Aeronca C3 - Exploring The Stall

A subscriber asked about the stalling characteristics of the Aeronca C3. As you'll see, it's all rather delightful and the perfect excuse for a flight.
Music: 'Honeysuckle' by Honeyroot
#flyingforfun #aeronca #aeroncac2 #aeroncac3 #aeronica #airknocker #flyingbathtub #douglasdc3 #douglasc47 #spitfire #hurricane #worldwar2 #ww2 #ww1 #airport #airstrip #automobileassociation #rac #aa #vintagesportscarclub #vintageaircraft #vintageaeroplane #vintageairplane #aeroplane #plane #flying #aerodrome #england #praga #oldengine #microlight #cornwall #thrustertst #vauxhall1440 #vauxhall #airplane #magneto #lathe #railway #propeller #makingapropeller #pietenpol #fordmodela

[@MillieSadie1]

Something about the C-3 that triggers a sense that its not just another airplane but rather its like the last of the old flying machines , if you get what I mean. I love the look of it inside and out and I'd bet its a gem to fly .I have a 46 Taylorcraft and your C-3 grabs my attention in a profound way . Aeronca made great aircraft.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Oh yes, all very old fashioned and rather delightful. The averse yaw is terrific, in fact, I’ll demonstrate it in a future film.

[@kirbyn2010]

That is a splendid little airplane. I very much admire it.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

It’s the best fun ever!

[@trustyaeronaut]

Ahhh! I really enjoyed this ride along! It looks like a fine old flying machine! It really makes me appreciate the modern amenities of my 41 Chief! 😂 mainly the extra cylinders and oleo gear. But also the lack of flying wires and I think my Chief has bigger doors! 🤣

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

The C3 has cantilever oleo gear, very good it is too. The flying wires make an excellent sound. Crawling in through the door is fun although a bit more difficult with a passenger. As for cylinders, have you read Animal Farm by George Orwell? "Four cylinders good, two cylinders better".

[@brucematthews6417]

That's quite the elegant cabin entry ! ! ! ! Small low planes and tall pilots. What a combo, eh? :D Thanks for taking us along. That was fun watching and learning about how the old C3 flies and handles.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Like a bear climbing into a rubbish skip!

[@antonioiozzi9171]

What a funny but nice aircraft. The inside wiew is much better then what one can think looking from outside. Love vintage aircrafts

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Haha!

[@53jed]

Nasty windmills.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Indeed, a foolish system when the energy can’t be stored.

[@philgreen815]

Very interesting aircraft, most unusual. Great to see the flight in board and exterior.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Thank you, a follow up film coming soon.

[@davebergie]

Such a lovely machine. Flying for Fun had a huge influence on me as a teenager. Was based at Eggesford for many years until 2012 with a Super Cub and actually revalidated my PPL in it with Phil Cardew in 2022 at Bodmin. Now live in Australia / New Zealand.

[@davidheal4623]

I'm envious of all those beautiful green flat fields.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

I occasionally do naughty landings in random fields 🙂

[@scotabot7826]

The ole "flying bathtub". Just Lovely!!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

I could give up all my other flying except flying the C3, it’s a true delight. Another C3 based film coming soon, have been hindered by poor weather and soggy fields since January.

[@TogaSRS]

Beautiful aeroplane, beautifully made video. A breath of fresh air in a world where everyone else is trying to be far more clever than they actually are.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Thank you, I find delight in simplicity.

[@gzk6nk]

Lovely! Puttering along like that makes our Chipmunk seem almost frantic!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

It never pays to rush!

[@kuckoo9036]

Someone actually flew from London to South Africa in one of these. Would like to see you try that, lol. Beautiful little airplane. Cheers!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Such a flight was a reasonable proposition back then when the map was pink, even in a slow machine like the Aeronca. Llewellyn only had to content with mosquitos; now the dangers are 3M. Mosquitos, machetes and machine guns. Along with the usual ‘ending up as lunch for Larry The Lion’ 🤣

[@rjhinnj]

I’ll have to say, you and the little C2 are one. Is your wife jealous?? Ha! Seriously, a most enjoyable video. I love how you are meticulous about flying safely and preparing for the worst. As we all know, gravity is undefeated in clearing the skies of carelessness.

