Preston Aviation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Preston Aviation
I recently returned from Florida. While there, I took advantage of the opportunity to sample a Stearman (PT-17, fitted with the W-670), at Preston Aviation, about an hour's drive from Orlando. The aircraft was in good shape, and Tom Preston was friendly and enthusiastic.
Being cheap by nature, my first thought was "US$280 per hour is too expensive; I'll just find a private owner and arrange a flight for a lot less". However, Tim allowed me to fly from the rear cockpit and to do all of the flying (yes, including the takeoffs and landings): which I doubt would have been possible with a privately owned airplane. This permitted me to obtain a good sense of how the aircraft handles, and the money was well worth it. If you're in Orlando, consider making an appointment.
My impressions of the Stearman, for anyone who's interested:
(1) very little rudder was needed, and I found myself unconsciously skidding most turns;
(2) notwithstanding pilot incompentency (see above), the airplane did steep turns like it was on rails, with no loss of height;
(3) stalls were a non-event, with only a gentle pitching motion and a slight (left) wing drop (I guess that should be "wings drop"
);
(4) visibility from the rear cockpit was excellent (outstanding) to the sides, rear, up, and down. It was very limited directly ahead, but that was not a particular problem;
(5) climb performance was adequate but no more (about 500 fpm);
(6) using a grass airfield with a slight righthand cross-wind, the airplane was very easy to take off and land. Sideslips were very effective.
I hope that this whets your appetite. Try it, you'll like it!
Being cheap by nature, my first thought was "US$280 per hour is too expensive; I'll just find a private owner and arrange a flight for a lot less". However, Tim allowed me to fly from the rear cockpit and to do all of the flying (yes, including the takeoffs and landings): which I doubt would have been possible with a privately owned airplane. This permitted me to obtain a good sense of how the aircraft handles, and the money was well worth it. If you're in Orlando, consider making an appointment.
My impressions of the Stearman, for anyone who's interested:
(1) very little rudder was needed, and I found myself unconsciously skidding most turns;
(2) notwithstanding pilot incompentency (see above), the airplane did steep turns like it was on rails, with no loss of height;
(3) stalls were a non-event, with only a gentle pitching motion and a slight (left) wing drop (I guess that should be "wings drop"
);(4) visibility from the rear cockpit was excellent (outstanding) to the sides, rear, up, and down. It was very limited directly ahead, but that was not a particular problem;
(5) climb performance was adequate but no more (about 500 fpm);
(6) using a grass airfield with a slight righthand cross-wind, the airplane was very easy to take off and land. Sideslips were very effective.
I hope that this whets your appetite. Try it, you'll like it!
