Transition into Eagle

[AirborneBear]

Hi All-

Just a quick question regarding transitioning into flying an Eagle.  I am a private pilot, have owned a couple of airplanes and still own a PA28-160.  If I build an XL one of these days, what, if any, transition training would those of you experienced pilots recommend?  How did you learn to safely fly your Eagle?  Did you find the flight characteristics similar to certified aircraft?  Any nasty tendencies of the aircraft to lookout for when transitioning?

I enjoy building projects and flying, so this looks like a good fit for my interests!

Thanks in advance.

[leshoman]

The biggest change is no mass, or weight, to keep it flying when you pull the power. taking off, flying, should be little problem. Until you get used to it i would recommend flying it all the way to wheels on ground, then pull power.  When making a ,quote, normal landing, at the phase where just above the runway and pulling power to float to that perfect landing you will drop like a rock.  Problem with no mass is when over runway, at say 35 mph, and pulling the power, that giant fan, brake, says i want to fly 12 mph, and it wins. result, extremely rapid slow down to below stall speed, and drops like a rock.  I have eyewitness, on board video, and video from in front of machine when this happens.  Once you get used to it it is no big problem and easy to use in your favor.

[AirborneBear]

That’s good information.  Thanks for the detailed description of what to expect.  Your description makes sense and could certainly catch a GA pilot off guard.  I’m pretty well accustomed to setting up the landing attitude and cutting the power well before crossing the runway threshold...  I’ll keep this information in mind in the future.

Harold

[MrG]

Totally agree I fly a DE and same rules  i haveh had an engine itsi stick forward and air speed air speed but on flip side there great fun  easy to fly

[Leonard]

Hi newbes  when landing the Eagles airplanes keep about 1/2 power on the approach and level off about one foot and pull power and aft stick will get you a grease job landing.   if loosing power full forward on the stick and get about 50 miles per hour and repeat the power procedure. The planes will glide good but you must to keep the speed up.   Leonard

[AirborneBear]

Thank you for the advice!   This looks to be a fun little aircraft.  I sure hope I can build one some day.   I really enjoy tinkering and building things, so this seems to be right up by alley.

I was curious about transitioning from a certified aircraft and you guys have been more than helpful in answering my questions regarding flight characteristics.

Take care,

Harold