Unbiased Impressions after a month of Flying - Good & Bad

Full Review of the newest #STOL Cub variant, the Super Patriot.
Proudly associated with ForeFlight: www.foreflight.com/flightchops
In this episode I’m #Flying the airplane to Windsor, the base of the Canadian Aviation Museum.
canadianaviationmuseum.ca/
Dave (the chief pilot of the museum) is ready to go immediately for a familiarization flight, as I am handing it off to him to play with and then fly to AirVenture, as I’ll be flying the RV-14 to the event.
We share our detailed thoughts and impressions during the flight.
To learn more about Patriot Aircraft and their new STOL #Cub variant, visit:
www.patriotaircraftusa.com/
Previous episodes with this airplane if you missed them:
• My new Airplane!? Taki...
• Investigating what loo...
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FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
Visit www.FlightChops.com/ for behind-the-scenes content, epic giveaways and to search episodes by aircraft type!

[@kevintaylor791]

As a tall guy, it always amuses me watching fellow yetis work their way into small spaces. I understand the struggle.

[@peteranderson037]

The blue knob adds a lot of convenience for the pilot, but there's a lot of cost and weight associated with it. I used to work for a prop shop many moons ago. I quickly lost count of how many constant speed props I tore down and rebuilt. And the amount that the shop charged for overhauling them was insane. The entire time I worked there I could count the number of fixed pitch props that came in on one hand. Each one looking like the pilot did an engine run up in a gravel pit. But as so long as the gouges were within tolerances we could get that thing back out in no time for a fraction of the cost of a new one. My philosophy is that I don't mind a blue knob as so long as someone else is paying for the maintenance.

[@jonathanknight89]

Isn’t that kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy though? Working *at a prop shop*, of course you would see lots of props come in for overhaul.

[@FlightChops]

Insights appreciated here. As a new owner of a plane with a blue knob… I guess I’ll see how it goes in terms of maintenance costs down the road.

[@peteranderson037]

@@jonathanknight89 I wasn't making a point about the total number, it was the ratio between the two that I thought was interesting as well as the drastic relative cost. It makes sense, once you think about it, that a constant speed prop with all of its moving parts is going to need more frequent and more expensive maintenance than a chunk of metal with a shape to it.

[@peteranderson037]

@@FlightChops It makes more sense in a higher performance airplane like an RV-14. On a STOL airplane with a narrower speed envelope, not so much. A way to keep costs from spiraling out of control is to learn and repeat the acronym FRAN: Fix or Replace as Necessary. If you let a prop shop talk you into an overhaul every time you get a hiccup they'll bleed you dry and really won't make you any safer anyway. But hopefully that's still a long way down the road for you.

[@TheBrennan90]

@@peteranderson037 exactly in part 91 operations the TBO is a guidline not a regulation as it is in 135 or 121. Either both 135 and 121 or one of the two I forget. Also I guess this could be different in Canada as I am not familiar.

[@fly8ma.comflighttraining199]

For when you don't need to get there fast but still want to fly.

[@clarencewiles963]

Energy and energy. Learning to go slow. Thanks for the ride along.

[@1mazforall]

Wow just love it. Thank you for sharing this video my friend 🇨🇦❤️❤️❤️🙌👍

[@johnmccorry2397]

You should be proud of all the good you have done for general aviation and your RV plane looks amazing Thanks

[@FlightChops]

John - Thank you very much for this friendly feedback!

[@chrischain_]

Oh I spot a Lancair in progress in that hangar! Love to see Lancairs in Ontario. Awesome video as always.

[@marccostanzo2337]

Loved this video. The content. How it was presented and the conversational nature of your banter kept me focused.

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoyed it! But was it really "controversial"? 🧐🤓

[@My3nMy4]

Loved seeing the yellow Vans at OSH22!

