Phil Smith

Male

Buhl, ID

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model

STOL CH 701

Project Status

Flying

Building From

Kit

Engine installed (or plan to install)

Rotax 912

Building Experience

Have worked on airplanes before

Flying Experience

Commercial / CFI

Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info

Retired USAF pilot after 28 years on active duty, USAF Reserve and Michigan ANG, then flew cargo world wide for nine years in L382 Hercules and 747-200F freighters, along the way rebuilt several airplanes and got my A&P. Decided the most fun I have ever had flying was low and slow in an old J3 Cub. Didn't like the cost of a J3 vs the performance so opted for the CH 701 which used to stare me in the face on the inside back cover of "Kit Planes" magazine. Even thought that it was the uglyest airplane I had ever seen...but fell in love anyway because it fits my six foot, 280 lb frame.Took three years, eight months and 20 days start to sign off on September 20, 2010. Ran out of parts and excuses on November 5, 2010 and flew first flight of fifteen minutes. Now have a little over three hours on bird - no squawks - and am waiting for Idaho weather to alow further adventures.

Now have ten hours and about 14 landings. All is well except for the tire questions that you might look up on the matronics web site under 701801 Still grinnin - but this Idaho wx sux when you're trying to fly.

Now over 100 hours (APR 2014) and still amazed that you can have this much fun for so little cost.

Now airframe and engine time is over 148 and still running great. Look below for some of the things that I have done to clean up problem areas.

Time now is 210.6 hrs....simple maintenance throw in some mogas and have a great time.

Time now over 260.0 hours with no real problems. Have done a few mods along the way.Two most satisfying are the "DELTAgs' that I added to the top and the 21 800X600 tires. Both these and others covered in my blogs messages and site.

Still Grinnin!!!

Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)

U03

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