[Tom Currier]

Looks like Airtime Aircraft Cygnet floats

[Tom Currier]

I have been experimenting with the front tube length on my Cygnet amphib. Though I prefer the control bar to be mid chest, I’ve had to lower mine a bit to facilitate water takeoffs. A disadvantage is that my trike nose is cocked up a few degrees. I’m going to try lengthening the tube (bringing the control bar up a little higher) with the result of flattening out the straight and level flight angle.

My water takeoff issue is that I’m running a smaller, faster wing than the manufacturer suggests and she gets a little squirrelly on water takeoffs. I’ve had to make a few other adjustments to accommodate the smaller wing’s water performance. On terra firma there’s no issues at all.

[Tom Currier]

Nice ahow on NOVA last night regarding electric planes. Looks like a few LSA’s are in the works but nothing about trikes

[Tom Currier]

Thanks, Larry. Makes sense now.

[Tom Currier]

I guess you would call it yawing to the left. The entire chassis and wing changed direction to the left, as if the bow of the trike was being pushed from the right. The general wind direction was from the 2 o’clock position. There was no carriage bank. My thought was a very strong gust came in from that same 2 o’clock direction (it was gusty as all get out at the time).

[Tom Currier]

Sure felt like it was 90 degrees from the right but given the wind conditions, perhaps coming from 180 degrees in the opposite direction is what caused me to swing to the left. There was no roll upset, simply a change in direction as you state. It was the most significant one I’ve experienced to date…..one of those “Yee ha” hang on for the ride moments.

[Tom Currier]

Ack

[Tom Currier]

It was more of a lateral blast rather than downward force so I don’t think it was wind shear.

[Tom Currier]

Thanks, Larry. I seem to have found the sweet spot on my Cygnet. It’s about an inch higher up the tube from the factory set location (making the tube an inch shorter). I had it set earlier to about 3″ higher which worked but I think was also part of my yawing issue. It’s nicer to have the trike more flat at this point.