I Traded For An Aerobatic Biplane (Was This a Mistake?)

[@royson345]

Love that you are just living your life and growing! Watching your skills grow in the mooney and then taking the leap to a a completely different airframe and type is going to be fun to watch! Blue skies to you sir!

[@peterspadaro1470]

Wow dude ! Bold move ! That’s great to keep growing as a pilot. Keep it up and be safe !

[@cessna54tango]

Nice cameo at the end! Enjoyed the video!

[@scotabot7826]

The Steen Skybolt is one of the best flying biplanes ever designed. Lamar Steen was a very smart man!!!

[@paratyshow]

👍☑️👏way cool man, i didn't get alerts so thought you hadn't made videos in a while. So happy for you and us!

[@richardschnepf8168]

Nice job describing your Skybolt. Keep your videos comin'

[@clearancedelivery1291]

You'll never regret what you did, you only regret what you didn't do! So cool stuff! Enjoy!

[@fillywinks]

I actually think this might be good for the channel. There has to be a bunch more channels about Mooneys than aerobatic experimentals, and being different might be a good thing. Where do you take it from here? When I think about Flight Chops' journey, he would always set a goal and then document the journey. For example, watching you get an aerobatic instructor rating would be interesting. Then you could collaborate with bigger channels, teaching them aerobatics, getting their views and subscribers and what not. Btw, how easy was the tailwheel training? Did you happen to have all the right habits, or did you have to re-learn how to land?

[@AverageAviator]

Hmm I'm not sure what the exact goal is with the Skybolt. I want to start competing in Aerobatics so that will be one topic. But as for me personally my goal right now is to finish my commercial certificate as soon as possible. Tailwheel training was interesting. I feel it would have been much easier to simply get the rating from the front seat of a citabria or cub, but flying from the back of the Super Decathlon was relatively challenging to land. It did set me up pretty well for transitioning to the Skybolt though. It was a bit of relearning how to land, bit now I'm used to it. I just flew a 172 the other day and it seems I have to relearn how to land that as the controls are very different, mainly super heavy and ineffective.

[@Kiwi0Six]

Hey Travis, great new airplane for you! I was surprised when you started hinting at having a new plane because you and the Mooney fit together. I’ll miss the Mooney, but I’m looking forward to seeing more of the Skybolt! Congratulations on the quick transition to the taildragger. You have shown a lot of skill with the Mooney so I’m not surprised. 😎 (Kept meaning to comment earlier but it was sliding to the back of my mind.)

[@AverageAviator]

Thank you for all the support!

[@BumAviator]

Looking forward to seeing your new adventures!

[@truckpilotnate2972]

I think this is great. You can travel in the SkyBolt. Throw a bag in the front seat and arrive to your destinations to people walking up to check out your plane. It may not be ideal for travel, but possible. The Mooney, while cool, will never be aerobatic. I think you’re on the right track. You’re young. You can always get a plane for traveling. Hell, build one while flying the crap out of the SkyBolt. This is way cool. Plus, it’s undoubtedly going to make your flying skills better. I don’t think you should be asking yourself what the hell did I do. I think you should be asking yourself why the hell you didn’t do it sooner. Imagine showing up to Johnson Creek to camp in this thing. Completely awesome. Can’t wait for more videos. 👍👍👍

[@AverageAviator]

I'm definitely planning on travelling and camping with the Skybolt. I went to an aerobatics day and figured out I can carry pretty much everything I need for camping with the front seat and hat rack. One goal I have is to eventually take it to the Idaho Backcountry, but first I need to finish up my commercial license. Thanks for the support!

[@truckpilotnate2972]

@@AverageAviator you could build a belly pod for more gear 👍👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@richardschnepf8168]

Good honest video. I'm looking forward to future aerobatic flights.

[@Dr.DeHicks]

Keep the videos coming. I know they are a lot of work, but each one gets better than the last. Thanks!

[@jameskosmos7959]

Love it! Congrats! I have also done training at Bad Attitude. Great group of guys there!

[@slcarlsson7424]

Oh noooo, farewell Mooney. 😢 But i‘ve got to admit, the new one looks Great!

[@wizdul]

Hate to see the Mooney go, it was a fine flying machine. The main thing is this: Are you happy with your decision? No matter what anyone else’s opinion is, it all comes down to if you’re happy then no one else has any right to tell you not to be. Your life is your own, if we spent our lives living by other people’s opinions we wouldn’t have a life at all. Congratulations on your new flying machine! It looks like you’re going to have a lot of fun in it and I look forward to seeing your new adventures in your new plane! Just don’t make videos every couple of months ;p

[@AverageAviator]

Apparently I took none of the advice and made videos every couple years haha but I'm getting back into making videos, and I will say, getting the Skybolt was one of the best decisions I have made! It opened up so many opportunities.

[@dalesorensen298]

I had a partnership in a Cherokee 140 which my wife and I used for most cross country flights. My skybolt is quite loud, so ANR head sets are a must.

[@19211926]

Just found your channel and it looks like fun. I'll start at your beginning videos and check em out. I'm a retired Airline pilot and enjoy GA flying very much. Have fun with your new bird.

