Well, since you asked Spike......
It was obviously awsome! What a chunck of an airplane. I again understand why there is the adage that airplanes are supposed to have round engines. 600hp barking right in front of me. Way cool!
We did some formation flying with a T-6. Watching it form up on us was outstanding. Now I see why the guys that do formation flying with RVs have so much fun at it. Still not sure if I am up to the task tho.
After the formation flying, we went out over the lake (Michigan, that is) and did some acro. First an aileron roll, then a barrel roll, followed by a loop. The basics. The pilot kept asking me if I was feeling ok.....No barf bag here! After each manuever, like at the bottom of the loop, he would pitch that airplane up, I would say at least 40 degrees, and gain back all his altitude he lost in the dive he did to gain airspeed. Momentum was the key, as the pilot explained.
Then it was back to the airport for a victory pass down the runway and landing. Just as he was ready to turn base, he cut power and we slowed down right NOW. He did a carrier approach to the runway, and I was amazed at how much he was pointing that airplane toward the ground! Really steep approach.
Guess the kids will have to pay for their own college education, since I'm gonna go buy one now!
Trouble is, I would have to mortgage the house to pay for the gas every year!
I think I'll stick with the RV.
Gotta tell you guys that are still pounding rivets....It is all worth it. I had an absolute BLAST yesturday, and not just because I flew an SNJ. Its also because I flew an airplane that I built, all over the state. Its hard to put into words. You will know what I mean once you get your projects airbourne.
Build on, brothers and sisters!
CJ
)
