully sorted. But man is that puppy making power on takeoff...WOW

[@utopiasnow]

It sure sounds awesome doesn't it? So rad.

[@MacFromUrbexCross]

Great video. I could watch an hour long video of yours.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Mac, I appreciate the support.

[@MikeSierra8282]

Dear Sir, I am so happy that I 've found your chanel. Thank you

[@gregorygehrke1850]

Loving the classic g shock watch, missing the tunes. In all seriousness, great content, great information. I do like the mix of technical knowledge and artful composition. You have developed a unique style over the years with these video, I wouldn’t stray too far from what has been working. Thanks again, looking forward to the next one!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Greg. I am glad you dig my old Casio.

[@deSloleye]

Loving the style of this as well as the density of information. The music rocks so well

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you! I am glad you like it.

[@kennymcwilliams8972]

Lots of challenges with the Pony. I hope you guys can get to Georgia soon to fly the Raptor - she's up and ready!

[@utopiasnow]

Exciting times for sure.

[@MartyG144]

PLEASE make a DJ mixtape for us. That AWOS over the beat is sick.

[@utopiasnow]

Great feedback thank you!!

[@rickr530]

@@utopiasnow Teach us how to make it from our own local traffic...

[@jonathanstarke1588]

Well done! The blending of the video editing and story keeps getting better. In your early videos, you were always good at telling the story and the video shot was good. I think that you are using more cameras which helps tremendously. Just like when you are testing a plane, the more purposeful data you have, the better you can understand what needs adjusting/fixing, what is working right and what isn’t. I know that more cameras 📸 means more editing and that is the bane of most “KZbinrs” but it makes a huge difference in sharing the story at a level that keep both the highly experienced and educated and those (like me) who are more layman than expert engaged. This video is a better version of showing while telling. Thanks for putting in the time and work to do it. Oh, an like everyone else, love the music selection!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for that. I wasn't sure that the two added cameras would add technical value (beyond a storytelling purpose), but they absolutely did. Stoked you can see it.

[@alliefdxproductionservices5856]

I'm loving these long videos. Keep them coming!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you!

[@Tglass]

Another great video about the tests on this aircraft. The detail is terrific, the style is engaging, and I always learn something very new. Keep up the great work and dedicated effort. Airplanes really are cool...

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for coming along Tom. Just a couple dorky engineers, but I do think we are getting better at this. Thank you.

[@johntenhave1]

Great video, very informative, very well filmed and edited. Learnt lots!

[@retydeere1111]

Thanks for the early morning Aviation treat Elliot Good show buddy!

[@utopiasnow]

Any time! Thanks for the note!

[@MrWarwick15]

Perfect format for me Elliot. Thank you. Rich

[@utopiasnow]

Perfect! Cant do better than that. Thank you for the comment!

[@JoeKerman]

Wow, this was an awesome video! I appreciate the long-format showing the whole process.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Joe, it's a lot of work but I have found it helpful as well. Thank you for coming along.

[@hpux735]

Yet another great one! The ATIS remix was super awesome

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man.

[@rpgrynn]

This is a great bases for other flight test efforts - Information extraordinary

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man

[@wingnutzster]

My new favourite channel on YT

[@geobwright]

Great Video....there seemed to be a lot of frustration in the debrief room for sure.

[@utopiasnow]

Yeah, its been a tough few months. The nature of the issues require a lot of man hours to diagnose and address. Meanwhile a complex airplane with lots of new stuff on it, distributed knowledge on all the systems, ideas on how they play together. We all appreciate Rod's gorgeous airplane and are trying to help him get his dream to the next step. The saving grace of the program is its a good group. Which makes everything easier. Thanks,

[@craigpride8565]

Once again a spectacular video full of information on the process you’re trying to accomplish and then when a fault may arise the response to that issue, coupled with the debrief. Solid work, keep them coming

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man.

[@Nemesisnxt]

2:40 pretty cool how the entire aircraft scoots back under the canopy. 🥴

[@chrisbowpiloto]

The new style of video is many times better. Keep it up!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Chris!

[@mahanehsani1246]

i liked the black light dye trick! 👌

[@utopiasnow]

Super cool

[@alejandrosaldana1244]

As always great video! It seams that this airplane is a handful, hope you soon get all the teething problems dealt with! Keep’em coming!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the note. I am hearing good things from Visalia, the future is looking good.

[@johnlichtenstein6158]

Love it, I learn a lot from these.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks John!

