Dream Aircraft Tundra

[TundraJoe]

Exactly what am I doing reading about this and not being there with you ??

[dirtstrip]

This is Dirt reporting in for Michelle who has been very busy as a Fed Ex pilot. I corresponded with her about getting a report on her Tundra. I had stated previously she was now in Alaska. I believe that I misunderstood the person who told me "she was now in Alaska" and took it to mean she lived there. The fact is she is just about everywhere. Sorry for the confusion.

I received two emails from her and have decided to go ahead and post parts of those that describe her work, her mission for the Tundra and what opinions she has of her new plane. If I should get a reply from her build partner or test pilot I will post that also. This was sent to me in mid March and the following is patched together from her two emails.

Hi Lynn,
....I have been working a ton including overseas and trying to get my taxes finished. I only have a few (4) days off then gone again. Give me a few days to get caught up and I will check out the (BCP) website. I also forwarded your emails to Stan who is flying my initial 40 hrs of flight time. Then I will get checked out (I have been out of small airplane flying for 23 yrs and don't have much taildragger time). I will also forward your emails to Bob as he helped me extensively in building my plane. These 2 people could answer questions (at this point) better than I can. I will help anyway I can.

I ask Stan to call you (573 area code) if he ran into anything in the initial 40 hrs that you may have experienced and could help with, if needed.


(Second email from Michelle)

My Tundra currently has 5.5 hrs on it. Stan says it flies like a home sick angel....flies like a dream. It did have a few issues on the flight yesterday, but he said that is to be expected. It was something to do with controls and the left wing being "heavy". Need to do some tweeking.
...I am currently a Fedex pilot (last 15 yrs) in the MD11. I am headed to Anchorage this weekend. I want to take my plane to Alaska too sometime. I live in Memphis and Rossville, TN. I do go up to AK every year to fish and a few times for work like this weekend. I will be up there for about 3 weeks at the end of June 1st of July time frame. The dates aren't set exactly. Let me know when you guys are making your flight. If I know a good month in advance it is possible that I could get up there the same time. Also let me know how your mods go to cruise with the Murphy. I can pass that to Stan/Bob also. It might be something to consider later. First though, I just need to learn to fly again.

I would like to try and fly mine up next year for the airshow in May 2012.

Stan also built his own RV-8. All he needed was a "sports car". I can't remember if I told you but, I bought the 3rd (Tundra) kit and Stan is the one who talked me into buying it in the first place....so he loved the design of it then and now he is loving flying it. I did put the IO-375 engine in mine with roller tappit, port and polish upgrades along with the Reiff preheat system. The plane is going to work for me hauling all my gear. I needed a "truck" in the sky and wanted something with short field performance and a plane that may be a little forgiving in landing. You and Stan both say it is.

Anyway, gotta run. Actually headed out the door in Greensboro, NC headed to Anchorage, AK on a charter flight, 24 hrs off there and then back home. I am pretty sure I will be flying over South Dakota today.

Take care,
Michelle

I believe this is the site for Michelle's engine. http://www.aerosportpower.com/prices.htm

Thank you Michelle.

[Backcountry Tundra]

Here`s the SPOT link: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... WH6oiFuJCR

We flew 12.0hrs today... from Dryden, Kenora, La Ronge after being turned around by squalls, Buffalo Narrows and the last long leg to Peace RIver, Alberta. If the weather is good tomorrow, we`ll be flying through Fort St-John, Watson and Whitehorse with a lunch break at TOad River truck stop...there`s a runway right beside the Alaska highway and the place serves great food...worth the stop.

Zane I`ll post photos as soon as I get to whitehorse.. Of note, we were charged (100LL) mostly around $1.65- 1.80 in most places but we got `raped `in Kenora... $2.25 per liter...DO NOT bother going there... I highly recommend Yorkton and any other places I`ve been!

