March 28, 2010.  Will Fox's Pegazir comes back to life with its new IO-360 powerplant.




The local chapter engine experts examine the engine installation.




More experts looking at the engine installation.




Even more experts, you would think no one ever installed an IO360  engine in a Pegazair before.




The Pegazair taxing back to the hangar under its own power.




Looks like a scimitar propeller, but its just digital imagery distortion.

April 10, 2010. After getting a verbal blessing from the FAA, and all the final preparations done, it's finally time
for the fun part.  Back into the air again.



The Pegazair is all assembled and ready to rock and roll. 




A closeup of the boot cowl and cowl installation.




The panel with the Advanced Flight System EFIS and Engine Monitor.




The engine is running!




Warming up the engine for the flight.




Taxing out  for some some high speed taxi runs.




A high speed taxi pass.




Approach for landing after a great first flight.




Short Final.




Will is happy with the way the new Pegazair flys.




Who called the paramedics?

I flew the Pegazair P-180 for the first time today.  Ground handling at both low and high speed taxi were same as before which is a little more sensitive than the Super Decathlon.  The flight test went very well.  Performance is slightly better than predicted.  Takeoff weight was 1566 lbs.  Center of gravity was 17.9 inches.  Indicated airspeed at 9000 feet MSL was 126 mph (true airspeed was 146 mph) at 21.6" MP and 2500 RPM.  Climb rate was greater than 1100 fpm initially, but I had to lower the nose to keep cylinder temps under control.  Power off stalls with and without flaps were as docile as ever.  Biggest difference I noticed other than improved cruise airspeed and climb rate was the need for more right rudder on climb out. Plenty of rudder leftover even with the additional P-factor.  The airplane flew straight in cruise and at approach speeds.  Cylinder head temperatures were a little high during climb out (415-430 F).  They dropped to 400 F in cruise at 70% power.  I will spend the next 10 hours breaking the engine in and cylinder temps should drop a bit more.  Vibration levels were lower than expected.  Pilot is doing well, elated, but tired after the adrenaline rush.  There is nothing like flying an airplane you built with your own two hands.  Thanks to Michel Lequin for fathering a great aircraft.

Will