[@kevincrocker8206]

What a great segment. Loved the thought process.

[@JMFlightAdventures]

Hey man, I enjoyed your video! We met over at McVille last week while I was taking my CFI checkride with Tom and talked about exchanging info. If you're still interested, my Facebook profile is the same as my KZbin. I think you made a good decision; the open cockpit aerobatic experience is what the spirit of aviation is all about, enjoy every moment while you can!

[@sactu1]

I reckon you did well out of that deal. Boils down to mission and FUN!

[@davidallen9526]

I'm definitely sticking with you. Most of your travels have been one soul on board so why not get a two seat. Sorry you experienced some buyer's remorse. But the end result is that your moving towards new territory and many more places to discover. Please be safe and I look forward to spending some time with you up in the sky!!!. Well.... Viewing it at least. Blue Sky's and Tailwinds

[@kevincrocker8206]

Keep growing kid, skys the limit!

[@HeeHawHighlander]

Nice job, been enjoying seeing you making the rounds in the Steen. Can’t wait to finish the Highlander repairs and start chasing you around the skies.

[@AverageAviator]

I can't wait!

[@jiminohio7253]

Good friends with the guy you traded with. He likes the Mooney as much as you like the skybolt!

[@AverageAviator]

Awesome! I'm glad he's enjoying it!

[@JoeyPaul1]

Love the new AC! I’m looking forward to seeing content with it. I’m in the same boat as you were when it comes to aerobatics. I want a cruiser and aerobatic AC that Tri gear but that is hard to find. Good luck with the new AC and I’m looking forward to seeing more!

[@AverageAviator]

Thanks! It sounds like you would go for a Vans RV-6 or so. Those are mildly aerobatic, tri-gear, and are great for going places.

[@JoeyPaul1]

@@AverageAviator… They are fantastic AC, until you look at getting insurance for them. ha

[@treasurediver93]

I look forward to your future content

[@dangraham1245]

Good for you going for it! That's what life is all about. You do you and enjoy what you love. Congratulations

[@herbertsaylor8912]

Hi Travis, I enjoyed your video so much. I just did a similar thing. I sold a really nice Bonanza to buy a Starduster Too. Unlike you, I'm 69, so the advise you got was very wise, you'll never be sorry.

[@neumeisteranimalhospital2627]

Nice vid! I have a line on a Skybolt I've been trying to look at. But I'm 65, so I guess I'm too old...

[@HinesightClassics]

Congrats on the new bird! Been tempted to do the same thing for a while.

[@GrantAguirre]

Great video! I love the new plane.

[@mmouseav8r402]

Just found this awesome video. I have a Cessna -170 that I’m restoring, but want to buy the plans to build this or the Starduster Too. When you did your tail wheel endorsement, did you get some aerobatic dual as well or are you self taught?

[@crunchied8]

I am thinking of getting skybolt need more on it like how flys and bad habits as well thanks keep the videos going also there is improvements for the skybolt as well mate

[@jerryfrank3972]

No bad habits, keep it lightweight, get good training, it will ruin you for any other airplane you will ever fly.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Hello from Quarantine house lockdown Sydney Australia. Well I didn't expect that. Congratulations on your trading to the (experimental classification) "didn't get another phone call from the FAA"? The Bi-plane has a simple and easy-to-fix Lycoming with spare parts in just about every A&P shop. Q1. Is it a dope or fabric covered covered skin? I often wonder about water damage and repairs. That was a progressive move getting your tail wheel endorsement. "Keep the loops in the air and not on ground!.. . Q2. Did you say you are getting a windshield and upholstery seat for your passenger? Q3.How is the accuracy of the altimeter? If anything I've learnt: you don't want to run out of gas. Is the fuel gauge accurate, and in your face. It seems pilot's either: 1. Divert and run out 2. Miscalculated and; 3. Forgetting Have you worked out a weight and C of G for fishing/camping. Make sure your bags don't fall out, when you just decide to fly inverted or roll. Well buddy, stay happy, healthy and proficient; keep a lookout for flowers. I sometimes feel their the heart of one's soul. Blue skies 🌏🇦🇺

[@AverageAviator]

Hey John! 1. It is fabric covered, usually the fabric lasts the lifetime of the airplane unless it sits in a damp hangar or outside. My fabric is in decent shape but the paint needs some touching up. Repairing fabric is a process but it isn't necessarily hard. I might need to know it someday. 2. I have a windshield for the passenger, it just screws on quickly when I want to use it. The seat back I made out of wood, but I'm going to leave it bare without upholstery. That would add weight when I don't need it, instead I use a removable cushion. 3. The altimeter is accurate, the annual just got done the other day. 4. The Aerobatic weight is lower than the allowable takeoff weight. I have camped with it already once and I use a ratchet strap to tie everything down in the front seat. I don't do aerobatics when I'm travelling like that. Instead, what I've found I can do is fly to the camping site, take all the equipment out, set up the tent, put all the equipment in the tent, button the plane back up, and then I can go fly aerobatics if I want. Thanks for the support, blues skies my friend!