[@Wolfgang51501986]

Great stuff Elliot! Love the format, great details, very educational, eye opening.

[@utopiasnow]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here.

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Great stuff guys , your procedures are really thorough and you dont miss much . Great for risk reduction. Love your flight test work best out there. Be safe.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Rodger. I appreciate your comment and you coming along. Let me know if you see anything!

[@garthlandefeld1730]

Really appreciate the debreifs. Very interesting!

[@alpha--bravo]

Trying to catch up and really enjoying your work. Keep it up!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for saying that

[@ThomasGabrielsen]

I really like this format! I always look for what I call "The Nerd Edition" videos on YT when it's about topics I'm interested in. When viewers subscribes to a channel about a test pilot and experimental aircraft they are interested in almost everything. E.g. what kind of helmet you're using, how you plan to bail out and risk assessment in general, and everything technical down to a tiny little bolt on the tail wheel. There are tons of channels with hours of pilots chatting about random stuff while flying, but that gets boring fast. I've looked a channel like this for a long time and I'm pretty sure your channel will grow big pretty fast if you keep making content like this. Personally I would like even longer videos with more details, and when you make timeline chapters so people can skip I can't see how that can go wrong. Keep up the good work!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for saying that, welcome aboard!!

[@waterskierjohn]

Love the longer formats

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you John

[@heydonray]

Way cool. I’m very late to the party here but did notice that the left main was retracting before the door was fully open. Hope it didn’t have a sequence/interference issue later in some later vid!

[@utopiasnow]

Great idea, thanks

[@utopiasnow]

Great idea, thanks

[@Greg1976NZ]

Great Video Elliot. Hope this plane gets the bugs ironed out with time. Great format Really useful to see the brief and debrief and your critique of where to improve.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man, I think the format is working well.

[@aliciaroske1453]

Jerky motion Is a symptom of air in the hydraulics to my untrained eye. Not sure where the leak mentioned is but if oil can get out air can get in. Very interesting thanks for sharing

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Alicia. The guys are in the middle of a deep dive on the hydraulic system. I will let you know what we learn!

[@ronpurcell9984]

Wow, I'm going to learn a ton watching these guys. I'm stoked!

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man, glad you enjoy it.

[@philvaughan4091]

Very enjoyable and I really like the format. The “mind set” the group displays is very impressive,,, I am learning a lot. Thank you for the posts.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the comment

[@jamesyoungblood555]

Alot of outstanding information. Thanks so very much. Praying the next test will be better than this one.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you James!

[@Joonybugg]

Content is amazing, really giving me more inspiration to be a better pilot. Music is on point in this one. Please put more!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you

[@propnose]

Fantastic video as always. Love all the information Elliot. Thank you!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Mark!

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Can't wait to see you test the Raptor.

[@utopiasnow]

We are excited too!!

[@galegregory97comcast]

Wow you are professional I love it I love hearing you talk about what happened. That was a nice airplane

[@joestaton9094]

Please give more info on the raptor program in Georgia as i live in Athens Georgia and would love to meet you guys and see the plane

[@jamesharkness1058]

What an unexpected failure right in the beginning of the flight. Good call on trying not to stretch it any further and returning to the airport. I think it was very wise to be on CTAF so everyone could understand and give you some working room. There is just nothing routine about test flying, is there? After 14 other flights, you would think you have a pretty good feel on the basics, and then something like this happens. Getting hit with something like this right off the runway would really get my heart racing.....and then the potential overheating caused by the blocked cooling inlet. Good job holding it together and getting safely on the ground. This is great content, and a warning for all of us to never get complacent!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you James. I am glad the information was valuable.

[@aviation.satire]

Do other test flights like this always have this many don’t want to say problems but problems?

[@TheFroztv]

those videos are really a treat ! Thanks !

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you for the comment

[@justindyster7073]

Good stuff! Keep it safe.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks, will do!

[@johannaotto2418]

Awesome video as always Elliot, thank you for sharing.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Johanna.

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

The more details, the better. Any update on this project? I just binged the Bowerspony playlist.

[@MikeSealguitar]

Thanks for sharing this. I always learn a lot from the detailed briefings, thanks for your great work and invaluable expertise.

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Mike!

[@downc212]

YAyer! Best one yet bud.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks man

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Love the videos ! Love learning about this stuff.

[@utopiasnow]

Great to hear!!

[@mikercflyer7383]

Love watching you work even though it is greek to me I find it fascinating. waiting for you to maiden the Raptor. Safe Travels

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Michael. I appreciate you coming along.

