Re: Violin Plate tuning (whoops)

in article [EMAIL PROTECTED], PeteSchug at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
wrote on 12/2/03 8:22 PM:

> Hi Tien,
> 
> I soloed a champ (Champion Aircraft version of the Aeronca Champ) on skiis
> when I was 27 (38 yrs ago) I started flying sailplanes and building RC after
> that. I let my medical lapse but occasionally took an evening flight in one
> of the citabrias (150 horse, extra span wing with flaps) that were used for
> towing at the time.

I forgot to mention, I took those rides with an instructor or a friend. You
don't need a medical to fly a sailplane, but you do need a current medical
to fly a power plane! I didn't want to completely forget how to land a
taildragger and some days are not glider flying days etc. so I kept a hand
in though I had no interest in getting the power plane rating.

I happened to be ready to solo in winter and in those days there was lots of
snow and my champ had skiis on the day my instructor climbed out. When I
landed I could hear the back of the skiis touching the ground for a hundred
yards before the weight came off the wings and the plane quit flying.

I got my 1000 meter gain of altitude and my five hour flight in sailplanes
but not being a stock holder in my club, I could not do the cross country
for the silver C badge.

While I never looped a glider I have to say that I spun every two seat
sailplane I was every checked out in and I spun most of the single place
ones also. I have fond memories of the Schweitzer 222 that could do a full
turn spin with only a 200 foot loss of altitude. (or so I remember) The 232
on the other hand seemed to think that one good turn deserved another and
required deep forward stick and full opposite rudder to recover.

Sorry about all the non-fiddle stuff, I wanted to correct the impression
that I flew solo after letting my medical lapse.

Pete