[@gtr1952]

That looks like a really fun airplane! Thanks for sharing Steve!! 8) --gary

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

I've watched quite a few of your videos. You seem so much more confident flying this. Nice to see.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Simon

[@kevinphillips9408]

Very impressive aircraft.

[@tyler_russell]

Steve, great video. I enjoyed how you showed off ForeFlight in the side of the video. Looks like a super fun plane to fly!

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoyed it - and thanks for the specific feedback about the ForeFlight usage - they are a big supporter of the channel, and when I can authentically showcase usage of the EFB integrated into the story, I do it.

[@ChrisB257]

Most interesting video Steve - thanks.

[@FlightChops]

Very welcome, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Stubby0266]

Breaking torque with the torque wrench was something I was taught never to do.

[@Ficon]

$200 breaker bar

[@FlightChops]

Well, I think they’re balancing the practicality of what minimum tools you fly with in the kit. The numbers we’re dealing with for that prop hub are 28 and 42 foot pounds I believe - so not too high?

[@Ficon]

@@FlightChops Just use a regular ratchet then. Why risk damaging the torque wrench and ending up with inaccurate tightening values. And why carry a huge digital torque wrench if you just need 48 lb-ft. Not a good look for an aircraft manufacturer.

[@ryuhaneda]

Thank you for posting this video. I’m inspired to continue my PPL journey, but want to make a run of it when I have time and funds to do it consistently (disclaimer: I know life happens and we can’t control most external factors, I want to be deliberate about setting priorities to focus on it). The newer flight simulators have made VFR and GA flying more visual, more satisfying, more pilotage-able. As someone who’s “fake-flown” airliners for a while, I may begin to fly GA more and more and get myself in the perspective of learning these principles again and again. Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing knowledge with the community!

[@glennwatson]

One thing I would say, you can definitely get your PPL without always being consistent on having reliable hours. Would say there are just stages where you should have consistency (eg during learning to land for instance, or pattern/circuit work).

[@RealWoutLies]

I'm looking to buy my first plane. I've decided to stick with a high wing. I'm not going to be able to buy a glass paneled plane, so I live vicariously through these videos. And they're very well done. Thanks

[@FlightChops]

Glad you're enjoying the videos - please reply back here with what you decide to get.

[@dereckbauer2613]

Fly the airplane not the toys, Stick, Rudders, Throttle: an airspeed indicator(optional really with some experience) Oil Pressure & temp gages and altimeter is plenty... That's about all my Clipper(PA-16) came from the factory with...

[@bryanspayde8688]

I’m flying a luscombe management of energy on landing a tail dragger is a must . But great times.

[@1hornet1]

Man Steve, I have been refusing to join any KZbinr's Patreons all these years but I am am finally gonna sign up for yours as my first. I feel like your content relates to me more in that I've wanted to go on an aviation journey like your's. But of course haven't. My nieces came over yesterday and helped me finish getting my garage build space set up so I can finally do at least some of the stuff you've done. Thanks for all the great content brother!

[@FlightChops]

Awesome, thank you! Please update as you get further into your project

[@1hornet1]

@@FlightChops Will do.

[@ColeAviation]

What an AMAZING aircraft!!! Don is a good friend of mine. 🤙🏼😁 They are great people that build GREAT airplanes. You must have been on cloud 20 getting to take her home for a month of so. 😁

[@FlightChops]

Couldn't agree more! And yes, it was an awesome opportunity to take it home :)

[@ColeAviation]

@@FlightChops You should fly down to SC00 for Triple Tree fly in next week. I will be talking my J-3 out for her first cross country trip after a 100% restoration. 😁

[@FlightChops]

@@ColeAviation Wow congrats on that! I'm actually booked next week so I can't be there unfortunately

[@ColeAviation]

@@FlightChops - Cool. Thanks! Yeah my late Grandaddy bought it in 1968 and we been flying her all these years. So it hasn’t sat in a barn for 45 of those 54 years that we’ve owned it. 🤣 If you get time check it out on my channel. 👊🏼😁🤙🏼 Safe flying!

