Developing Proficiency at the Controls

Practicing Proficiency with 'Air Taxi'

[@wkboggs5]

Dang bro! Can hardly call them "crow hops" now! That's for real smooth looking low passes! I'm super stoked for you. Love that you are able to stay patient and enjoy where you are in the process. We're all in there pullin' for ya!

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thank you. I appreciate the 'attaboy' and will keep you all updated. Pretty soon I'll be in the pattern. Stay tuned.

[@eastbend99]

That was awesome; great video! I'm not a pilot yet, but you sure seem proficient, and ready to go flying. Look forward to seeing that whenever you're ready. No rush of course. But great job on this day!

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

eastbend99 - Thank you! Go for it. It's very satisfying and a rush once you lift off and begin floating on that 'magic carpet'. :)

[@caseykelso1]

It was an awesome video. I envy him.

[@alecxixfernandez5212]

You got it man, I’m happy for you . I been watching your Chanel for a while now and when I saw this video I was really proud of you . Keep it up you are doing great 😁😎👍🏼

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thanks, Alex, for the "attaboy" AND being a fan. Blue skies and tailwinds! ;)

[@craigwallis2794]

great job... nice filming/drone footage.. good job to the drone pilot too :)

[@rodgerwestberry1466]

Very smooth, I got goose bumps just watching! Stay safe, and thanks for sharing.

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thank you Rodger! You and me both, with the 'goosebumps'. lol

[@nealc6254]

I began viewing your channel just recently while being intrigued with 103 ultralight piloting and the various designs and technologies of those flying crafts that are available. I am very impressed by what you have shown through your vlog channel. This video is great with your son flying the drone that captured your "air taxing". Thanks for sharing your information from your experiences you have had during the building of your Aerolite 103 and your careful practicing time that you were working on to develop the skills needed to be safe. Not sure if I will go any further than being a "fixed-wing" radio control pilot, but time will tell. I kind of like having my feet on the ground while flying various electric motor models for the last 7 years. With me being the age I am and not getting any younger, it would be pushing things a bit to move into what you have been doing. I have been in the air as a passenger with my older brother at the controls of his sailplane (a retired 747 pilot), which has been quite a rush... With that said, I am considering taking some ultralight flying lessons so I could at least have a bit of the thrill of piloting while actually being in the air. I will continue viewing your channel meanwhile. Very "cool" with what you have been doing!

[@cpron9126]

Time to get airborne

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Almost ready for the pattern. The airborne part is behind me. Pretty satisfying to feel that float above ground. And once you 'rotate' and get off the asphalt, you're flying. Stay tuned.

[@steverox13]

Very cool to see you taking off. I plan on eventually building and following the same course if I can find some local hangers for not too much

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

It's well worth it, Steve. Go for it. Blue skies and tailwinds!

[@wkboggs5]

As do I! So wish I owned or had available , suitable field for a grass strip at my house.

[@SpeedyCotton55]

What a wonderful video sir. You are doing (in my opinion) all the right things and you look like you are doing them well. I lost my best friend in a crash in the 1980's because he did not do what you are doing. I am very proud to see the effort you are putting into this, please keep it up. As a side note, the music in this video really makes it. Good luck and may God Bless you sir.

[@skullcraftcustoms]

Years ago I had an ultralight called a Teebird it looked almost exactly like this I hate ground loop did a couple of times on the runway scared the shit out of me and then eventually I lost it during a divorce and I never got to get our morning after that watching you progress is cool

[@markhull1366]

Happy belated birthday Phil. I just got back from the shooting range and there you had a new vid posted. I had fun, but I'll bet you had a lot more! Looking really good and like the drone footage. That looks like a really nice airport you're at. How's the wife? I hope she's doing well. Kindest Regards........

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thank you for the B-day wishes, Mark. Thanks also for asking about the better half. She's in a holding pattern of sorts. The meds they gave her, plus our trying CBD oil seems to have shrunk the tumor over 75%. They wanted to cut and then burn her but I asked the doc why, when things are going in a good direction. His answer? We've never been in that uncharted territory so we don't know anything else. That's all we needed to hear. We opted for staying on hold and continued prayer. Thanks for your prayers and concern/s. As for our airport it's a ghost town most days. But that's why I love it. It's class "G" and uncontrolled. Always good for new pilots. Not to much sensory overload if you get what I mean.

[@markhull1366]

@@aerolite103buildersvlog8 Phil, have you asked your doctor about cyberknife targeted radiation treatment? That's what I had when I had prostrate cancer. It's fantastic! and VERY non-invasive! Of course not type of cancer is a candidate, but they're using it more and more for different kinds. If there's any way it would work for her, I can promise you it's the easiest treatment there is. Let me know.....Your friend

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

The doc WAS a radiation 'specialist' doctor and said he needed to have the whole thing removed, then radiation. If that tells you anything. Thx for the suggestion, Mark.

