Comments on: Sunday Flying

By: Jim Shawley

Jim Shawley — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:25:21 +0000

Dear Cap’n Lex:

I hate you (not). It’s not fair that you have so much fun. Seriously, I just love reading your stories.

By: steveH

steveH — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:35:17 +0000

geo6;

Is that a Taylorcraft BC-12?

The T-cart is so cute.

By: Tailspin

Tailspin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:01:04 +0000

That’s the one!

By: Byron Audler

Byron Audler — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:34:23 +0000

“Damn, I wish he’d publish that book”

You are talking about our esteemed host, aren’t you? I know I’m certainly waiting for my $40 each, hardcover, autographed copy of “Rhythms: One Mans Life at Sea”

By: PeterGunn

PeterGunn — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:49:04 +0000

Lex, it’s soooo… much fun to enjoy your fun!

By: Tailspin

Tailspin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:07:25 +0000

Pogue: the measure of a pilot is their ability to make the aircraft perform at, but not beyond , it’s design (and legal) limitations.

Bill Moressey (a former Douglas engineer) designed the Varga to meet aerobatic specs, but never certified it as such because they couldn’t make it recover form a required 6 turn spin–not because they couldn’t get it out, but because they couldn’t get it in. After two turns it spiraled out and refused to fully develop.

There’s a rumor out there that the bird won’t recover from a spin because once during said trials they had to use the spin chute, which is true. What they don’t say is that both rudder and elevator authority had been severely limited. Without sufficient rudder to stop the rotation and sufficient elevator to break the stall the chute was required.

Only aircraft I can think of that would be better for the purpose, economy of operation being a prime consideration in a for- profit air force, would be a Yak or Nanching. But FAA says they’re experimental, and not for use in commercial operations.

The Varga is a fun little bird, and hoot to fly. Tandem seating with the throttle on the left where it belongs, very nimble. Especially with the likes of Lex and his cohorts minding the store.

Damn, I wish he’d publish that book.