[@fiedlertimify]

Agree on airspeed comment. My 185 is just about coming alive when I rotate.

[@flugbus]

Nice Painting :-)

[@FlightChops]

The Super Patriot? Or the RV-14? Or both? :). I think they both have pretty cool and unique paint jobs

[@justinc5356]

I was lucky enough to be able to fly with @FlightChops in the Super Patriot. As someone who has almost all my time in 172's and Cherokee's with limited experience in tail draggers and sticks - this thing flew so slow - I felt like I was too slow and was going to spin at any moment and made me feel uncomfortable -- this was NOT an issue with the Super Patriot, but with me. I just didn't have enough time in tail / STOL aircraft. It would take some getting used to. Not a beginner airplane for sure IMO but with some training time and practice, this aircraft feels like it could take me just about anywhere I wanted to go, it is very well built, the build quality up close is top notch. The rear seat had tons of space for even me, with a 44" waist, i'm a big guy. I had some issues with the stick comfort in the back it felt really LOW I felt like I was reaching down to get to it so I didn't feel like I had great control -- but again that is probably me. It was a pretty cool airplane....

[@goatflieg]

I also got to fly in it with Steve during the RV-14 unveiling party at Windsor prior to OSH. Good fun! Dave probably could have three-pointed it easier with my more substantial weight in back. I forgot to ask Steve how much different it felt solo vs. with me in back.

[@FlightChops]

I three pointed it just fine after you got out Marty :). That’s the footage near the start of this video actually. Mind you this was after pushing the seat cushion back for Dave’s flying.

[@helipilotuh1]

No matter how long ppl have been flying, they still try to get out with headsets on. Lol

[@alex7344]

I didn't know you were flying this out of CZBA! I would have come to say hello!

[@FlightChops]

I’m there on and off yeah. It’s been a long time home base.

[@alex7344]

@@FlightChops yea I’ve seen you mention that a few times. I just haven’t been lucky enough to see ya when I’m driving by. Hopefully one day I’ll start my PPL Journey with Spectrum!

[@ecossearthur]

Boom Boom!! 💥

[@chrisferrell3230]

At 1:45 you practically flew over my house. Next time, land on the abandoned golf course behind me and come over for a coffee!

[@FlightChops]

Haha

[@CS_247]

Damn I miss side slips, crossed up controls, and wheeler landings. THAT was flying.

[@AV8R_1]

My legend AL-18 POH says VSO is at 23 knots, but I've personally landed AND taken off at less. I landed once it was reading 21 in the flare, and was still flying. More than once on takeoff, I've gotten it off the ground before the ASI was even indicating. Don’t listen to the armchair pilots or the Karen’s out there. It’s usually people that don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. This is extremely common in STOL aircraft, and STOL operations. These aircraft are not flown by the numbers. They are flown by FEEL. Stick and rudder skill. In these aircraft, this is not acquired in one or two flights. It takes time to get to know your aircraft and exactly how it flies, to the point where you could fly it right to the edge of its capabilities, with no instruments at all.

[@HaydenGinz]

nice

[@htschmerdtz4465]

Great post. Even at high Alpha, when airspeed indications can be intermittent or unreliable, an airplane will talk to you, if you are listening. And listen to pilots who know the aircraft, not the internet trolls. Delete 'em. --advice from a longtime ATP, CFI and ground school instructor with 4+ decades of experience.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for the insights. I think your response in that other thread is great. Maybe others can benefit from seeing that discussion.

[@htschmerdtz4465]

@@FlightChops No worries, eh?

