Trying to Master Taildragger Landings Flying the 75 Year Old Stinson 108

[@lancairdriver8122]

Thanks for the great video. A 108-2 caught my eye and I didn’t know a thing about the brand until watching your review. Thanks and safe and fun flying!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks for watching the video and I hope it answered some questions.

[@bell47king]

Love watching all your videos Scooter. Not only are they fun and interesting but educational as well. Currently teaching my 14 yr old grandson Norman in my Luscombe and he also watches all your videos to observe and learn from your techniques. Cheers.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Great to hear you're passing the knowledge on to the next generation! You're the type of person we need in GA. Thanks for watching and at some point I need to give a shout out to some of the folks watching these videos!

[@bell47king]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo You know him, he was the young boy assisting at your STOL competition in Chesaning. He is pretty taken with you and your Stinson.

[@scottanttila3432]

@@bell47king that's awesome! In a couple years he will be competing against me... No mercy Norman, no mercy. I thank you for the help at the STOL contest. Stuck a good group of people who showed up last year, wait till the official announcing comes out for 2022 big plans.

[@aronfreitag]

Keep the videos coming, I love your philosophy of showing the practice runs and the way you promote GA. Thanks Scooter!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks for watching. We need people to promote general aviation, So many people think it's out of reach..

[@toddrader1698]

I love your videos and your easy going style in the final product

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks for the compliment and watching. My "easy going style" It's probably just being a KZbin rookie, but it has its own charm.

[@trevb0b]

Glad to see my old stomping grounds Ray and Romeo again. Lots of landings there. Keep up the good work!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Those are great airports with a fantastic aviation community at Ray. Thanks for watching the video and when you're in the area give us a shout, we can show you around some of Michigan's lesser knows landing zones.

[@harrybastone6556]

Hi, Merry Christmas!!!!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@zakhitt4120]

Love watching your videos. Working on the same thing in my -3.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I think the dash 3 might be a little better looking airplane. Keep flying and come visit us sometime. Thanks for watching the videos.

[@michaelflannery7774]

Really Enjoy your videos! Love the vintage Stinson and your appreciation of this historic and well-designed bird! Is like your excellent motto for this site; "Aviation, the way it was meant to be!" I fly an aerobatic biplane, but am getting an itch to do some "fly-camping" in a bush plane with my Grandson. I think a Stinson 108-3 with a higher-powered engine will fit the bill, as I expect one of my sons will also come along for the camping trips. Target Mission: 3 people + camping equipment and reasonable fuel with sufficient power for short in and out situations. Stinson will fill the bill. Thanks for spurring my interest!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I've done your mission with my plane. I hope it works out, everyone will enjoy.

[@jimcombatvet8122]

Howdy from HW-75 in SE AZ

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Howdy back! The 75 is a gem!

[@brettgerber795]

Merry Christmas Scooter. Always good to be practicing.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Merry Christmas. It's really the most fun I have with this airplane. With the Stinson the journey is the destination.

[@JohnKenIRB233]

Good discussion about landing stall speed. Personal problem for me as I moved up in aircraft performance was that extra 10 mph resulted in significant longer landing distance in ground effect!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

We can discuss landing techniques with different airspeeds and how it affects landing distance. In this situation if I roll the power to idle and hold that airspeed the plane will stall (at 50mph the airplane is descending a bit and converting some power to lift) almost immediately. The 50mph I fly is 20mph slower that the books recommended procedure. I would never recommend that anyone flys final the way I do. Any extra airspeed above 1.3Vso is going to significantly increase landing distance as you try and bleed it off in ground effect with it's reduced induced drag.

[@reidbaldwin4555]

I'm glad you pointed out that the technique used in a STOL contest is not the best technique on an actual short runway. In a STOL contest, you get three tries and your score is based on how good your best landing is. Using power to drag it over the line in ground effect is the best technique for that. Landing short 25% of the time is no big deal. On an actual short runway, consistency is crucial. It doesn't matter how short your best landings are. The question is how long your worst landings are. That said, practicing for last summer's Great Lakes STOL contest really improved my ability to consistently fly final approach so that I arrived at the threshold with just enough margin over stall to round-out. Although I wouldn't use my contest technique on an actual short runway, I do feel that I could confidently go into a shorter runway after the contest than before I did that practicing. Not only was it fun, those of us that participated are better pilots. Thanks for putting that together. Looking forward to next year.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I probably shouldn't give all my STOL secrets away in these videos... I'm finding out the competitions watching 😂. I really look forward to seeing you there next year, that for watching and let's get the Sedan in another video sometime!

[@scottscornerrd]

What a fun day of flying 👍

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

It really was a fun day. There is nothing much more fun that working landing in a tailwheel.

[@outlawchop-shop7468]

Made it to the end. Lol. Good video and great to see someone practicing short landing for fun! Keep it up!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks for checking in and watching till the end! Nothing quite as enjoyable as going out and beating up on your plane.

[@davidseiler55]

Thanks. Looking at getting a 108-1. This has been very helpful.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Glad it was helpful. Check out the Stinson 108 review and it runs through all the different models.