[@markhull1366]

Good deal! I figured you had things under control. I just wanted to let you know my experience JIC. My oncologist was a surgeon and only "casually" told me about alternative therapies. Seems a lot of doctors would rather "cut first". It was only after I got to the radition oncologist that this alternative was presented and found to be far better. As a survivor, that was my motivation to tell you. Take care!

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Mark, our doc was the "cut first" type. That's why I/we questioned him about 'positive direction' we were going with the meds. I do NOT like cancer 'protocols' because they are 'Cut', 'Burn', or 'Poison' all of which I do NOT see as humane choices. My attitude is this. Doctors have an Oath to get their MD license. First mandate of that Oath is "do NO harm". What do they do when they burn, poison or cut ya? I rest my case. Thanks, friend, for the heartfelt concerns AND suggestion of a better way to go, treatment-wise. ;)

[@jimmclean4876]

Very smart move with a new aircraft. Keeps surprises to a minimum 👍

[@lydgate3419]

Who is performing that incredible jazz track?

[@neilbarriskell7840]

Fantastic to see this, enjoy!!

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thank you, Neil.

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

I'm about to transition to a 103 and even though I have a lot of flying time, I'm going to get with an ultralight instructor anyway. You made me see that that's a great idea. Also, love the color of your 103!

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

If I hadn't had some training in an ultralight I wouldn't have remained calm when I needed to in the "solo #3" video. Definitely a must to have at least 'some' training. I love Blue as a favorite color and happened to buy a used/un-finished Aerolite in my favorite color. Thank you for watching and your kind words.

[@dh-flies]

Where is this airport that allows drone flying? I'd love to get some footage like that done with my plane.

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Any airport that is "G" airspace is legal to fly there withOUT permission. Check FAA Drone rules and you'll see. Find a rural airport in "G" airspace and do some videos.

[@epretorious]

Congratulations, Phil - You're making good progress! What did you use for recording the aerial video?

[@cavman7]

Yeah I have to say, keeping the aircraft level and smooth that close to ground takes more control than actual flying. In relation to your throttle control, can you adjust it in anyway to make less sensitive? Allow you to use more gross hand movements. Almost like adjusting mouse sensitivity on your PC.

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thank you for the vote of confidence. No, there's no adjustment in throttle other than in my wrist. Stay tuned. Pattern is coming soon.

[@nathanielcohen9890]

if you don't have an instant response...you will crash. small hand/foot adjustments make big aircraft adjustments.

[@robertpilchman2085]

Hey Phil, looking good. I'll bet u thought a couple of times, "hold my beer, I've got this". LOL Looking forward to 'THE DAY'. BTW where are your main wheel pants?

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thanks, Robert! No, my comfort level needs to come up a bit, then I will (lol). As for the 'pants' off the mains, that was when I had issue with my starboard main brake drum and it being asymmetrical. Had to deal with it more than two times so that's why I left them off. I've been thinking about re-installing them, but may wait till I am actually in the pattern. Also thought about new brakes like "Black Maxx" but can't justify the added cost at the moment. Stay tuned for pattern........soon! :)

[@shoesandsubarus9896]

Looks great. There still ways to go with the new program though! I’m motivated to help you make some masterpieces!!! Love you pops, keep pushing, “onward and upward” ❤️💪🏼

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thanks, Son! That makes two of us - "proud of YOU", that is. Keep practicing your Drone flying. You're getting quite good and all that is left is smoothness in 'attitudes of the Drone flight' (i.e. moving left to right while in motion, panning side to side and all while flying, etc.). You are becoming a great Drone pilot. Nuff said. Onward and upward! :)

[@joecomet1938]

That was fun to watch.

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Fun to 'feel', too! ;)

[@wtpence4731]

Looks like you've got it !

[@KountKasper]

Nice video, really looks like a fun plane

[@deborahworks6616]

Wow wish it was me keep up the good work

[@nathanielcohen9890]

that's what I did. I spent 2 weeks doing nothing but taxing around KDED airport in different winds to get the feel of the aircraft. FYI, taxing in winds greater than 9mph is a rodeo not for the faint of heart. but you will learn your aircraft. just don't air taxi at wind speeds greater than 6mph. I accidentally air taxied in winds of 9 mph gusting to 16. it's only by the grace of GOD that I didn't crash and I am an experienced pilot.

[@jimmbecker]

I recently purchased a 103 and I’m having a blast with it. You mentioned you were taking lessons in Lodi possibly with Bill? I’m not to far up in Corning Ca...maybe I could fly to your hanger and chat sometime?

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Hi Jim. Sure. Come on over. Give me a "heads up!" beforehand so I can be there. If you're flying over to my airport, after I get into the pattern and get some time in, I want to cross-country to your hanger. Deal?

[@jimmbecker]

AEROLITE 103 Builders Vlog I wasn’t sure if you were based in Lodi or just taking lessons there?

