What an airplane! This one is a keeper! For reference, my usual plane is a Focus Sport pattern plane with a 120AX. Had two flights with the Chipmunk today after sorting out a range problem. Even with the gear well back because of the retracts, I had no problem tracking on takeoff. That Saito 100 is way too much power! Minimal trim required in the air two clicks right aileron and one click down elevator. Tracked really well on Cuban 8's and stall turn. Inverted need just a touch of down. Elevator and ailerons a little more sensitive than I like. Full aileron roll just over 1/2 second. I did set the controls a little higher than recommended though. Floats in beautifully for landing, even without the flaps. Managed a 3-pointer on both landings even with a too-sensitive elevator. (40% expo now, will probably decrease throw a bit and go to 50%)

Need to sort out a couple of problems. I can't get the idle low enough that the plane will sit stationary on the runway. Was taxiing a little too fast, went off the edge of the runway, hit a gopher hole and gently nosed over. This was enough to bend one gear leg! I have a Rambler 45 with retracts and the original retracts were also very soft. The replacements were better, but still not great. Has anyone come up with better gear legs?

Today was decision day for the plane. If I didn't like it, I'd try to sell it as I have a shortage of storage space. Well, I'm already planning on cleaning up the plane, adding a nicer pilot (Barbie) and better cockpit detail, cleaning up some of the decals... Will also run through the trimming exercises to make it even better in the air.