Waaay too much fun in a Viking RV12

[deene]

Congrats Dick, glad you're back, now for some good tacos...

Just a quick suggestion for Don and his first flight. Visit with a local EAA Flight Advisor. FA's are part of a great EAA program which helps builders analyze their first flight situation and provides valuable planning for the flight.

[DonFromTX]

Later this week I am going to let Jetguy give me some dual (and a BFR). I have gotten VERY rusty during the build and will feel much better after a few hours in a 12 I think.

Originally Posted by BigJohn

Don, what are you doing to prepare yourself for that first flight? Have you been flying regularly? After following your build all these years I feel like I know you and am a bit concerned. John

[Mel]

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Later this week I am going to let Jetguy give me some dual (and a BFR). I have gotten VERY rusty during the build and will feel much better after a few hours in a 12 I think.

Good choice. I took my last Flight Review with John. A very enjoyable experience. He is very professional and competent.

[Driftdown]

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Later this week I am going to let Jetguy give me some dual (and a BFR). I have gotten VERY rusty during the build and will feel much better after a few hours in a 12 I think.

Wise move.
You will be much better prepared and feel better about everything afterwards.

[gossend]

Originally Posted by Driftdown

Dick,

Tell us about your G3x.
Why did you choose that over SkyView?

First of all, Don hijacked this thread with his Honda emblem photo - I can't compete!!
But I digress.
I chose the Garmin because of the autopilot. At the time I made that decision, the reports on the Dynon AP were troubled. Normal for a new product development. The G3x guys had the benefit of the TSO'd firmware available from other Garmin products - they essentially lifted it and adapted it to the G3x system. Very attractive to me at the time. (2015) Beyond that, I love the shallow user interface hierarchy and in-flight utility of the G3x Touch. I'm a big fan of Dynon, but I think I made the best choice at that time. I have not compared the two offerings since then, and I'm sure both companies have made giant leaps forward in the interim.

[Driftdown]

[Oliver]

Dick, Don,

Since Viking was already mentioned in the title, I believe that I am not hijacking this thread by asking if you would mind sharing some of your experiences with the Viking engine and the company behind it?

I am considering the Viking 130 engine for another project, as the performance seems to be great and as they apparently run without any major issues. Initial problems, like the rubber coupling or cold start issues, have apparently been sorted out. I also spoke with a guy who bought one, he confirmed the impressive performance and stated that the engine would also run very smoothly. He spoke highly of the factory support.

I am however still hesitant because of the short track record and the flak Viking is getting on some internet forums (like this one) for its owner?s past.

Oliver

[engineerofsorts]

Originally Posted by gossend

First of all, Don hijacked this thread with his Honda emblem photo - I can't compete!!

Ah come on Dick--you can show the NRA-approved 30mm cannon feature on your right cowling.

[rv7charlie]

Hey Don,

You do know that if it cools ok with that emblem there, the inlet's too big, right?
;-)

[boandrv7a]

Viking looks like one of the coolest options around. I've watched some of the videos on youtube. Seems to be a safe option.

I'm all for new GA engines and development. Too long in the making!

Jim