Anyone with experience with a Whisper 350X Gen II?

Crashnburn

Crashnburn

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Crashnburn
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I stumbled across this plane. It has all the specs I need and the cockpit width, plus a quick build time of 550 hours (which I am taking with a mountain of salt!). However, I have seen nothing about headroom, and at 6'3", headroom is critical.
 
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I think they're quoting 550+ hours to build the kit, not 50. Unless there's some builder-assist version that isn't obvious to me.

Did you solo yet? I mean this in the nicest way possible, but I'd really focus on getting your license if I were in your shoes. This looks like a huge distraction.
 
AvNavCom said:
I think they're quoting 550+ hours to build the kit, not 50. Unless there's some builder-assist version that isn't obvious to me.

Did you solo yet? I mean this in the nicest way possible, but I'd really focus on getting your license if I were in your shoes. This looks like a huge distraction.
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Yes, it was a typo. 550 hours. I am focusing on soloing, but I can walk and chew gum at the same time. It doesn't hurt to do a little research up front.
I emailed the company about headroom, and so far, crickets. If they can't be bothered to answer a simple question, what will their customer support be like?
 
nauga said:
Ask someone who's building one; and if you can't find anyone, consider that an answer to the broader question.

Nauga,
one off
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Agreed. That's why I asked here. Even though it has been reviewed in several magazines, it's starting to look a lot like vaporware.

I have a history of finding planes that either don't exist, or the companies have very short lifetimes.
For example, I really liked the Volce aircraft, but the company no longer exits.
 
Crashnburn said:
Agreed. That's why I asked here. Even though it has been reviewed in several magazines, it's starting to look a lot like vaporware.

I have a history of finding planes that either don't exist, or the companies have very short lifetimes.
For example, I really liked the Volce aircraft, but the company no longer exits.
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Magazines are so desperate to write a story and companies are desperate to sell a product that sometimes the physical existence can be overlooked.
 
I found a picture of the interior. It has a wide center console, and my experience with other planes tells me the console will reduce the effective cockpit width, and jam my left shoulder against the left door.

Next.
 
Salty said:
well, you can chew gum. You still haven’t walked yet.
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Obviously, we have different definitions of walking. Mine was literal.

My landings are fine, I'm fine-tuning my airspeed control downwind-base-final and improving my traffic awareness.

My instructor and I are waiting for a cool day and minimal wind and traffic for me to solo. This is the middle of CO summer, so who knows when that combination will happen.
 
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Crashnburn said:
My instructor and I are waiting for a cool day and minimal wind and traffic for me to solo. This is the middle of CO summer, so who knows when that combination will happen.
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I got virtually all my training at COS. That's a description of nearly every summer morning along the front range of Colorado. You indicate that EIK is your home-drome. That airfield has winds forecast for the next week between 4-7 kts. The temps won't crack 80F most days until 10am. You're flying out of a small, uncontrolled field. I'm not sure things could be lined up any better. You could show up literally any morning this week and knock it out. I am genuinely, truly rooting for you to solo!

I realize that everyone's journey is different, but at 20 hours total time I was mixing it up solo with airliner and military traffic flying around COS and PUB, at just as high an airfield, in the same summer months. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, but just to help you understand that it's totally doable. At some point, perfect is the enemy of good. Brother, this week get out to the airfield, get your CFI's blessing, and just go fly the damned plane!
 
Crashnburn said:
Thanks. I'm trying to keep things as routine as possible tonight.
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When I did my solo the only difference I noted was the plane was a bit more spirited without that large man in the other seat. Besides than that it was the same thing I had done multiple times before so not really a big deal. Just relax, take a breath, look around and realize that it's happening. Enjoy the ride ...
 
I'm trying not to jinx things, but I got signed off to walk this coming Wednesday.
 
Daleandee said:
When I did my solo the only difference I noted was the plane was a bit more spirited without that large man in the other seat. Besides than that it was the same thing I had done multiple times before so not really a big deal. Just relax, take a breath, look around and realize that it's happening. Enjoy the ride ...
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Thanks. I got all of my nerves out of my system last night. Unfortunately, the weather gods weren't cooperative. Maybe Saturday. My CFI said to keep wearing my ugly T-Shirt.
 
Crashnburn said:
Thanks. I got all of my nerves out of my system last night. Unfortunately, the weather gods weren't cooperative. Maybe Saturday. My CFI said to keep wearing my ugly T-Shirt.
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Saturday looks like calm winds and good temps in the morning. Get out there early!
 
I heard back from the Whisper folks. It has a 52 inch wide cockpit so the console won’t be a problem. I need to measure my sitting height.
 
I measured my height, and sent it to them at least a month ago. I haven't heard back from them. Guess their cockpit doesn't have all that much headroom.

Next.

Later. Next time I go to AirVenture, I'll see if I can check a Whisper 350 X II out for size.
 
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Crashnburn said:
I stumbled across this plane. It has all the specs I need and the cockpit width, plus a quick build time of 550 hours (which I am taking with a mountain of salt!). However, I have seen nothing about headroom, and at 6'3", headroom is critical.
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I see this is an old post however i built one and am just finishing it. 6.3' is pushing it. Depends if you have long legs you will be fine. If you have a long back it will be close. You cannot build this airplane in under 1000hr unless you have goooood help. I have built a few glassair sso i have experience. I have 1900 hr in building and near finishing.
 

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Thank you. I am long waisted, so it's probably not in the cards for me.

Thanks for the PIREP and pictures.
 
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