[@hawkdsl]

I have to say I was real concerned when you said the RV was going to be painted that God awful orange (like the T-6).. but I was wrong. The livery you chose is really great. STOL craft are the "in" planes these days, thanks to the usual youtubers who paint them in the adventure category. I'm sure they are a blast.. but I'm still partial to the boring cross country 4 and 6 place Pipers. ;)

[@FlightChops]

Haha - yeah... I knew what I was doing with that paint scheme plan :). It had to be an honorary "Yellow Bird" - but we added some subtle modern flares so it isn't pretending to actually be one; however, when it is beside the fleet, it fits in nicely. And thanks for being a 9 year subscriber! That's huge! email me and I'll send you a Flight Suit patch if you don't already have one (they're typically for the $5+ Patreon supporters) flightchops at gmail dot com

[@hawkdsl]

@@FlightChops Thanks, but yea, I already have one. It has been a joy to watch your channel.. going from private pilot debrief, to full blown aviation coverage!

[@bigalsplanesimplegarage4288]

nice plane

[@Xdenge420]

very cool, My dad owns the airfield in the video

[@FlightChops]

It's in great shape!

[@PatagoniaBushPilots]

that okabe will eork here !

[@bernardanderson3758]

Come and get me in this Aircraft Flight chops

[@oryr16]

Just curious about the microfiber towel in the wing. Is it for detailing?

[@FlightChops]

Handy spot for the canopy cleaning rag :)

[@oryr16]

That makes sense! I keep thinking about how romantic it must be around dusk, just floating up there in that thing. I hope to experience it someday.

[@jasondelaney6849]

I'm surprised there is a house at the end of the runway at 16:19.

[@FlightChops]

It’s the owner of the field 😎

[@dancahill8555]

This was nice, but maybe more relevant would be a flight review by a pilot who flies a Super Cub for his dinner.

[@FlightChops]

They specifically wanted to see what a more casual general aviation / every man pilot would think. This is a great airplane to attract more people into cub flying - it is really easy to fly and you don't need to push near the limits to still have impressively short take off and landing capability.

[@spacemountain08]

Is there a reason why a yellow towel is stuck in the wings? @ 1:40... Thanks!

[@FlightChops]

Easy place to store a canopy cleaning rag :)

[@spacemountain08]

@@FlightChops 👍🏿🤣😁

[@AMSeagle]

What is the ballpark price for one of these bad boys

[@FlightChops]

They're still working out how the program will go - This is serial 0001, and 0002 was finished just before AirVenture. I think it is going to be a factory builder assist sort of thing, and then they'll figure out pricing. Watch their website for news.

[@cduemig1]

Neat plane. Only $300k! Ouch.

[@PrashS]

[@MaxC925]

@7:43 what was going on with the horizontal stab?

[@FlightChops]

You gotta watch the previous episode - it addresses this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i57Mi4KsfrGZmMk

[@edcew8236]

US FAR23 says that trim switches should rotate in the same direction that the airplane will rotate. Video games are the reverse of this.

[@FlightChops]

I'm still confused by that sentence :P. But anyway - yeah - I'd like the trim switch to be a hat on the stick that I use with my thumb.

[@edcew8236]

A rocker switch rocks, hence its name, and the direction that it rocks is the direction that it should make the airplane rotate. If the rocker switch is vertical on the panel, pushing the top of the rocker switch makes the top of the switch go forward and the bottom come back, and that's the direction that the airplane should pitch (nose down). On video games, pushing the top of the rocker switch makes the nose come up -- backwards from the airplane standard.

[@Guysm1l3y]

@@FlightChops Yep, make the radio xmit be the trigger and have a thumb rocker for trim would be an easy solution.

[@jonathanperry2477]

What's up with the flutter in the horizontal stabilizer at 7:42? It looks excessive. There is a little in flight too at 7:57. Is this a known issue?

[@FlightChops]

You gotta watch the previous episode - it addresses this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i57Mi4KsfrGZmMk

[@jonathanperry2477]

@@FlightChops Thanks! Sorry I didn't realize you did a whole video on it!

[@68Lima]

What watch is that??

[@FlightChops]

Garmin D2 Mach1 - it's awesome

[@ja1cspikes]

As an A&P, the idea of an owner changing the pitch of his prop makes my skin crawl.