[@pedromrspt]

The detailed debrifieng was great. This tailwheel planes you never stop flying them until you park them. That "almost lack of elevator" at the landing should have been scary. What was on your mind if you were unable to get the tail down? Engine off to save the engine?

[@utopiasnow]

It's a fine line, for now I think the landing was just a bit fast. But it shows how cascading issues eat up bandwidth and the pilot starts dropping other tasks. Thanks for the comment.

[@jimz68]

Really enjoying these long form videos. Well done. Is there a back-story on the fist pump ?

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you James. It's a long story, but the summary is it's hard to look stoic and too cool for school when you are fist-pumping. And I haven't been to an airport recently that needed more stoic/super cool people in airplanes. Woot woot! airplanes are cool!!!!!

[@jonathanstarke1588]

Elliot Seguin I was wondering the same thing. Thought that it was a symbol of grinding (putting in the work) and reminded me of old steam locomotive 🚂 wheels as they are starting to roll! Whatever the backstory, while the stoic look has a place and time that is cool, I agree that so does the celebration dance! Keep making aviation cool for everyone and not just the “select few”.

[@sharaihmolyneaux8181]

No one does a better double fist pump than the Legendary #giddyfelix 😎

[@starvingartist6754]

I would give it a bit more power just before dropping the L gear, so the drag won't kill a cylinder and gradually slow it down to land !

[@ashsmitty2244]

What a wheeler!

[@utopiasnow]

Hahaha, thanks

[@josephchapman5616]

Great stuff, keep up the great work! Amazing videos.

[@utopiasnow]

Glad you like them!

[@marktimmer2212]

Is this P51 1/1 scale? I am going to need a model of this type.

[@jtuttle11]

If you read the history of the 'Mustang' you might come across the information that Several Mustangs were lost due to inner wheel door failures. It seems someone decided to eliminate the door locks on the inner wheel doors which allowed them to partially open during flight at cruise speeds. The result was that the planes suffered catastrophic failure of the wing and crashed. This only came to light when the mechanics and engineers jacked up one of the planes to test the systems and couldn't find the problem. The tale says, They went to lunch leaving the plane up on jacks with the gear retracted and when they returned to their surprise one of the doors had leaked off pressure and fallen open as the plane wasn't equipped with uplocks on the inner wheel doors.

[@curtisbeers9383]

"Helmet fire" I like that.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks

[@MsRandiCook]

You are awesome! The mask in the chase plane is hilarious!🤣🎭

[@utopiasnow]

another hot and sweaty day flying in California

[@MsRandiCook]

Elliot, at least you are making progress? Maybe?

[@utopiasnow]

@@MsRandiCook Definite progress. Its a tough airplane, lots of custom stuff is always hard on a complicated airplane.

[@ILLEagle_1]

YESSS 30 MIN VIDEOOOOO!

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you!

[@larryegilman1]

Elliot, missed your videos, glad to see another. Your videos, and the comments provide so much information beyond expectation. We don't know what we don't know, as the saying goes. With that in mind, could you at some point comment in your videos or comment section, what your expectations were for the test program for this airplane. At flight 15 are you progressing as expected, and when do you anticipate the test flights to be squalk free. The bird is beautiful, but beginning to have negative feelings about her, or is this expected for such a complex airplane. Thank you again

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Larry. This question has come up quite a bit after this flight, I am glad you guys are keeping me honest. I know that I identify with Rod and want to help him see this thing through on a personal level, which absolutely would create a blindspot. Good reminder for me to watch that. As far as where the project would be headed. When we started the goal was to fly the airplane for the first ten hours, get the program stable and hand it off. I feel fortunate to have been invited to stay on longer. My goal would be to get the airplane operational and well defined in a POH so that it is useful to the next operator. But that hinges on Rod's goals, so we'll see. Thank you for the comment.

[@lostgamer9569]

low voltage was probably due to the hydraulics stalling out under load?

[@utopiasnow]

Good thought, thank you

[@triedproven9908]

Air speed could play a part in the gear binding up, but it's most likely a pressure issue like air in the system which would also cause the pressures to read low and spike around. I would cycle the gear on the stands with about 100lbs of force pushing aft on the wheel to see if you can reproduce the issue after bleeding the system.

[@utopiasnow]

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

[@triedproven9908]

Also can't wait to see you get the raptor off in these coming weeks elliot.

[@kilroy914]

Great as usual! Thanks guys

[@utopiasnow]

Thank you Randy!!