[@rjhinnj]

Check that… C3!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

@@rjhinnj A fine machine, have owned it for 28 years now. I like flying safely but that means knowing and exploring the edges of the envelope. The paradox is that I sometimes appear to be gloriously reckless but that is in the quest for knowledge and the practice of good skills. 17000 hours so far and I'm still learning and practicing.

[@BlueSwallowAircraft]

Thanks for sharing. My kind of flying.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

It was a particularly nice day too 🙂

[@gmaclaren]

Thanks for the enjoyable flight.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Thanks for watching.

[@Pete-tq6in]

It’s been years since I’ve flown and I miss it. Your video brought back many happy memories. It was so evocative that watching it, I could almost smell the petrol and dope. Thank you.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

My pleasure. I’m always pleased that people enjoy these simple flying films.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

What a great little Aeroplane, and an amazing compass too. Thank you for posting

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Ah yes, that compass ought to be on the bridge of the Queen Mary 😂

[@bobblangland9031]

Fun flight!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Definitely. I don’t bother flying on grotty days; it’s meant to be fun. I save flying in poor weather for work 🙂

[@handy335]

Very nice!! Thank you for sharing! My brother-in-law, who lives in Kingsbury, Texas, USA, is rebuilding a C-3 at the "Pioneer Flight Museum" there. They should soon have pictures of it available in their website.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Very good, I hope they fly it a lot. It’s a thoroughly practical aeroplane.

[@paulhelman2376]

Best thing next to rubber powered free flight scale!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Yes, I suppose I can convert it to rubber power to appease Greta No-funberg!

[@witblitsfilm]

Great to watch! In process of purchasing a Super Chief so hoping for similar handling characteristics.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

The Chief is very benign indeed. Good machines, Champs and Chiefs, and still reasonably priced 👍

[@witblitsfilm]

@@FlyingForFunTrecanair Cheers FFFT, looking forward to it : )

[@derrybelcher3286]

Love the end with the different camera angles of your drive home. Well done.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

That was actually filmed by the teenage getaway driver a couple of days previously. Just fitted on the end rather well 🙂👍

[@nevillesutherland6069]

Elegant entry indeed! I waft around in a Bebe Jodel, designed by and for malnourished post War French folk. I'm anything but malnourished and entry [and egress] involves eel like wriggling and serious commitment. But the fun makes it all worth while, and being very Aeronca like in looks and sound, the puttering has an olde world quality and intimacy lacking in fancy carbon and turbos. Keep on keeping us happy Nick.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

My wife says my method of climbing into the aeroplane looks like a bear is trying to steal it!

[@rogerclarke3291]

That plane behaves really well. Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

It's a superb aeroplane. Better engineered and more economical than many nearly a century younger. Same as my vintage Vauxhall. That car is 97 years old, keeps up easily with modern traffic and is the only vehicle I possess that can carry an 8' by 4' sheet of plywood in the back without fuss!

[@rogerclarke3291]

Your plane and car are really are both really cool. Most vans struggle to carry a sheet of 8x4. 97 years old ? That's incredible and a testimony to how well designed it is. It's incredible to think.

[@Diogo-ou6ql]

nice to see the aeronca flying again, such a nice little aeroplane. love to fly in one. happy landings

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

It’s a terrific machine!

[@monostripezebras]

That is such a cosy aeroplane, happy landings!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Thanks 🙂

[@davidduganne5939]

Really enjoyed that ride-along! That looks like so much fun. Would love to fly a C-3 off a grass field.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

It’s definitely a grass field ship 🙂

[@Volksplane1]

Love it especially the ending

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

We were flying the Vauxhall on Goonzion Moor last Saturday afternoon. The teenage getaway driver filmed those clips on his phone whilst Alfred Hitchcock was filming with his drone.

[@qq-uh2mx]

I HAVE SIMULATOR FLY THIS AIRCRAFT. THIS IS FUN TO FLY. I LOVE THIS AIRCRAFT.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

You also have a cap lock?

[@stonkeng]

so good I watched it twice, thanks again.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Like the Gerard Kenny song! Thank you 🤣

[@DaysOfDarknessUK]

Ten Thirty Three - St Neot just now. I see you!! Heading East.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Very good, top marks to the Royal Observer Corps at St Neot! I was on my way to film the Cheesewring and Kilmar Tor.

