Got my turn earlier than planned today, and it was pretty unforgettable. The PIC had been the copilot on my B-17 ride a while back, and he knows 407 very well.
Wasn't sure I'd get any time on the controls until he said "You a pilot?" as I was settling into the right seat.
Once we were trimmed at about 1300, he let me take her for most of the flight (about 10 minutes).
Flies like... well, it flies like a Ford Tri-Motor.
It's like any of the other old taildraggers I've flown: a shot of early rudder as you turn, but not too much. But you have to start rolling in or out early, because she needs a little time to do that, LOL. He gave me targets for the two turns we made (water towers) and I did fairly well at timing everything.
I'll admit I had some trouble holding altitude at first...must be all the recent glider time, in addition to the unfamiliarity with the airplane. But I got it together eventually.
I liked it, and I'm sure I could get the hang of flying it properly without much fuss; maybe even land it without mishap.
It wouldn't have been a big disappointment if he hadn't let me fly it- $100 is fair for a chance to sit up there and enjoy the view, etc. But it sure was an honor and a delight to grab a handful of aviation history!!
Some snaps below- including a vidcap (my friend was shooting video in the back) showing me at the helm...
Captions:
1) "Get out of my seat, kid..."
2) P&W manicure, anyone?
3) "I wish I could remember a sea chanty..."
4) Coming in for a silky wheel landing on 24