Kathy and I drove to Fincastle, VA to attend the annual Bearhawk BBQ held at Bob Barrow’s home field. Bob gave me some stick time on the Prototype Patrol N289R. I’m now more convinced then ever that I’ve made the right decision building the Patrol. The Patrol has light well balanced control forces, eye popping short field performance and big guy comfort. It’s a little trickier to get into then I expected, but once you figure out the dance it’s not to bad. Not as easy as a Cherokee or Cessna 172, but workable. Once you’re in it’s nice and wide. I noticed the seating position is more like a sports car then a truck. Taxing from the back seat is an exercise in S-turns, take off with no flaps with my 320 pounds on the back seat was breath taking. One One thousand you’re rolling, two one thousand tail up, three one thousand off you go!! Turns need rudder to be coordinated. Aileron control pressure was similar to my Cessna 152, but required more rudder. The lightly loaded wing reports midday bumps same as the 152. Slowed down to 45 knots and did some 30 degree turns, the control was spectacular. The big ailerons let you keep the wings level and the big rudder keeps the nose pointed where you want it. Flying slow with the Patrol was grin inducing fun!!! Landing was a piece-o-cake.
Bob and I taking off no flaps
Kathy getting in
Bob asking Kathy if she wants to take the contorls?