[@carlowingfield7743]

It looks like a plane from a Disney cartoon .

[@johnmajane3731]

So cool

[@ericohara2582]

Thank you..

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

My pleasure 🙂

[@bobclarie]

Thanks for taking us along. . . I soloed in a Champ 7AC. in 1963 Brings back good memories . . . Cheers. Bob

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

The Champ is a fine machine 🙂

[@bobclarie]

I soloed when I was 16 years Young. Have a good 2024 Bob

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

@@bobclarie Brilliant!

[@hobbyfarmer62]

Looks like it escaped from a 1920s cartoon

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Indeed!

[@kenkingsflyingmachines2382]

I have loved the C3 since my dad built a rubber model of it back in the 60s. It's definitely on my "bucket list" of planes to fly. (or ride in...no tailwheels/skids for me 8( ). I'm surprised at how long the takeoff roll is. Thanks for posting. It was just like being there!

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

The take-off roll is long in time but not excessive in distance; nothing is hurried in a two cylinder Aeronca.

[@paulhelman2376]

In Ace Drummand they seemed to land about anywhere

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

🤣🤣

[@sunzovashraf]

Well done Nic! Can you mount the Go Pro on the other ‘plane also? 😅

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Of course, anything is possible with sticky tape 🤣

[@grandpadansfixit2080]

what is the reason for most all small airplane exhaust to dump out right in front of cabin? Seems like it would be a very slight amount of additional weight to bring exhaust back to behind cabin to reduce noise?? thanks Dan

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Some pre war aircraft with inline engine (particularly de Havilland machines) did indeed have long exhaust pipes but generally it’s never been popular. Seems like a good idea though 👍

[@dcmflydude6320]

Nice. Airplane and airplane noises. Hypothetically, (I know this is from left field) if there are no original engines available, what modern engine would you attach to the front end so you could go fly?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Not sure about modern. In theory a Rotax 912 is just about light enough but it’s such a horrible looking thing and sounds like a cement mixer. The shame would be too much to bear. Continental A65 maybe? Nice motor but nearly as old as the Aeronca Jap. Of course, I could do as Major Parham and turn it into a glider!

[@iansampson2492]

What a neat plane! Almost as hard to get into as my Maule...What instrument is the venturi driving...Couldnt see on panel

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2OvhmBsi62Cpcksi=8jSojXCryQKAp6Ou a two needle turn indicator. It’s better shown in this film.

[@iansampson2492]

Interesting...I was thinking turn and bank of some sort ..just didnt know what I was looking at...I'll bet youve flown into KBED ....we live right on the edge of the Class in Carlisle...My Dad kept his PA-20 Pacer there when I was a kid, he was Chief of Design at Helio Aircraft in the late 60s/early 70s...@@FlyingForFunTrecanair

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

@@iansampson2492 I collected a Global 6000 from maintenance in KBED a while ago. It was during the fall, all very pretty.

[@MillieSadie1]

Was that the Austin 12 that was in the picture film?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

No, it’s my 1927 Vauxhall 14/40. Like the Aeronca, I’ve owned it for decades.

[@rogerlishman2532]

I was watching the aileron balance cable. There was only small movement; I suspect the aircraft has good roll response?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Roll response is good at low speed but the control force is high as speed builds. The rudder is very powerful, any hint of yaw / wing drop is easily countered.

[@davecooper5951]

Looks like a lot of fun. Is it cleared for spinning (UK or USA) ?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Yes in the USA, no in the UK; but none the less it spins and recovers very nicely. Don't ask me how I know......

[@sloleydave]

Nice. Bomber Command circuits should be banned at all times.

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Yes they should. The ghastly words “I’ll extend downwind” also irritate me beyond belief as most circuits are flown too wide already.

[@robertcringely7348]

What is the stall speed?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Around 37-38 knots, possibly with some positional error. I remember your TV series about building an aeroplane many years back 🙂

[@robertcringely7348]

@@FlyingForFunTrecanair alas, that little biplane was lost in a hangar collapse during a storm. The show ran in 1998, thanks for remembering.

[@ailtonbr6418]

What is the cruise speed please?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

Around 55 knots / 65 statute miles per hour.

[@ailtonbr6418]

@@FlyingForFunTrecanair Thanks