[@FlightChops]

Fair feedback. But the system they have here is rather fool proof... I can confirm as I'm a fool. You just need to be methodical and thorough; and I think if you got it wrong, you'd know during the run up. That said, like I say in the video, if it is not a big weight hit, I'd just rather have the blue knob.

[@samscott5230]

Those ground adjustable Sensenich props utilize what they call “pitch pins”. It’s as simple as loosening the hub bolts, installing the desired pitch pin into the hub, rotating the blades until they contact the pitch pin inside the hub and tightening the bolts. Anyone capable of doing the most basic maintenance tasks could do it with no problems. It’s really an elegant design. Edit: Just got to the portion of the video where they performed this task. Sorry for the redundant explanation.

[@FlightChops]

It’s cool to have additional insights in the comments

[@ja1cspikes]

@@samscott5230 I just learned something new. I avoid working on GA like the plague. I spent 9 years learning one specific airframe intimately and the broadness of civilian aircraft is nuts 🤣 that’s pretty cool though.

[@colinwallace5286]

I imagine some owners get the same sensation handing over their plane to an A&P. In both cases, they’re making assumptions, no?

[@kalleblom5564]

love your videos, but the radio quality is a pain, really hurts my ears

[@FlightChops]

Yeah, that intercom was not the best - I spent a lot of time in the sound mix making it as clean as I could.

[@patlevv7382]

TANDEM ‼️👍😜

[@sandybanjo]

Flight Chops, do you have a CFI? Energy? Maybe airspeed control instead. No insults intended, but valid question?

[@FlightChops]

I'm not a CFI, but in a thing like this that can fly so slow, airspeed is not necessarily trust worthy as you push closer to the limits - We're flying angle of attack, so it is about energy management. If you fixate on airspeed with out thinking about what the wing is actually doing, I fear you can get into trouble.

[@sandybanjo]

@@FlightChops I do understand.....I"'ve flown so many aircraft in my history Try managing energy a DC3 or a jet sometime. It's called AOA.....angle of attack. But, if we don't have any idea of that nomenclature, guess AOA doesn't mean anything, unless we know and understand the important of limitations of the aircraft and the environment involving many more factors, but, airspeed control. Big clue. Just be aware of this....AOA in any aircraft......don't care.....dependent on experience and knowledge from that experience. You do have some experience in the aircraft in which you are "checked out" in. But, just please, give it some consideration.

[@jimbob100-d3l]

AOA is the correct answer and not talked about nearly enough in GA.

[@sandybanjo]

@@jimbob100-d3l According to who, what, and how? Please explain. Last I checked, any wing can be stalled at any attitude (AOA) and airspeed. Guess G forces have nothing to do with it.

[@htschmerdtz4465]

I do have a CFI, Gold Seal and Flight Chops is right. Airspeed is a good indicator of energy but it is indirect, so it will not always be reliable at high angle of attack, (alpha) and/or low airspeeds as this video illustrates. A coordinated level turn illustrates why airspeed is not always reliable, so for a given indicated airspeed, a wing will be closer to it's critical AOA (Vs) than it would be in level flight. In that level turn, the load factor is greater and therefore the AOA is greater, primarily because load factor is more than the 1G normally seen in straight and level flight. That's why we see the US FAA's increased focus on angle of attack as a more reliable indicator of total energy reserve. AOA measures that reserve directly, not indirectly. That means it may be safe to take off before airspeed registers, if the aircraft has AOA indicator showing sufficient lift is available. The pilots here will know that most light aircraft can fly in ground effect at a speed slower than the published Vs. In the US, every private pilot candidate must be able to perform a soft field takeoff where the nose is rotated and liftoff is initiated before the aircraft has sufficient indicated airspeed. In standard conditions, performing a soft field takeoff, most trainers will be flying at an indicated speed that is lower than the published stall speed, as the pilot lowers the nose to remain in ground effect until the aircraft reaches a safe climb speed.

