Had it out to the field on Saturday and after an extensive assembly and checking everything two, three times, it was time to maiden the "Big Pitts".
The take-off was less than stellar, as the plane wasn't trimmed out and I didn't want to force it off the ground. Did that with my smaller Pitts and decided quickly not to try that again! Just as I was making the decision to go or no, it started to lift off. Once it was in the air, it only took a little bit of trim to get it to fly hands-off. Easily fly at 30-40% throttle with that G-62 and 22x6-10 Zinger. I don't fly 3D, and with the age of this air frame, I'll fly her like the lady she is, no rough and tumbling for this plane. I've got others I can toss around.
I have a Lanier 50cc Yak that I've flown only a couple of times, so I'm still getting used to the larger, heavier air frames. The Pitts weighs in at 23lbs. During the flight, my thumbs were a little shaky, that's the first time in a long time that I've had that happen. The flight was short (5 min.) and after a couple of rounds of the field, I brought her in for a somewhat respectable landing. Couple of bounces, but it was under power, as I don't know how this airframe will slow down and I don't want to find out how slow is too slow. I'll likely feel better as I get more flights on the plane. So far as the engine, it pulls it around just fine for me. Seems to have a fair reserve of power to pull out, but of course, it's not 3D. I think for me, the G62 is a good choice, it's reliable, solid, and an excellent engine for a first-time gasser guy like myself. I've got a magneto, and I'm still working out the final tune and starting procedure, but it runs good and I don't have an ignition or ignition battery to worry about.
I went through and fixed a few things like a guide wire that came loose and some little, personal things. But, it is officially now a plane! The plane did attract a LOT of attention at the field, especially when it landed. I guess it surprised them that it did. =) Anyways, one of the guys got this photo of it at the field. Doesn't look too bad for an old girl!
