Clemens C. Kuhlig
(203) 376-9906
Dear Moni Newsletter Readers,
The Moni is an outstanding airplane. Those of you building have a pleasant
surprise when you finish, so get off your !@#$% and do it! On September 27,
1987, one year and 5 months after it's arrival here in Voluntown, I test flew
#358 with only 25 hours, 58 minutes of solo time. I had no trouble at all.
In fact, it flies better than any sailplane I've been in.
During the mandatory 10 hour fly-off time required by the
FAA, I found out the following:
1. My shortest take off was 320 ft.
2. It flies straight.
3. It starts to buffet at 50 mph IAS, and starts to break at 45 mph.
4. In the air the ailerons float up about 1/2 inch on the tip with no
negative effect.
5. Engine overheating problems were alleviated by using 100 LL fuel and by
cutting opening in the lower rear cowl on both sides. These correction
lowered the temperature 30 degrees in both cylinders.
6. The 36X18 prop doesn't seem to give a good enough climb. I am now
planning to try a 35X20.
7. My Moni is very slippery because I have flush (and filled) rivets. As a
result, I tend to float on landings. With an IP of 800' AGL, base at 500'
AGL, and the final at 300' AGL; my speed is 70 mph on final. Under these
conditions it lands best with 1/2 spoiler and brake slightly on. If the
tire pressure is 25-28 psi, it will stick. (At 35 psi the tire tends to
bounce)
8. My shortest landing was 400'. At that time I had 1/2 spoiler and brake
slightly on. As soon as I touched I applied full spoiler, full brake, and
up elevator. The tire did not skid.
Not every thing is perfect in Moni flights. Two things you may want to avoid
are jackass things I've done: leaving the spar doors open with a resulting
scarring and chewed up wheel pant; and bouncing in on high pressure tire with
a resulting broken prop!
I believe a change in the spoiler cable system from the present cockpit
arrangement to a pulley system will reduce drag and allow for more feel for
the spoilers and brake during touchdown. I would also like to add a polished
spinner if I can locate one. While the engine seems to be running fine, I
would like to know if there are any sources of technical information about the
KFM Maxi 30 available.
I would like to extend an invitation to all Moni pilots to visit our
"low-keyed" area. Danielson airport is state operated with 100LL available, a
2700' paved, open ended runway, and an average lift of 500 fpm. We also own a
share of a 2-33 for any "truckers" out there. There are many airports near by
with EAA fly-ins scheduled in June and October.
We would like to travel south to fly in February if any one can give us
information about specific places to see.
Sincerely,
Clemens C. Kuhlig
"Live long and fly safe ..."
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