[@kasm10]

Hey mr chops get that mole on your left forearm checked. Looked asymmetric

[@FlightChops]

Thanks - it's always been like that, but my Dr keeps an eye on it.

[@htschmerdtz4465]

Student comes back from solo flight, tells mechanic the left wing was heavy. Next student in the same plane tells mechanic the right wing was heavy. Mechanic wrote in A/C log: Left and right wings reported heavy. Action taken: installed lighter wings.

So are you going to have to pay a teen's PPL soon?

[@FlightChops]

Haha - are you talking about my daughter? (was she in this one? I can't remember - but she was in the first one about this plane)

@@FlightChops Yes, I was talking about her, maybe it was a different one, I binged all the super Patriot episodes during work yesterday. Got my temp PPL signed off after work.

[@FlightChops]

amazing - congrats!

[@nikhayes3396]

Steve, this is how people die doing STOL, I get it, another universe, but think of the factors that are out of your control. I am not hating, I just don’t want you to get complacent.

[@FlightChops]

Please elaborate; I'm happy to have the discussion... In terms of the example of taking off before the airspeed is reading, I'd be comfortable flying this thing back to land if the ASI continued to read blank. Flying by attitude and feel in this airplane is very doable. Would I push to the slow speed limits in the pattern with no ASI reading? No. But could I get it back safely? Absolutely.

[@nikhayes3396]

@@FlightChops I just think of perhaps rotor wash from a helicopter, or a steady 10knot headwind just drops off, suddenly airspeed is 10knots slower, maybe my worries are off base, and I would be willing to admit if I am thinking over cautious. Also, I haven’t ever flown that wing, and if it doesn’t really ever break one way or another, maybe it’s unfounded, I just imagine a guy flying a bunch of STOL getting super confident, having the time of his life flying airplanes and a helicopter comes in and lands or takes off somewhere near by, or you fly into a downdraft or fly into extremely turbulent air of some sort going 25knots, with a wing that you don’t think could ever break into a spin and voila you find yourself hurt. Swiss cheese I know, I think Im playing too much chess lately. Did you hear about the recent scandal with Magnus? or do you not play?

[@FlightChops]

@@nikhayes3396 - I hear your concerns, but most of what you are bringing up would not be mitigated by having an airspeed reading. And again, if the ASI was zero, I'd consider it "mission over, let's land as soon as able" sort of a situation, so I wouldn't continue the original plan, what ever it might have been. and you lost my at playing Magnus?

[@nikhayes3396]

@@FlightChops Ohh the Cup in St. Louis, chess tournament Magnus lost to a 19 y/o and resigned, making some kind of veiled reference to possible cheating. I just look at the chops and figure you also play chess ha. Anyhow, I wasn’t really specifically addressing rotating without an indication on the tape. I am only saying, there is a higher risk factor flying STOL for a number of reasons, number one of which, its the absolute most free, fun type of flying in the world in my opinion. Sometimes when you are having a lot of fun, its easier to make mistakes. We lost whom many considered the absolute best stick and rudder alive today this year because he forgot to remove his gust lock, in a little GA tail dragger, an f-14 legend. If you don’t think the excitement of getting out of the cramped procedure procedure procedure of his other aircraft, and wasn’t just excited to go land in the grass at his newly built cabin and that didn’t play some factor? Complacency kills, and I don’t want to sound like a Grumpy Guss, I am certainly not down on anything that I saw you do in the video, or otherwise, I just felt in my heart the right thing to do was to express my thoughts about safety, we both have kids, and I’m sure we both know or have known someone that has passed in a plane accident, they are nearly always accidents, things you didn’t plan for and didn’t see coming, You do as good of job as anyone I have ever witnessed keeping your ego out of the way and looking ahead, staying safe. Keep up the great content, thanks for taking the time out of your day to engage.

[@planespeaking]

I love cubs but pAtRiOT is such a terrible name.