First off this month I had to get from Kodiak Alaska, back to something a bit more ... civilized. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fIKhcRVo3o
From Vancouver I was ready to head out and within just a few days Tim said we could head to Pennsylvania. I hopped into an A-321 and took an afternoon, cross-country flight: (pict1) (pict2). Video of my landing is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdHlghavQVI
The next day I received Tim's EXPERIMENTAL assignment so was able to head out directly. First up I flew a plane that I'VE NEVER EVER FLOWN BEFORE (pict3) but seemed like a Piper Cub, the Skandinavisk KZIII (pict4). Just under one hour from Philly to KWAL. (pict5) (pict6)
Then I was off to http://www.flightsim.com/ to find an "Experimental" plane to fly. And the winner is ... the ... Seruphum Aerospace Research "Messenger" A single-seat, single-engine, little ... maneuverable ... Well ...here's the official summary: "Born from components of the Wasp, the team at Lionheart Creations Ltd. have put together an air racer called the Messenger, named after a type of Hawk, the wild angles and curves of this craft are a bit mesmerizing to 'comprehend' at first, sporting a very eccentric forward swept high dyhedral main wing form, straight low mounted canards, and a ducted fan, the Messenger is a one of a kind radical statement in a bird that seeks to take its prize. The heart of this Hawk is a composite block Wankel rotary engine with a tripple rotor arrangement, turbo charged and fuel injected, and rated at 200 HP, driving an experimental composite fan that is mounted in a high performance ducted assembly that swivels on the rudder axis, not only enabling mild jet-like exhaust flow thrust levels, but a vectored thrust as well. Coupled with unique winglets that 'grip' the air in tight turns, these factors make for a superb pylon racer." It comes in like, five colors! This little puppy does 300 knots easily but lands at less then 100 knots - And the gear animation is something Tony will LOVE! Here's the photo summary:
The Plane (pict7)
This thing can't weigh much, wonder how it does in the wind?
(pict23) Not bad at all!
Okay then, how's it do under the high-G, eratic loads of a seven-year old pilot? (pict24)
Fawless! With the low-speed capabilities he was even able to land, ON THE RUNWAY by himself - yes, with crash detection turned ON!
This little thing is fun enough that I'm keeping it!!
Okay, great fun, FOTM done, now what? Of course, fly another plane I've never flown before (Experimental for me) back to Dick's Florida Keys.
See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp7L5wS90RI and two parting photos. (pict25) (pict26)
