23 October 2016, 00:17
Angus MorrisonOutfitters planes on here?
I run a Wilga 2000 on straight floats, and leased or rented Beavers. Everything is floats here as there are no flat spots that aren't very wet. The Wilga is good, a bit heavy, but its 300HP and STOL aerodynamics help (leading edge slats, vortex generators). Controls and cockpit are fantastic, with extremely responsive "un-Cessnalike" control authority. I fly helicopters as my off season job and get used to 1/8" inputs to make a machine move, training in a Cessna floatplane was an eye opener. The Wilga isn't like a helicopter, but it is a lot more responsive / has a higher rate for a smaller input, I like that. It's a stick as well, which helps, I typically fly it from the right side as I'm used to sitting over there from the day job. Allows right hand on the stick and left for throttle, a better mix for most right handers.
The Wilga gets off fast, but is slow in cruise 95mph max without sucking huge fuel. Will go for 7hrs leaned and throttled to 92mph. Interior is lovely, like a modern sports car, but that's a problem too moving hunters and animals and gear.
