Prior flying life

[neck101]

Quick question for the -8 community. Just curious how many of you flew, or are still flying, tactical aircraft (ie fighters or attack aircraft) in the military? Also, was this a determining factor in choosing the -8 over other models?

Former Phantom driver trying to decide on which model to build...

Thanks.

[BlackhawkSP]

Originally Posted by neck101

Quick question for the -8 community. Just curious how many of you flew, or are still flying, tactical aircraft (ie fighters or attack aircraft) in the military? Also, was this a determining factor in choosing the -8 over other models?

Former Phantom driver trying to decide on which model to build...

Thanks.

No fighters but a lot of Attack Helicopter time. The 8 is the "Poor Mans P-51" for sure. The control harmony is what people dream a light plane will be like. With a Super 8, (the 540 LYC engine), it's even better. No regrets.

[springer]

Originally Posted by neck101

Former Phantom driver trying to decide on which model to build...Thanks.

I was one as well. Would you rather fly a Tweet or a Talon?

[neck101]

That's funny, but in my case it would be a Buckeye vs a Skyhawk...definitely the A-4

[springer]

Originally Posted by neck101

That's funny, but in my case it would be a Buckeye vs a Skyhawk...definitely the A-4

Ok then, would you rather fly with your left hand or your right hand?

[neck101]

Up until 4 years ago, it was my left hand (Airbus). Right hand on the stick, left on throttle, is just too natural.

Where did you fly Phantoms?

[gereed75]

No jet jock here, Navy helos and turbo teeny weeny’s. Flying a six with a left hand throttle - junior A6 I guess

[Aggie78]

The other models (6,7) will do everything within a knot or two of what the 8 will do except give perhaps give you the “fighter pilot” look/vibe/savoir faire you may be looking for when the prop comes to a stop in front of the crowd outside of the FBO in Podunk, USA.

I mulled this over for a while before I bought, and while I enjoyed the sleek lines of the 8, when I asked the girlfriend I’ve been married to for the last 40 years what her thoughts were, she far preferred sitting beside...vs behind.

Putting her back there in an 8...while appealing to my P-51 Markedly-Long-of-Tooth-Fighter-Pilot-Walter-Mitty urges...would likely also definitely reduce her enthusiastic approach towards jumping in and hitting the road with me in it (one of my major ambitions for us with this purchase.)

Anecdotally, I’ve heard it’s also harder to keep the heat on back there for pax in the wintertime. A definite downer for being on the road with her.

Finally, with a pax back there the handling can definitely be affected...putting a 200 pounder back there for a demo flight will put the CG to a point where you need to mind things a bit more assertively...still a pussycat, but it bears watching.

I found a low-time, very well built 7, bought it, and have never looked back at the purchase with an ounce of regret. She loves our magic carpet, the trips it allows us to take and the places we go. She was right...side by side makes conversation and sharing sights on the ground as the world spins by much easier...Her name for our RV? Her “Private Jet”!

Just another POV to make your choice more difficult...either way, whichever you choose you will greatly enjoy it!

Regards,

Rob S.

[springer]

Originally Posted by neck101

Up until 4 years ago, it was my left hand (Airbus). Right hand on the stick, left on throttle, is just too natural.

Where did you fly Phantoms?

I agree, even after many Bus years, my right hand works better.

I was "stuck" in Germany for 3.5 years while you were enjoying short 6 mth cruises on the Boat.

[moosepileit]

Make sure they try tandem. Having their own "nest" works as well for some as a shoulder to nap on and eye contact without neck craning.