Just completed the conversion of one of my successful wheeled cross country airplanes with few nice flights under its belt now on wheels.

Had a very successful maiden on the water last week with two flights, one with only light fuel load and the next with 75% of max fuel. I was quite worried if the floats I choose (Goldberg 36 inch built ups) would provide sufficient displacement with full fuel (72 ounces in four tanks plumbed in tandem). I was very much releved that the draft with full fuel was completely practical and float positioning worked out just right.

The original airplane was a Bridi Sunfly 111 pattern type and it was powered by an older OS .70FS on the land trips but I also switched out that engine in this configuration with a new OS .65AX two stroke and I am pleased that this engine actually seems to be just as, if not more fuel efficient than the original four stroke. And I do beleve this AX will be more reliable than the FS as it throttles very well and has demonstrated long runs (up to an hour), at just over an idle but still retains crisp throttleups with no stumbling.

The static takeoff with 75% fuel went very well and I will wait for a full fuel takeoff when flying from a boat. The reason is with a static takeoff the airplane can get difficult to see on a long run and that makes it difficult to finesse the takeoff but this is not a problem when flying from a boat.

Anyway I am delighted with this one[8D]

John