Deuce Checkout Flight

both our operational aircraft have been rolled back out to the tarmac after having their electronic systems checked and repaired where necessary. Later today Ted & Aldy will take up the Deuce to ensure everything is in working order prior to its next mission

sunset is approaching but we don't care anymore! With the new runway edge lighting and approach lights we can operate in full darkness when needed (VFR only still). Ted & Aldy are already out at the aircraft doing their preflight to depart in ~30 minutes

the Deuce is turning about at the end of Rwy09 after taxiing out a few minutes ago. Once lined up, Tedman will receive the clearance from Flight Control to push forward the throttles and begin his takeoff run down the newly-rebuilt and paved runway surface

Aldeny is co-pilot and runs comms to Flight, reports they have positive climb rate. He says Ted bounced off the runway because he didn't realize they were floating a few inches above it for a few seconds before touching down briefly again. So smooth of a roll!

Deuce has reached departure altitude 800m ASL and turned off runway heading - gear up, flaps up, throttle pulled back to climb @ 80% power. Ted will bring them about to head direct west as they continue to ascend to cruise altitude of 7km ASL

climbing through 5km, Flight has vectored the Deuce a bit further south, heading 225, to ensure they steer well clear of the mountains. Terrain is a real danger at night. All systems on the ground and in the air are so far functioning nominally

target altitude achieved, Ted will trim out here and cruise to ensure cabin pressure remains stable. Aldy will run a check of the flight computer, which will play a big part in the automated release of the rocket. Flight will check comms through both KSC & the Umbarg aerial

everything continues to look great. Flight has instructed Ted to come about & begin his descent to land back on Rwy09. Aldy will be on the controls as well to help ensure the approach is carried out safely - there are hills a few hundred meters high they'll have to pass low over

worst of the terrain avoided, Ted is about to turn from base leg onto final approach 12km out. It will be a steeper approach than normal because there's still a final ridge to clear but both pilots say they can see the runway clearly and will have no problems lining up

Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB after a fine landing. It will be brought back inside for mounting operations in preparation for its next mission. Tomorrow, weather permitting, Aldy will do a similar checkout of our operational Civvie