Saturday dawned as a beautiful day, it has been a while since i have been able to just fly, seems like the wind here has been above normal and my time has been limited so today I was going to make up some flying time. Winds at take off were showing about 6 mph, according to winds on my foreflight program at surrounding airports, none were showing much over 10 mph at 3000. Take off in Legal Eagle XL SR 7-1/2 was uneventful, took off to the west, as soon as we were above the trees, to stay on heading had to make a big turn to the south, flying 30 degrees pointed south to go west, my initial thought was to fly south to Palestine and fill up. After turning south and observing the Forefight GPS showing 17 mph decided to give that thought up. When i was pointed north showing 73 mph on GPS. Decided to go back and land, beautiful day and short flight but lots of fun.

This morning the wind was down, calm as a matter of fact, about 62 degrees, perfect for what we had to do. The test engine and re-drive performed well and we can say success. This is not competition for the 45 hp 1/2VW or the Verner Radial 3V but met to help someone get into the air with more readily available and reasonable parts and pieces. We have much more testing and adjusting to do but it works. I might add we are testing this at the upper limits of what the XL is designed for, 275 pound pilot. If you are on the normal weight side it will perform much better. Leonard Milholland is the sponsor and motivator behind this project so all information and data will be released thru him. Check out his YouTube channel for additional videos and information. Leonard is the Designer of the Legal Eagle and Legal Eagle XL as well as the Double Eagle and Cabin Eagle. Check out Eaglersnest.com and betterhalfVW.com or his YouTube Channel.

Have not been able to fly ORV for a while so finally got out and into the air today. Felt real good. To find out more about what we are doing check out Leonard Milholland’s YouTube Channel or UCkfPgVVHwfi2FSZJY6u6_-g. More to come.

Information to consider regarding the V-Twin engines, (in general). If not for weight the big block V-twins, typically 32 to 40 hp, with a redrive would power the Legal Eagle. Our final firewall forward flying weight needs to be in 90 pound area, (this weight varies on the aircraft weight) this would include engine, mounts, prop, carbs, filters, bolts, everything forward of fire wall. The small block V-twin weight fits into what we need. Question is if we can get the Hp and torque matched to a prop that will power our machine. It would be nice to build a lighter weight LEXL with allowance to mount the big block V-twin.

Been having probs with carbs but got it sorted out today. Added 2 more degrees to prop, setting at 13 degrees pitch now. Hope to get more thrust readings tomorrow

Check betterhalfVW.com and Leonard Milholland’s YouTube channel for more information

This is link to Leonards Youtube with start of the B&S Vanguard 23 info