[@larryblanks6765]

Love your Stinson, sweet paint job!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks. I wish I could say it was my idea, but it was painted like that when I got it. I'm not changing it though.

[@ronmartin3755]

I received my pilot's license in 1961. The only plane I flew until my 30s was a tail dragger! I actually purchased an Aeronca Chief! This plane was a 65 HP high wing tail dragger! Two-seat and slow! But I loved it. It would take me anywhere faster than a car!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I got a friend who flies an Aeronca Chief. While a little tight, and with 65 horsepower a little slow on the climb. It is an honest flying airplane, energy management is important, and it's a great way to learn how to fly.

[@inspector300421]

Found a 108-3 hoping to get the deal. Wish me luck. From OHIO hope to see you in the sky's soon.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Did you get it?

[@Daniel-np1wb]

Merry Christmas. Really enjoy your videos. Look forward to the ones in the new year.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

The GMBCo. Has had some changes this year and next year we should have some great content. Thank you for watching.

[@J5Jonny5]

Hi! made it, great video!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@CalebICT]

I haven’t done enough flying lately. It’s good to see that you are. Love the videos. I hope you had a good Christmas and will have a great new year!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Motivation to go flying can be difficult to drum up in the winter, and to that the short days my flying slows down Dec-Feb. You have a happy new year also and clear skies.

[@AlParr_CTC]

Enjoyed the ride. 😊 Thanks.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@FreedomfixerFlying]

That inadvertent flap retraction was a surprise. I've never had that happen with Shelia. I'm more afraid if only one flap pops and goes whacky! I hope it never happens again. Fly safe buddy.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I'm not sure you could survive a split flap situation in tbe 108. You'd have to be quick and hope that you'd figure out how to resolve the split flap before it rolled you over... Probably 2 seconds or so.

[@gdhubert]

Nice video. And a Merry Christmas to ya

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Merry Christmas to you also. Thanks for watching the video!

[@toddmichel5091]

I just finally subscribed. I have been watching for a little while and you guys have great fun and have great content. Also, some impressive flying. I am looking for a 108-1 or 2 now....love the airplanes. The camera work is really awesome on your videos and I really enjoy them. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks you for subscribing! The -2 is a beast. I like the 165 alot over the 150. If you ever have questions about the 108 feel free to reach out.

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Scooter, you would make a great CFI....!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks 👍

[@bernardanderson3758]

Merry Christmas to you

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Merry Christmas to you too... Anderson are you a Fin or a Swede?

[@robertlagatree7533]

Merry Christmas Scooter

[@223Carbine]

Merry Christmas Scott.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Merry Christmas to you also. Thanks for watching! Clear skies.

[@klintonadams1366]

Love you videos!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thank you for watching! I enjoy the folks who are in this community, you folks all rock!

[@garygasser6760]

looks like fun.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Tons of fun! Do you fly?

[@alanwhite588]

I’m planning a trip through Michigan in May in The Big Orange Bird enroute to a RAF meeting in WI. My goal is to go south to north and camp overnight at North Fox and stop in at as many grass strips as I can along the way. What are the “don’t miss this one” strips in Michigan?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

North Fox, Two hearted, Alkay, Woolsey, Pricket Grooms. Give us a shout at the Great Michigan Bush Co Facebook page, you'll get a couple tag alongs.

[@alanwhite588]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo I intend to overnight camp at North Fox and Woolsey is a no brained as it will be right on the way. I can definitely move my path a little west to get Alkay. As much as I’d like to do Two Hearted, it and Pricket Grooms are a little too far north for this trip. From North Fox, would you recommend going to Beaver Island and then to Schoolcroft and work down the WI shoreline or just go direct to Washington Island?

[@alanwhite588]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo Oh, and I’ll definitely hit you up! That would be a blast!

[@airmailman1971]

You're good. Thanks.

[@blainemacdonald6929]

I am interested to see what the performance difference would be against my metalized super stinson 108-3 for short take-off.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

The metal doesn't add a lot weight, maybe 50 pounds. My hunch is a 180hp would shave 30' and a 470 might shave another 50' So zero wind are you seeing 220-250' off the ground. The climb should be like a rocket compared to the 1000 FPM the 165 gets.

[@blainemacdonald6929]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo it is my first tailwheel and I'm still feeling it out. It climbs at about 1500fpm with full fuel and 2 heavy guys in it this time of year. I am actually based on the lake huron side of Ontario Canada. Between the metal and the 470 and constant speed prop she's a heavy bird.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

@@blainemacdonald6929 yes the constant speed prop and weight shift associated is why I'm looking at the O-360 and not the O470. That bird should pull you out of some steep terrain.

[@blainemacdonald6929]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo there is a straight 108 with a new lycoming 360/fixed pitch on our field they are just finishing up. I will be interesting to compare. I know I'm going to be jealous of his range. I'm looking for a set of edo2425s

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

@@blainemacdonald6929 let me know how they compare.. Enquiring Stinson owners want to know.

[@garygasser6760]

Yes when ever I can .

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

That's the spirit!

