The plane is ready. Just ran the new engine outside. One tank at mostly rich settings did not last long. Hope real flight times are decent. Might have to fool with a larger tank later. AUW is just under 7.5 pounds. CG is close to the midrange recommended in the manual. Added nails in the light wingtip to get close to balance. I am happy to finally have my own DB even if the arf version. Hope to maiden this week. Oh, i added 1/2 oz of weight to tail to achieve recommended balance point.

The maiden is history...it went well. Just three clicks of right aileron and the DB was rockin and rollin on rails. No elevator trim. While no rudder trim was necessary, i did not try extensive vertical upclimbs, so trim might still be needed. Knife edge was very pleasing with no tucking in to the LG or canopy. Landings were good, maybe a little hot due to high idle. I lowered the idle for the second flight and need to lower it more as the engine breaks in. This is a sweet plane!