Skybolt Handling?
Doug
I currently have Pober Junior Ace project that I am working on. I am
considering another aircraft, a Culp Special, and an email from the designer
told me that they handle like a stock Skybolt, but since they are heavier
they come down a bit faster. Does anyone out there have a Skybolt, or
anyone that has flown one, and can tell me what the handling characteristics
are like compared to an Aeronca Champ, Great Lakes, Stearman, or other
aircraft I might have flown?
Thanks,
Doug
Shelly
Shelly
KJKimball
But for a better choice, the Pitts Model 12, go here:
Michael Pilla
short time period, I'll give it a shot. I also have T-6G time, but will
not list it since it is heavier, carries quite a bit more power, and
might confuse things.
Delightful -------------------------------- Ponderous
Skybolt Great Lakes Champ Stearman
Notice, I left a little room on the left and lots of room on the right.
I also did not have the dimension "skittish" because it does not apply
to any of them, but other planes might warrant that description.
The Skybolt is a delightful plane to fly and is quite overbuilt,
structurally. There are stories of people considerably exceeding
redline and having only minor D-cell deformation, but spars, etc., all
intact.
Of course, this is all subjective, and I'm sure I'll have started a
lively debate. I really enjoy flying all the listed planes. I have to
admit to lusting after a Skybolt (I started building one, but sold the
project to make room for a startup company in my garage workshop. My
Skybolt project was finished and shown in the "Completions" column in
Sport Aviation a few years ago - gave me a twinge.) Also, while I show
the Great Lakes to the left of the Champ and Stearman, I sometimes have
a love-hate relationship with that bird. I guess, to me, it does not
have as much "soul" as the others. Nomex suit on, face plate on, etc.
:-) There are times when I prefer low and slow in a Champ and, sitting
in the front, I like the visibility. But, this is getting off the topic
of your question.
Given that the designer said that it comes down faster, you'll probably
want to carry a bit of power - something that I like to do in the
Stearman for a "kiss" touchdown. Talk with a CFI who knows about such
planes and see if you can get some equivalent time if you are
uncomfortable. Also, insurance companies are quite direct about listing
the "equivalent" planes in which you should get some dual before
providing insurance on your particular bird. You might want to check
with your carrier.
YMMV, of course, and the advice is worth what you paid for it. :-)
Michael Pilla
Doug <holz...@NOSPAMprimary.net> wrote in message
news:oZ%J6.3207$Ib.3...@news1.primary.net...