The Challenge

[@wildlifeYaktographer]

Awesome video! Do you have some sort of automatic altitude control. You look to be loosing altitude while you were taking photos, but then it seem to correct itself. I suppose that could of just been the changing terrain!

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Dear Jason, Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. This is just part of the longer movie "The Flint Hills Fall Fandango" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3enlnhtp9F9rLM). You should see the whole thing. I know you will like it. You should check out "The Harper Run" (kzbin.info/aero/PLw-1AzkBKwvPS9nM-GGIe7Iz3eEUzoA8j) and "The Search for Mustang Valley"(kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYq1cqiuoKiXjdk), too... No. Nothing automatic here. I just need to make sure I don't concentrate too much on taking pictures so as to lose track of airspeed. I am constantly adjusting the elevator trim on these flights. I'm also controlling the plane to some degree with the rudder. This is "seat of the pants" flying just like The Wright Brothers. I have been improving my camera mounts and hope to shoot "The Flint Hills Spring Fandango" any day now... Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer

[@jondoe6618]

Man I love all your videos. In fact I just bought a quicksilver mx yesterday. I got it pretty cheap. It was in storage with the tail and sails off. When I assembled it some of the cables are loose and seems the whole top sags to the rear. Is there a way to tighten the whole plane when assembling it? Thanks for any input.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

I JUST saw this today (1Jan20). If you can send me your email address or phone number I will tell you what I know.

[@kimfrizell3199]

Another great video, Brian. I love them all, especially Li'l Prop. How do you refuel at your safari destination if you don't have enough gas left for a return flight? Do you carry a quart of 2 stroke oil with you and use av gas at the airport?

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thanks, Kim! I have another one in the can but have not started editing it yet... On Safaris I strap two fuel tanks behind the seat that have handles on them. They are the type you use to get gas for an outboard motor. I grab one or both and walk into town and go to a gas station and mix the oil with the gas. I always carry my own oil in the canvas bag that is on the frame behind the seat. I have been using Havoline 2 stroke for about 4 years now. That bag also contains some tools, a can of air for flat tires, tie downs, plugs, caps and some other items. I use Premium auto gas but if I am able to fuel at an airport I will use av gas. I have also tried Regular Car Gas. I have not seen any difference regardless of fuel type but I ALWAYS mix oil with the gas as I put it in the carry tank(s). By following that method religiously I never worry about running the motor without oil in the mix. Rotax Rick has rebuilt my engine twice now and I am extremely happy with his work. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ The Sky Surfer

[@k5azebud988]

To me this is the best kind of flying, seeing everything up close and a real sensation of movement. Most airplanes are built for transportation from one place to another, boring!

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Dear Bud, You got that right! This is "stick and rudder, seat of the pants" flying just like The Wright Brothers invented. Being exposed to the air and feeling the temperature changes is a bonus. One thing you wouldn't realize not having flown this way is that I can smell the sunflowers and the wheat fields, smoke from fires. The Quicksilver has a distinct advantage in this my having a rear mounted engine and prop. The visibility is unmatched except for Powered Parachutes. Check out some of my other movies of this type. I put "POV" in their titles so you can find them easily. Thanks for watching. Please tell your Buddies about The Sky Surfer's Stuff! Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer - Wichita

[@k5azebud988]

I've been here a long time, I have several Tube accounts. I get to experience those things, I ride a motorcycle...

[@TabascoJoe20]

Brian thanks for the content. I am in North Carolina and cant get down nap of earth level. (really jealous)I live in constant where could I put it down Mode. You are really blessed with all that wide open. Leaving the airport for me means altitude. I for one would really like a good walk around video of your rig and setup. I mean you got some stuff packed on there! what is that canister on the lower left main, is that a storage box behind the seat, a better look at that stowage bag strapped to back of seat and attached to main axle. maybe an overview of your preflight Many thanks

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Dear Joe, The big, white thing is a ballistic parachute. I have a fire extinguisher on the other side of the axle. It is not for "in flight" but in case a fire were to start at a Fly-In, I might be able to put it out. The gear bag is affixed to the seat downtube and sits on an aluminum "C" channel I fabricated that is attached to the two downtubes by adell clamps. That's where I keep tie downs, extra oil, etc. I might do a movie sometime on the plane... Thanks for checking in! Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ Brian - The Sky Surfer

[@msantifort]

Brian I flew quicksilver ultralights in Las Vegas for about a year while I was in the Air Force in 1985. Now I am looking for a quicksilver single seat but I am not able to find anything in N.C. Can you direct me to a good dealer that sells used aircraft that is within several hundred miles of N.C. or in N.C. I truly miss the freedom of an ultralight even though I have flown Cessna 150s and 172s which is boring compared to quicksilver ultralights (former Tailgunner B-52) . I love your videos and my heart aches when I watch your videos. Fly safe.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Dear Bubba, It is hard to experience flight more pure than in an Ultralight and a Quicksilver is definitely one of the best out there. The folks you need to talk to are Air-Tech in Louisiana. I just spoke to Bever (Borne) yesterday about a maintenance issue. He is always helpful and they have all the kits and parts. Here is their website: www.air-techinc.com/ Tell 'em The Sky Surfer sent you!

[@msantifort]

Thank you Brian for this info, I will check them out. Be safe.

[@rogerheath597]

Hey Brian, I really enjoy your flights in your Quick-Silver are you still going to make more videos? And do you ever get over to Coffeyville?

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Yes. I am in the final stages of finishing another POV like this one. It will be titled "Magic Time - Final Flight". If you are a subscriber, you will be sent a notice.

[@daddytub]

As always, another good presentation! I like the forward-facing video, pointed towards the middle of the prop. That's a cool perspective. I really enjoy watching your flying videos!

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

Thanks again, Tiger. Be looking forward to my next big thing. I am attempting 8 cameras for "The Flint Hills Spring Fandango". Stormy weather has been an issue as has the perfection of the cam mounts. I believe I got the two wing mounts FINALLY to a place I am 95% happy with. I test flew the new mounts today and they looked way better. Now if the weather is good tomorrow after Church I will head across The Flint Hills and see whatever I see... Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™ B. FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer