Thanx, Dave, for all the swell tips on formation work. I especially enjoyed the part about formation take offs. The last one I tried was behind a 65 hp Luscombe. It was a learning experience keeping the throttle away from the wall to keep from over running him.
I emphatically agree with keeping the lead in sight on take off and departure. That is where I lost it the first time out. Your distance of 100 - 150 feet from lead is also very useful. In eschelon, I have heard that one keeps leads nose and main gear wheels aligned. This is supposed to be the best spot. At the 100-150 distance, wing should be far enough back to stay out of leads turbulence. I am going to print your post, and any other good advise on formation work, and put it in the ol' flight bag. I agree with you, Stewart. The Ercoupe/Alon/Forney series of planes has no more quirks than any other aircraft of that type. I did "owner-assisted annuals" on both my Cessna 150 and my Ercoupe. Both have their moments - usually involving getting down under the dash board. My long frame just does not bend in all the right places. I also have no peddles. I wasn't that good with them in the 150, and do not miss `em now. I tell people, "If you want peddles, get a bicycle." :-) Rigging, how the controls are set up, are important in any airplane. Mine has a "wing low" tendency. Nothing that I can't overcome, just a nusance. I'll have to get up with an A&P some day and get that fixed. I do not think it is good practice to fiddle with the controls without a qualified person looking over ones shoulders. Thank you all for the good info. Percy [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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