Well, I was finally able to take the RANS up for a test flight. After many years of delays, other projects having priority, and of course waiting for parts, cataract surgery, etc. I decided to test fly last night from the airport. I did several taxi tests to get a feel for the 'shopping cart' type of handling the plane exhibited. Next went out on the runway for higher speeds to get a better feel for what to expect at landing speeds. Overall not too difficult, but it was definitely heavier on the controls and all around heavy feeling compared to the light rocketship feel on wheels.

I did experience high oil temperatures so might have to increase oil cooler size

https://youtu.be/NBHGfzx3YNg

Looking good!

Though the tailwheel is a little funny

Going from graceful takeoffs in a tailwheel to feeling like you’re flipping a burger in a amphib takes a little getting used to, as does steering with differential brakes, but amphibs are addictive, once on amphibs it’s hard to justify taking them off

Thanks 93K! LOL! Yes, the tailwheel looks a bit out of place but I needed to put it back on for a better W/B. It looks big since it is big. I had 29" Bushwheels on the plane along with the bigger TW. The tube in that tire might also have been replaced with some lead. How else can weight be added far aft without being unsightly.

Haven't done any water landings yet as I need to deal with the high oil temperature first. But I agree, amphibs will probably be quite addicting. I've only got around 300 hours on straight floats, but absolutely loved flying on floats. A friend has the same type of floats and flies it more in the winter than the summer. Says they are awesome on snow. I will be giving it a try!!

Look at southern seaplanes for their program with egress training

http://www.southernseaplane.com/seaplan ... -institute

This was part of my old amphib indoc




Highly recommend southern seaplanes, and be very cautious with amphib ops

Thanks! Great info!!

And use your checklist on EVERY water landing.