Fly day…Out to see my buddy “Chance”

I had the opportunity to finally meet one of our own “Chance” at the AIr Races last week. I knew that he had a piece of property north of Reno but had no idea how beautiful it was.

Chance has a very large chunk of property in paradise. Anyhow, I took off this morning with the mission to continue my break in on the new engine…so, I figured I would go north to see “Rymes” in Susanville and see if I could spot “Chances” ranch.

Long story short, I made a call to Chance as I flew over what I thought was his area. His wife answered and said “I just heard a plane fly by”…well… “that was me I said.” She responded with “He is out in the grey Jeep and you may see him if you fly by.”

I suddenly had a purpose. I was now looking for a grey jeep. Again, long story short, I found the grey jeep and a guy waiving at me. The wave was from Chance. I made a fly by around the jeep he was in and then watched him park in a manner that I knew was a landing spot. Well, I landed, had an opportunity to visit with him for a bit and then off I went.

It was great seeing you Chance! I am already looking forward to coming back!

Chances barn that was built when Lincoln was President

Driving back out to the field…he owns almost all of the land in this photo, except for the mountain in the distance

Big wings

1952 Willy’s and a 1953 Skywagon

Sure is good to be flying again!!!

Left Chances place and did some stall work on my way back to the hanger. The wing does not stall…well, it buffets at around 40mph…Still had real good authority of the wings and rudder control. The set up just amazes me as I am now starting to sound like a broken record. I am wondering what the VG’s will do…

I have read a lot about the Micro VG’s on the Sportsman not being friendly. I cannot imagine the wing handling better than it is now but…I need to find out for myself. I can always take them off…It just feels like I have this huge stable platform out there. I was making slow turns (coordinated) and throwing in (uncoordinated) turns with a 30 degree bank with full control at 45-50. My stall horn goes off at 55. I ended up pulling the fuse as it was making me crazy.

Anyone out there have the WingX, Sportsman with VG experience? I will soon…

Off to Mexico in the am. Back Thursday…

AKT