Well.....I looped it!
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2016 9:07 am
I just put my M6 onto the federal wheel skis this weekend after being on floats all summer. I have been gaining a ton of experience and confidence on floats and really enjoying it but the warm weather here is over, so it was time. Once the change was done it was time to fly it. First 8-10 circuts went well so went for a fly around. When I got back the wind was 90 degrees from the runway and gusting. After one go around I reduced flaps and came in a little faster. I got a gust right at touchdown and ballooned, added a bit of power and set down ok.. during the rollout the tail started to come around. I should mention that it is a grass strip. This is where my inexperience comes into play, I kept adding rudder until I ran out and then got on the brake. When it did not help all I could think was something broke. It never dawned on me that I was skidding on the grass and to add power. When it was over I had stayed perfectly level through the 270 degree spin, turns out the only damage was to my shorts and my pride. When she decides to get in front of you, she is going to. Lesson learned: just cause you have a good handle on it on floats doesn't mean you do on wheels.
If I could make a suggestion to others switching over like me.... make sure you take the time to switch your thinking along with your gear!
If I could make a suggestion to others switching over like me.... make sure you take the time to switch your thinking along with your gear!