[@jimmbecker]

AEROLITE 103 Builders Vlog You can absolutely come by! We’re hoping to have a fly in/barbecue in August so you have some time to get ready. Personally I think you’re ready to start flying around the pattern. My advice is to keep the airspeed at least 45 mph on approach and fly it right to the ground… If you don’t like it go around!

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

OOoops. I misread and thought you were talking about my airport. I'm based is Oakdale (027). Sorry for the confusion. Old guy moment. lol Haven't taken any more lessons with Bill. I am confident I can achieve my pattern solo without him. I have 10 hours with him already, though. Plus what I am adding with my practice time. Over 15 hours easy by now. But hey, I want to fly there one day too. So stay tuned. Lodi is a 'solo flight' destination for sure.

[@kwhalen3539]

Question about the drone and flying it at an airport, what did you have to do to get permission to do that? First time seeing a drone flying like this. Love your 103! Keep up the great work.

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

Thank you for the compliment. The FAA website says this about Drones in class "G" airspace; "Class G Airspace Uncontrolled airspace or Class G airspace is the portion of the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. It is therefore designated uncontrolled airspace. Class G airspace extends from the surface to the base of the overlying Class E airspace. A remote pilot will not need ATC authorization to operate in Class G airspace." I am a FAA licensed Drone pilot and my son can fly under my license, technically. But in class "G" he doesn't need any permissions to fly. We went thru how manned aircraft get "right of way" if in the area so he was flying safely. Our airport is a ghost town, most days.

[@kwhalen3539]

AEROLITE 103 Builders Vlog Awesome! Thank you so much for that explanation! I didn’t think they were allowed at airports (controlled or not).

[@MarcoGlass]

Hey phill, so where is this airport at? Best of luck flying and with wife

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

It's Phil - with one 'L' just so you know. :) We're in central valley of California. Look up '027' in airport directory and you'll see us. Thanks for the well wishes for me & the wifey - and for watching. ;)

[@MarcoGlass]

@@aerolite103buildersvlog8 Thanks for the reply. I'm in South Florida area. Looking into purchasing a Kolb and do same. But it's nice to have a no such busy airport to practice taxing and touch & goes. Mid Florida is supposed to be great area. I'll look into it. Best of luck! and keep practicing. Be safe.

[@tracycastleberry9040]

On the throttle issue will a longer handle work? don't fly but ran a lot of airboats

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

I'm sure it would, Tracy. But the more I use the one that is factory, the more I am ok with it. Thanks for the comment.

[@daviddavids2884]

info. it is not clear whether the profile of the main wing is Less-than ideal. specifically, the leading edge SHOULD resemble that of the clark-y or similar, low-reynolds number profile. note that when such a wing is mounted at zero-degrees aoa, correct profile/airfoil design results in positive aoa; built into the Profile. (see the use of an 'elevated' leading edge in this type of profile. cheers 1.bp.blogspot.com/-5C8vhlmhBOk/VRe3o3Jt3yI/AAAAAAAABrI/EEgVHXkLvbY/s1600/clark%2By.gif

[@daviddavids2884]

some late info. i see the same kinds of problems, here, that i frequently see in model aircraft, that were designed by folks who do NOT know as much as they SHOULD. it should be understood that this design is not 'normal' --- in part, due the 'reduced' distance between the wing and stabs. this reduced distance results in extra sensitivity, in the elevator. if this were a normal light-plane, the span of the horiz-stab would be Equal to thirty-one percent of the wingspan. it is not clear whether there is sufficient structural rigidity in the wing and control surfaces, for them to work, well. it is correct to use a few degrees of sweep at the horiz-stab leading edge. it is not clear whether control surfaces have been added to the trailing edge of an otherwise complete profile/airfoil. if so, the wing is wonky and its behavior is unpredictable. it should be clear that the high location of the mass of the engine, raises the location of the airframe's c-m. center of mass. the cg is where --- it should be located at thirty percent of chord. it appears that the thrust configuration is less-than Optimal. ideally, in the case of the use of offset, pusher, thrust, a thrust ANGLE should be used, that causes the thrust LINE to INTERSECT the c-m. and, the c-m SHOULD be on the thrust line, at a point that vertically aligns with twenty-five percent of chord. (in other words, about where a pilot's chest would usually be.) see linked, annotated photo (of a model). if interested, see my (model) aircraft tutorials. offset pusher thrust incorrect labelling; it is c-m (not cg) that is Supposed to be located, where the lines intersect. cheers static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/2/9/6/3/9/7/a5988257-224-bixler%202%20motor%20angle%20correction.jpg IDEAL location of c-m, in a typical high-wing light-plane s3.amazonaws.com/assets.flitetest.com/article_images/medium/truecg-jpg_1384168691.jpg

[@tracycastleberry9040]

anyone know where I can take lessons around the baton rouge area?

[@aerolite103buildersvlog8]

I just saw your comment. My advice is always the same. Go to your local airport and ask those questions. Not only will you likely find an answer. You will make new friends and maybe even take lessons there. Good luck!

[@caseykelso1]

Check for hair line cracks after violent bouncing. All over!