I just got back from about 25 hours of flight in 2 1/2 weeks. Did some local ADS-B and avionics check flights and rigging checks after the dual stick conversion. Then a long trip.

I am very disappointed with the dual stick kit that I paid $800 for. Installed per the instructions the stick hits the dash when forward well before all travel is achieved and when back it needed to be about 2 inches into my chest with the seat way back to get full up elevator.  I had to redesign the end of the push pull tube to relocate it on the bellcrank to change the ratio. Then put a bend in to prevent it from rubbing the fuselage, and cut the stick down and re-shape it.  And the stick still is rigged as far as the rod end will safely thread out but still a bit to left of center when the CORRECTLY RIGGED flaperons are neutral. I could have built my own quicker and cheaper.

That said, the re-engineered dual stick is easier to fly and hold steadier in rough air,  even if the lateral control is a bit stiffer. Some ball bearing on the torque tube will be needed to deal with that.

I don't have my fairing end covers on yet or tail fairings or some other speed up modes my last CH801 had completed yet. And I have huge cooling drag. But I still cruised at 5000-7000 DA and got TAS of 101 to 103 KNOTS (not mph) at 70% power on a Superior O-360 with carb. No slats but  I do have VGs and love how it lands. If incremental changes on this behave as they did on my last 801, I expect eventually to cruise at 105 to 108 KTAS with a plane that still loves to loaf around at 65 knots doors off and handles the hayfield  and dirt road landings nicely. Anything above 100 KTAS is gravy, and will be used for more range or more margin against head winds. Not trying for a speed demon, just cutting out unnecessary drag which also reduces ROC and ceiling.

The new IFR panel performed well except for some overheats caused by the horrific OAT at altitude and a leaking through heater valve.  But easily fixed. 

A look CHTs still right up at and occasionally over 400'F and I am not happy about that. But a look at another 801 cowl at Oshkosh gave me the insight into the necessary fix. Oshkosh was great!

The trip from KS to KOSH to PA and back went easy. it took only about 9 hours air time to get from the 150 miles in from the East coast to Wichita.  In 3 hour legs with time to stop for fuel and some relaxation and hanger flying along the way it made for an easy day. Alaska here I come.

Sam N733YD