[@5sixaero670]

I like the stall simulation

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I didn't simulate a stall. I stalled it a couple times there. I think now puts should go up and become comfortable with how thier aircraft fly when slow. Thanks for watching the video! 👍

[@charlesbreen4252]

Just came across your channel and I enjoy your approach to aviation, very refreshing. A coupple of questions. First what is your fuel burn on a cross country and second how do you get those shots of your acraft that are out in front of the aircraft, very cool!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I burn 10 gallons an hour cross country. The camera out front is just pure magic It's a 360 cam and it's all done with software.

[@charlesbreen4252]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo Those are really mind bending shots and so very cool. Thanks for the reply!

[@charlesbreen4252]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo Those are really mind bending shots and so very cool. Thanks for the reply!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

@@charlesbreen4252 Thanks for watching and keep commenting. I really enjoy interacting with others interested in aviation.

[@sxf093020]

Made it to the end - thank you for the video! How do you get that cool shot from the front of the plane? It seems to be a 360 camera on the strut, but it's curious how it almost seems to float just ahead of the plane for a full front to back view.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

It's a 360 cam and it does That view through magic. Thanks for watching the video and hope to see you in future videos.

[@sxf093020]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo Thank you!

[@cpasseno]

Hi! So if you don't asphalt fly often, let's see your home strip!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I land the grass alongside the runway.

[@historysattic9112]

Nice! Scooter, I'm looking to buy my own aircraft, to start from square one through a Commercial Cert, then eventually open an Air Tour biz. - Would you recommend the 108-2 as a good trainer as well? Thanks in advance, John

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

If you are looking to start with a tail wheel it would be a great trainer.

[@scottanttila3432]

Are you preparing for the Great Lakes STOL2022?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

You know it!

[@WatchmanForthePeople]

Nice!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Thanks!

[@garyhinkle4917]

Good to see someone actually practicing something useful. 2 things. Why did you keep flyimg when you had an issue with the flaps? And 2nd, what's with the "Dart Vader" helmet?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

@garyhinkle4917 The reason I kept flying after I had an issue with the flaps is on the ground I was able to duplicate what happened and I figured out it was a pilot error problem with me not fully engaging the flaps in the lock position. The helmet was purchased for STOL competitions and ArkenSTOL. One of the largest causes of injury in landing and ground loop accidents is impacts to the head on the panel and aircraft frame. I was unsure if I wanted a full time helmet or not so I purchased the Comtronics Pro flight helmet. I'll probably upgrade to a Sky cowboys helmet becuase I find the use of the helmet makes sense even outside the competitions.

[@donc9751]

What was it that happened at about the 6:11 point in the video that you commented on having "never had that happen before" and at 1st I thought your seat had came loose! Then after watching a couple more times I think it looked like the flaps came loose from where you set them. and you commented that had never happened before and could have been a real bad situation had you been lower to the ground?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I didn't get the flaps fully into the full setting detent and they retracted. User error. 35 years ago in a Piper Cherokee I did something similar. I hope it's 35 years before I do it again.

[@bernardanderson3758]

What’s with the helmet?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Most STOL contests are requiring or recommending helmets. So I purchased one. Figure I'll get used to flying with it on, when pushing the airplane hard on take offs and landings it probably adds another layer of safety that I'm comfortable with.

[@thonatim5321]

Where is the rest of the crew? Dan should be out and about.

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

We have a surprise coming from Stryker very soon... Stay tuned he is returning very soon!

[@FlyingNDriving]

Land short and short landing have two very different meanings to me

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I suppose context matters.

[@chrisclem4470]

What was the issue with the flaps?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

I'm barely sure it was user error. I didn't fully pull the flap into the detent and it didn't lock.

[@chrisclem4470]

Thanks! And thank you for the videos!

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

@@chrisclem4470 thanks for watching the video, without you and the others watching it wouldn't be any fun making these videos.

[@stevestevens9046]

Great job 👍 what's with the helmet? don't trust yourself? Or the plane?

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Many events are requiring them. If you do end up on your back nearly all injuries are from your head hitting the dash, with shoulder harnesses and a helmet eliminate injury if you have a low speed incident. So I practiced the way I'm going to fly.

[@stevestevens9046]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo what alltude you have to be at to get that canopy open and safely bail out? Also how does your 02 mask work? Is there a bottle attached to it? And if you bail out does it go with you

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

@@stevestevens9046 it's so when you stop fast you don't end up with blunt force trauma to the head when your noggin hits the panel or yoke. The contests are going to require there use by pilots so I figure get used to it.

[@marcospaim77]

Q idiora voado um aviao desses com capacete

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

Most of the short landing contests are requesting you fly with a helmet now, next year they will require it. I practice the way I complete.

[@Dont_Think_Do_Films]

Don’t jump out of that plane😂

[@GreatMichiganBushCo]

You won't find me flying with a skydiving rig on unless I intend on jumping from the plane.😂 It will be interesting to see how the NTSB report reads and how the FAA responds. I am not aware of many bailouts from an airplane in the 35 years I've been flying. There was that skydiver who jumped from a flaming plane 6 or so years ago, but that's all I know of.

[@Dont_Think_Do_Films]

@@GreatMichiganBushCo ya I can’t wait

[@kirtflesher1603]

Lose the helmet