Test Flight Notes
Rolando Santiago
Factory Authorized Assembler
Vancouver, WA Friday May 9th, Brush Prairie Airfield. Wind 2-5 knots. Temperature 58. Pilot weight 220. Gross weight 500 lbs.
The P103UL serial number 3086 is equipped as a standard 103UL with the Rotax 503 DCDI engine, B gearbox, and Tennessee wood prop and in this flight the 400’ canopy.
The nose is very light without pilot on board. The result is easy to move around and handle with one person. Several ground runs proved solid steering authority. Legroom was so extensive we had to adjust steering bars backwards.
Acceleration with the 503 is “exciting”. The 400’ canopy kited easily with less than 100’ ground roll required. We extended the run to insure the canopy was in good shape. Climb out was really spectacular. We did not have a VSI on board but estimated climb rate in excess of 500 fpm.
Steering was very responsive. I might even describe it as “snappy”! Despite some “bumpy air” today stability was great. Touch and goes were easy. The spring suspension took up any potential bounce. The nylon wheels and standard tires were solid.
The 103UL uses the adjustable c.g. tubes and we reset them one inch to bring the nose up slightly, after first flight.
Legend 103UL 3086 was signed off with no discrepancies and will be turned over to new owner Lee Rathbun this week.