L'il Tex made fisrt flights today on E-flite 46 power with a Castle 60 ESC. System draws 47 amps at WOT using 630 watts. Bill McNeal completed maiden and I flew after. Alex flew in the afternoon Two flights totalling 8 minutes used 1600 ma out of 5000 on the two 4s Packs.

Sunday was bad weather for flying, , but good weather for tinkering. I thought Alex was in his room doing math homework. Furious keystrokes on his HP scientific calculator, writing, erasing, scratching of head. Homework NO, scaling up a 4 in Raptor PICTURE to a 23 in wingspan foamie YES. No plans, just data points on a chart. Built in Yardbird style, his own plane emerged.

By Sunday evening, plane was ready for paint and test flight. Monday Alex test flew. Finally got CG close, but plane tends to roll left. Tuesday after adjustments, Dad test flew, better control, but it didn't stop that tree from jumping in the way. Started with 6x4 prop, went to 5.5x5 on the Grayson motor. It does fly, and will fly better. Will look to guys at field this WE for ideas.

Lil Tex gets its name from the pilot's choice of head gear. Lil Tex is a Sig Mid Star 40 that was begun when Alex, the pilot, was 3 years old, (1996). It was originally to be powered by the OS .40 out of a crashed Top Flite Sierra. Currently to be powered by a E-Flite Power 46. Modifying top of nose to be covered all the way to spinner. Must finish battery tray, cover nose, finish canopy. Should test fly on Saturday 10/25.

We got there early, so as not to miss the much anticipated X-15 flight. Plane(s) looked great. As most of you probably have also flown rockets since you were kids, I appreciate that most of the elements of this piggyback launch went very well. Climbout, separation, and rocket fire seemed almost perfect from the ground. A little CG problem resolution and Foam Safe CA are all that's needed for a future successful flight. Hope to see it soon.