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FIRST Flight in F3 Speed+

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2024 11:51 am
by broughtonkicks
Greetings All! It has been a while since I've posted here. I've been going out to MI (from NY) periodically (over the past several months) getting flying lessons. I was finally able to get Thor, my F3 Speed+ out today! I took the doors off and went up for an hour of evening flying! What an amazing flight!
Having now flown a Quicksilver Sport 2S (both SLSA and ELSA), Quicksilver MXL Sport, M Squared Breese, Aeroprakt A-22, and a Citabria (for tailwheel training) (I know that is not many compared to most pilots here!), I must say that I am impressed at how easy the Badland Aircraft F3 Speed flies and handles! It is extremely responsive. With the Polini Thor 250 DS I was easily cruising at 60 mph (at 6,300 RPM) and could be hands off the stick and maintain level flight. It was purely a joy to fly! I was really trying to not be biased while considering how the Badland Aircraft handles... but I am currently convinced that I enjoyed flying the F3 much better than the other aircraft flown. It just felt much more stable in flight than any of the Quicksilver versions or M2 Breese, and easier than the Aeorprakt or Citabria -without the fatigue of maintaining the flight controls.
I've only done full stall landings so far. I'm still working on my landing speed at zero flaps. I may use a notch flaps today to check out the difference.
I'll get more flight details over the next several flights and let you know what I learn.
I look forward to the day when we can get a dozen or two of Badland Aircraft at the same fly-in! Let's make it happen!

Re: FIRST Flight in F3 Speed+

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2024 12:52 pm
by Badland-F5 Pilot
broughtonkicks wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2024 11:51 am Greetings All! It has been a while since I've posted here. I've been going out to MI (from NY) periodically (over the past several months) getting flying lessons. I was finally able to get Thor, my F3 Speed+ out today! I took the doors off and went up for an hour of evening flying! What an amazing flight!
Having now flown a Quicksilver Sport 2S (both SLSA and ELSA), Quicksilver MXL Sport, M Squared Breese, Aeroprakt A-22, and a Citabria (for tailwheel training) (I know that is not many compared to most pilots here!), I must say that I am impressed at how easy the Badland Aircraft F3 Speed flies and handles! It is extremely responsive. With the Polini Thor 250 DS I was easily cruising at 60 mph (at 6,300 RPM) and could be hands off the stick and maintain level flight. It was purely a joy to fly! I was really trying to not be biased while considering how the Badland Aircraft handles... but I am currently convinced that I enjoyed flying the F3 much better than the other aircraft flown. It just felt much more stable in flight than any of the Quicksilver versions or M2 Breese, and easier than the Aeorprakt or Citabria -without the fatigue of maintaining the flight controls.
I've only done full stall landings so far. I'm still working on my landing speed at zero flaps. I may use a notch flaps today to check out the difference.
I'll get more flight details over the next several flights and let you know what I learn.
I look forward to the day when we can get a dozen or two of Badland Aircraft at the same fly-in! Let's make it happen!
Isn't it a certain Badland UL Pilot that said "The Badland Aircraft is not an ultralight trying to be an airplane, it is an airplane that happens to meet the Part 103 criteria."? It sounds like not only does Badland Aircraft meet the Part 103 criteria, but they also fly like most modern airplanes and less like an ultralight!

Great pictures, and looking forward to hearing and seeing more of your flights! I'm with you on the squadron flight. I'm just waiting my turn in line to get my kit and get to building and flying.

Thanks,
Todd

Re: FIRST Flight in F3 Speed+

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2024 3:34 pm
by broughtonkicks
Yes Todd! I do recall saying that... and have told numerous people the same thing. Now that I am able to actually fly it, and after flying other planes, I am even more convinced! We (Badland Aircraft pilots) are very fortunate to have such an amazing aircraft.
I look forward to you receiving your kit and getting it in the air!

Re: FIRST Flight in F3 Speed+

Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2024 11:22 am
by LA F2 Flyer
Excellent write-up and fantastic pics to match! Thanks for this!

Just more motivation to get me back into the garage to wrap up the final details on mine, and then get it out to the desert. But first these temps need to come down!

A squadron flight someday would be epic for sure.

Re: FIRST Flight in F3 Speed+

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2024 11:01 am
by broughtonkicks
LA F2 Flyer wrote: Mon Aug 19, 2024 11:22 am Excellent write-up and fantastic pics to match! Thanks for this!

Just more motivation to get me back into the garage to wrap up the final details on mine, and then get it out to the desert. But first these temps need to come down!

A squadron flight someday would be epic for sure.
Yes! Do It! Get it done! LOL I look forward to seeing photos of your finished plane... and of it flying.