First flight Nipper Sydney Oz

[Ross]

Well I finally got to fly the little bird and wow I'm still smiling. After lots of checks a weight and balance and several taxis I entered runway 35 at Wedderburn near Sydney opened up the 85 HP engine and off we went like a red rocket.
On turning downwind a massive vibration started and then stopped after I changed rpm and or kicked rudder, I got a tad concerned and completed the circuit, landed perfectly and so soft with that weird suspension and the old cable brakes worked better than expected. Soon the source of the vibration was found to be the aluminium panel that folds over the fuselage forward of the rudder. This panel finishes over the fabric and is not fastened at that point consequently vibrating when wind gets under it, must have driven the previous owner mad, maybe that's why he sold it. Some duct tape later and fixed.
Lots of practice circuits and I cant believe how well this plane flies, light on the controls but not over sensitive I flew down the coast of Sydney over the escarpment near Wollongong and had a most enjoyable view out along the beaches and out to sea. I got it up to 100 KN at 3200 rpm on the way back but found it was most pleasant dodging along around 70 to 80 KN around 2500 rpm ish.

My Nipper has wing tanks which spilled a lot of fuel out of the wire and cork fuel level gauge/breather ports. The fuel system operates on both wing tanks together or the main tank. If the plane is parked off level, fuel runs from one tip tank and overflows out the other. Has anyone else had this trouble and what ingenious fix did you come up with? also one tip tank empties way before the other, and yes I flew with the little black ball in the middle ha.
Happy flying regards Ross

[Bumblebee Girl]

Hi Ross

So pleased you enjoyed Nippering: even after 20 years of flying mine, it still brings a smile to my face!

All the best and may you have many more enjoyable flights...

Kate

[Ross]

Thanks Kate,
Great photo, I bet everyone who sees your lovely plane smile also.
I tried to attach an image but was unable to; probably admin blocked undesirable Unidentified Flying Oztralians UFOs ha.
I plan to fly the Nipper from Sydney over the ocean (Bass Strait) to Tasmania where I live, a fairly epic trip. I will get more practice and iron out a few bugs with the fuel system beforehand.

Kind regards Ross

[Bumblebee Girl]

I’d love to see a photo of your Nipper, Ross and to hear more about your epic adventure. I’m planning a dawn to dusk Nipper flight next year in aid of Charity ; hoping to visit as many airfields as I can on the longest day.
She’s a beautiful aeroplane and I know you’ll have many happy hours in her.

All the best...

Kate

[Ross]

Thanks Kate,
You can see 2 photos in the Gallery Reg 28 842 with my dog 'Biscuit'.
So I went to Sydney for a week to fly the Nipper and now I am back home in Tasmania and in Quarantine for 2 weeks but it was worth it.
Can't wait to plan the next visit to Sydney to fly again. Good luck with your longest day flight.
Cheers Ross.