172 Taildragger Finished

[Jimmy M.]

Got her flying early in the summer, (68 hrs so far )finally took a little time to post some pics.
It does everything I wanted it to, better than I expected.Jumps out of water, lands nice and short.
The tail is not as round as some of you folks like but I put enough RED on it so some people
should like it.
Can't wait to try it on skis.
Thanks for all the advice guys.......hope you like what you see.

[GAHorn]

That nice, large, square tail probably helps a floatplane avoid the "wags". Nice lookin' airplane!

[mit]

I see your still using the 172 float struts could you use the stub leg if you wanted?

[Jimmy M.]

I'm not sure what you mean by a stub leg ??

[mit]

The Edo part that takes the place of the gear leg on floats for a tail-dragger.

[Brad Brady]

Jim,
That is one beautiful aircraft...Thanks for shearing the pics....Brad

[Jimmy M.]

Oh those....we call them "porkchops"...that's not the proper name for them either, EDO calls
them " fuselage fittings "
I'm set up to fly as a 172 on floats and a 170 on wheels and skis.I went that route because 172
float rigging is more common and easier to come by ( a little less pricey too. )
and the 172 float kit was a little easier to install.

[Jimmy M.]

Thanks Brad and George, I spent 4 years and a few thousand hours on it, still have to
do something with the interior.

[GAHorn]

Check out the Selkirk interior! It's an attractive, hard-shell, in the colors you'll like. Here's their brochure. You have to see their product to appreciate it. It's made of the most durable, textured, well-fitted composite stuff I've ever seen.

Selkirk Interior Brochure.pdf

[jatkins]

Nice looking aircraft, If you get down towards CYOO , look me up!

What type of skis are you planning ?
I am still working on getting my Fly lite 3000s set up for my 170B
I am trying to find a tail ski, and pump selector.

John

[jon s blocker]

Who's STC did you use for the 0-360? GREAT looking plane! Nice paint scheme. Have you had it on the gear yet, or just on floats? Jon

[Jimmy M.]

I'm in a non-certified category here in Canada, BUT
Engine conversion was done as per Mckenzie STC
Tailwheel conversion .....Fravel STC
Stol kit is a Sportsman
All work on this airplane was done as per AC 43-13, and Cessna drawings,under the direct
supervision of three very picky AME,s. ( that's Canadian for A+P)

I was going to keep it certified ....but then I got a super deal on a brand new
Superior EXP engine.

I'm putting it on Federal 2000 skis for this year..............I put 3/16" plastic on the bottoms and cut it 14" wide
so I'll have good flotation.I'll be watching for bigger skis for next winter, as I've already dipped into my
kids' inheritance enuff for this year.

I'll be putting it on the gear this weekend so I'll have some pictures next week.

[mod cessna]

Great looking airplane. How long are your water runs? In seconds? Fixed pitch i see what did you go with for pitch and length?

I have a 56 with with the Fravel STC and the stock engine. It makes a good ski plane. It can be tough to turn in a wind, but once you get pointed where you are going it does well. Here is a video of my airplane with some ski flying. http://www.vimeo.com/7133729

[Jimmy M.]

Prop is a mac..1A200FA 81/44...shortest water takeoff,loaded light,cool,no wind....6 seconds
Usually takes about 8 sec sometimes 12 to 14 depends on load
I took the floats off yesterday, got the skis on.....today I,m putting on all new
cables and bungees
Now I wait for the lakes to freeze.
I'm gonna use the 81/44 for now but I might try a 76/56 to see how fast it'll go

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Matt I loved that video and sound track. Your not going to ruin your aircrafts patina with a paint job are you?