Message #12

Date: Nov 06 1999 18:39:53 EST
From: "Darrel Morisse" <dmorisse@northland.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Re: Report


>Glad to see this thing is finally working.  The current membership numbers
>fifteen and that's without Ron Wanttaja including the address on his
>website. Numbers should increase when that takes place.
>
>So, who's just thinking about building one, who IS building one, and who's
>fortunate enough to be flying one?  Anyone care to comment about
>construction or provide us with a first flight report?


Hi folks.  I'm a "brand new" member and thought I'd introduce myself.
First, I'm not a FlyBaby builder; I bought one.  It's a 30 year old version
(N9197) built by Sheldon Williams and received it's signoff May 1970.  It's
a little rough around the edges but still looks good and has a sweet running
A65-8 with the usual J3 stuff up front.  It's still got the original fabric
on the wings but is still serviceable, but a recover wouldn't hurt.
I'm in the final stages of finishing my second Kitfox (N148DM), this one
being an Outback with the NSI Subaru conversion.  I bought the Flybaby for
two reasons.  I need something to fly to keep my skills sharp, and I've been
looking for another project for next year.  The FlyBaby fits both
requirements perfectly.   A couple more good reasons are that the wings fold
so I can store it easily and also it fits right in here on my farm strip in
NE Michigan.  It doesn't fit our winters too well though.
It was delivered a couple days ago and I flew it first time this morning.  I
didn't find it to be very difficult to fly other than it has a real heavy
right wing.  If I let go of the controls it goes into a pronounced right
turning skid and takes lots of left aileron and right rudder to keep the
ball and wings centered.  I suspect the twist in the two wings is different
and it's probably just a matter of some turnbuckle work, but haven't had
time to check it out yet.
The airspeed indicator doesn't work very well either reading 110 on
downwind.  Thats a simple fix.  Just replace it.
I don't know how much I can offer regarding FlyBabies, but I do have a
little builder experience so I might be able to chime in once in awhile.
I'm also the co-administrator of the Kitfox List if anybody wants to sign on
and learn a little about an excellent and very strong kitplane.
Best Regards,
Darrel Morisse