[@jeromes5141]

What, no more Mooney. Your videos helped me with deciding on a Mooney and now I got one you switched 😱😭😭😭😭🤣🤣👍👍.

[@AverageAviator]

Well I'm glad I could help you decide, I love the Mooney! Perhaps one day after you have been flying it for a while you might be convinced to get a Skybolt!

[@slcarlsson7424]

@@AverageAviator …or you come back to you first big love. 😁

[@kevincrocker8206]

What a great segment. Great thought process. Keep growing kid! Sky’s the limit! (See what I did there?)

[@fritz4345]

From one great plane to another great plane. Great choice! Now have fun with it.

[@markgunnison]

I like the trade. I started flying in a 1950 Cessna 170A. After 270 hours of fun I decided I wanted something faster that I could travel in. Like you I placed an add looking for a trade and eventually found a 1961 Mooney M20B. When I first got the Mooney I flew it all the time. I was having fun working on IFR training but life got in the way and I had to take a break. I'm back to flying once again but I find I miss the tailwheel. I currently have just over 500 hours and find I use my airplane like a boat. I like to take it up and play around. I'm not really into going places. I have been playing with the idea of going back to the tailwheel - something that will also go upside-down. It will be interesting to see your experience. I'm not ready to change/trade but I sure have been thinking about it.

[@AverageAviator]

Interesting that we have a similar story, I started in a '59 172, the offspring of the 170. I think you would have fun in an RV-8 or similar, they are tailwheel, aerobatic, and still can take you places quickly like the Mooney. Let me know if you ever make the decision!

[@markgunnison]

@@AverageAviator Yes, I live about 30 minutes from the Van's factory. My hangar neighbor had an RV-6. I have considered building an RV-8 or RV-7. (Everyone I talk with says to build the RV-8 as we end up flying alone most of the time anyway.) The problem is I would spend over twice what my Mooney is worth to build one. Not sure I'm that motivated.

[@scottmonroe6522]

You can only sign off things in the logbook on an an experimental if you’re an A&P or the builder of the aircraft and have been issued a certificate to perform maintenance on that aircraft. This is issued to the builder with the airworthiness certificate. Just because you own an experimental doesn’t change your privileges unless you are the original builder. Check the FAR’s.

[@AverageAviator]

This is simply not true. FAR Part 43 specifically does not apply to Experimental Amateur Built aircraft. From the EAA itself: www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/intro-to-aircraft-building/frequently-asked-questions/non-builder-maintenance

[@AverageAviator]

The only thing I cannot do is the condition inspection. For that I would have to be the builder with a repairman's certificate or an A&P. So other than a condition inspection or a major change, I can sign it off.

[@russellesimonetta9071]

You can do five or six hundred miles a day on cross country trips. That,s a really nice plane.

[@CaptainCharlieBravo]

I’m pumped for ya! Live a little!

[@jdeadman]

Congrats. Looks like a fun bird

[@Heatherder]

The 360 is the way to go with skybolts imo, the 540 is nice, but unnecessary and heavy

[@AubreyStJohn3000]

No regrets...Enjoy and have fun with a new challenge.

[@gman68137]

gman be sad. Was learning and enjoying your Mooney adventure. But guess your mission changed.

[@AverageAviator]

Mission didn't change much actually. I will still be taking trips in the Skybolt and making videos on my experiences and what I've learned as an aircraft owner, its just going to be with a different airplane in the background with slightly different capabilities.

[@Heatherder]

Stunning aeroplane ❤️

[@billliddle5749]

Mucho Interesting!!

[@tedgarrison9650]

What is your actual cruise speed? Could not understand what you said it was. Thx

[@AverageAviator]

100-105 knots

[@stevemiller2210]

Travis I know a guy that’s looking for a very nice skybolt just letting you know

[@waynemenzi4288]

Cool plane!!

[@calebtennis]

Get rid of those zip ties on your engine mount and replace them with adel clamps - sincerely a random internet stranger

[@daveplem]

I had one of those decision moments once. It involved a bonfire, a bottle of Jack Daniels, and a fat girl named Gail. Jack whispered to me, “Do it, Son. You are young. If you wait until you sober up, you’ll never do it!” I didn’t get to wake up to an airplane either. Quit your bitching!

[@davidhendrix5171]

Go get the Mooney back...😂

[@ShallowThought]

I'm disappointed... I planned on using you as a lessons learned for aviation as a lifestyle with the Mooney. this being said you gotta love your life don't live for randoms on the internet.

[@AverageAviator]

I can still give some lessons learned in the Mooney if you want. Perhaps I'll do a Mooney tribute video on all the things I liked about it haha

[@ShallowThought]

@@AverageAviator Sounds like a wonderful video idea :). You should setup a e mail on your page tons of questions I'd love to ask but not on a comment wall :P

[@AverageAviator]

@@ShallowThought I have an email, I link it in the description of the videos but it's at the bottom and can be hard to find. [e-mail] Shoot me an email and I'll answer some questions if you have them!

[@UH60crew1]

See you later not into that type of aircraft and flying.

[@dforr2981]

Bah ha ha ha ha ......