This is fun

Let me first start by saying the VII with a 120AX is a total blast to fly. Unfortunately for some of you I have no events to report, just some wonderful flying of circuits and some basic pattern maneuvers (letting engine break in before I really fly my pattern routine). I also thanked my instructor for spotting my on my maiden flight as the sky was really crowded. His response was "Glad I could help - it's good to see you flying a plane that is up to your skills." This is coming from a long-time club instructor with tons of experience, planes, and a landing strip in his back yard.

Next I would like to point out that the VII is rated as an intermediate plane, not intermediate-advanced like the Decathlon was. I crashed the Decathlon because I was not patient, and because I improperly ran some of the plumbing and got frustrated with the lack of power and agility. The plane survived and I learned how to fly it well. I've been flying the wings off my Dolphin, nearly a half gallon a day. I try all kinds of stuff, practice getting into all kinds of nasty positions and recovering. edit I don't need to prove to you I'm ready for this plane, I know I'm ready for it and that's what matters.

Also in 10 or 12 flights I have not yet had a prop strike, just a bunch of great landings, even in some pretty decent gusts. I think the 3 props I have will last me quite a while.

I would like to point out that the point of this thread was just to show my appreciation for a wonderful line of engines. The only issue(s) I've had were due to improper plumbing, and once that was fixed the engine ran perfectly. Everyone knows the saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it,' and my saying that I am hooked on OS engines is very similar - my experience with the engines themselves has been wonderful. They are reliable, easy to tune, powerful, sound great, and easy to get parts/service for. If they are working for me I see no need to try something else.

I do offer advice on this forum, and I am honestly trying to help. I share my experience, what worked for me, what didn't work for me, and what I have seen, heard, and learned. I try my very best to state clearly that "this happened to me..." or "I saw this happen..." Maybe I can try to keep it more to my own personal, first-hand experience.

As for slowing down, well...I'm flying the VII at like half throttle, advancing to 3/4 for climbs, and down to idle coming through dives. I fly with altitude, caution, and grace. I have not taken any chances, and I land when I don't feel 100% confident. I've learned some lessons the hard way, but I've certainly learned a lot.

Thanks for reading. I find it humorous that I really have no life and am sitting at my computer defending my purchase of a flying toy[&:]