Jim Waters
It looks like about 54 airports as of 2013. Quite counting since then. These are the states I've flown in;
Hawaii CA AZ NV WA OR UT NM FL
The picture is of Sue & I @ the Copper State Fly-In in Casa Grande, AZ, 3years ago.
Here is a list and map of all the places I have flown into as of 2013.
All of it has been xc in my trikes except for Florida, Washington and Hawaii
Flying the -Bionix 13-
Got a chance to put about 40 minutes, between rain showers, on Mike Globensky's new, first in US, Bionix-13. Very nice! So light in roll, unlike the 15, which for me is quite a bit stiffer.
As mike's airspeed indicator only goes to 100 mph, (new air speed ind. on order) I couldn't tell what the top end was, but the low end trim was about 57 mph. He's had it for two weeks now and doubts it can get better than this.
Hope to get better weather in a few days and spend some more time with it.
Comments
Hi Jim, I have just clocked up nearly 45 hours on my new B13 and it is just getting better every time I fly it. Did you fly the B13 in smooth or bumpy weather?
All the best
YFT
It was pretty smooth, light rain showers and slight turb just below the cloud ceiling, about 2000 agl.
I've been flying an iXs 13 for about 500 hrs on my clipper 912, and the handling is very similar, but the speed range is awesome on the Bx 13.
I agree Jim the speed is amazing. I fly the XT-912 Arrows every day and they are quite happy to sit on 60 to 70 kts. But on landing you don't want them to get down below 50kts or they start to yaw. The B13 I can fly it at 40kts or 80kts and its like it is on rails. I love it.
Flying the BioniX 13 - Tanarg 912s (100hp) test flight at YFT in 2013... is the pinnacle of my forty years of flexwing flying. To launch into the air with an immediate response of 'WOW'..this machine feels really sweet is how my brain processed this new adventure in triking.
My experience is VERY limited with the B13, less than an hour, but my gut feelings and the control senses of the maiden flight live with me forever..it was a magic machine with precision engineering characteristics.
In fact, after initial flight test reporting, stalling, spiral recovery, VNE, etc.. my return to YFT was more than the usual. Upon turning base, initiating the required radio call.. BANG!.. completely lifting out of the seat my backside was air free..major thermal shock encountered - weightless for the 2 sec smash...but not in the B13, it felt very dampened, soft and very safe.
I have been weightless in many trikes & hang gliders over the years for a number of reasons, but the B13 was so comfortable, stable and maintained the chosen flight path without deviation.. it was a moment that will be for me forever - especially for the reason of being in the air - test flight reporting on the B13.
IMO-Air Creation have achieved the ultimate in flexwing stability with the B13, offering pilots variable geometry that allow you to fly the air at the speed you feel most comfortable... thats freedom!
So envious Peter..you have more hours in the B13 than me.. need to do something about this..!
Satis-Fly... your Passion.!
Thanks for the review.
I am particularly appreciative of yaw stability throughout the speed range (you commented), bar pressure, quick roll reversal rate, roll stability (not rolled by every tiny bump) and no need for high-siding. Keep us posted.
I pick up my new Orca 12 this week. Haven’t flown one since the prototype and have high expectations for it. I’ll share observations with you about our new wings.
I'd be interested to hear how you like the Orca. I also fly a Manta 12.5 which I love for solo flights.
Right now I'm flying the iXs 13, much better for xc flites. I have about 200 hours on my Manta.
Biggest problem for me with the Manta, is I need to land with power when I'm 2up.
Not enough flare control, other than that , I love the quick and crisp handling.
Just checking You Tubes recent uploads and I came across the above link of a B13 flight. You may want to turn your sound down though... I think Freddie Mercury could be turning in his grave ;)
Ahhhh THAT's where I recognise the bloke... from the other forum. I recall the scenery from his other videos being very different though! Thanks H :)