The Tundra is performing like a rocket... 23/23 and cruising at 140mph...keeping EGT at1375 and CHT around 365. Oil temp at 185... trying to stick at 2500`ASL (500AGL!) or 4500 ASL... burning 11.2 GPH on average at that set up. The plane is loaded and lands and handles a lot better than when I`m alone or with a pal... You guys need to test drive this tank...wow, I have so much fun flying it although I have to say `` cessna 180 C-FMSV bla bla bla`` cause everytime I say ``Tundra 200`` they always, always ask me: what kind of plane is this sir...`` so I go with the closest thing (although a lot better than a 180...by a long shot ) Cheers friends, J-M

[TundraJoe]

WOW--140 mph @ 23/23 !! I get 125 mph at 23.5/23.5---Did you do some mod's ? What size engine do you have ?
I love the "spot" link--enjoy the trip

[Backcountry Tundra]

Mods....Heck no! Lycoming IO-390 and MT 84" prop... actually maybe an 86"...cant remember now.. All stock, dreamaircraft Tundra is a performer... check out this landing on the side of the Alaska Highway...although the strip is 3000' long and 40' wide, they had only plowd 900' long and 20' wide! we had a good approach!




Happily submitted! BCT

[Zzz]

Holy shit.... that engine/prop combo sound AMAZING.

Nice landing too.

[dirtstrip]

Good one J-M.
You showed off that Tundra sink rate about 51 seconds in as you cut power back. From that point on (unless it is the camera angle) it looks as if you are on the 25 degree notch. Yvan engineered that 25 degree notch to bring the Tundra into a 3 point TD attitude for flare and that last touch of power lets you go either very light on the tail wheel or push the nose over a little for the two wheel/ tail low touch down. Good job for putting it all together for us in that landing!

Questions. How heavy are you loaded and I also have to ask about your camera. No prop lines in the video. What is it?
Man, I like the view from the cockpit and the music of the engine.
Lynn

[Backcountry Tundra]

Good one J-M.
You showed off that Tundra sink rate about 51 seconds in as you cut power back. From that point on (unless it is the camera angle) it looks as if you are on the 25 degree notch. Yvan engineered that 25 degree notch to bring the Tundra into a 3 point TD attitude for flare and that last touch of power lets you go either very light on the tail wheel or push the nose over a little for the two wheel/ tail low touch down. Good job for putting it all together for us in that landing!

Questions. How heavy are you loaded and I also have to ask about your camera. No prop lines in the video. What is it?
Man, I like the view from the cockpit and the music of the engine.
Lynn

actually, we had crazy winds above the runway...the runway winds weren't too bad but its a narrow spot with 7000 footers all around so didnt go for the 2nd notch henc why we landed a little far up the runway... so the first notch is -6, then 0, then 15, 25 and 40... 40 is scary...you land at 20 mph! we were heavy, full of gear and two Jerry Cans (5ga). As for the camera, I have a small hand held Canon that I bought at Future shop for about $250...works good...I'm a cannon guy!

Hope it helps, I'm off practicing cross wind landings today and park the plane into its permanent location at the airport... $125/yr for unlimited power ...gotta love Whitehorse!

L8ter

[dirtstrip]

J-M,
Thanks for the behind the scenes explanation of your setup to landing and the wind conditions. Here's how my 40 degree flaps landing went and scary is a good word for it. Can't (not recommended because of buffeting) even pull the last notch of flaps until below 50 mph and at 40 degrees the descent is VERY steep, to arrest the sink takes power, I was so slow and with the tail hanging low in the approach it felt as if I was dragging it in with the throttle, nose down trim helped but to lose power on that particular landing would be - not good. I called off the approach with about 100 feet left on final and did a go around. I've seen it in landing competition videos but I am not experienced enough yet and I am smart enough to know it. I also believe the hang time angle at 40 degrees flaps is steeper than what it will be when I add the weight of a constant speed prop on the nose. Just 25 degrees is a steep ride down as is, and adding a slip gets anything more I need and still lets me return to the 25 degree sink rate for the three point landing just by straightening out. It seems a more useful strategy and still leaves a built in safety margin allowing for loss of power. At 25 degrees the factory pilot can land their four full figured (sorry guys) adults on pavement with no wind in around 300 feet. I can't do that yet either.

Tundra Joe has the nose wheel version and has experience with the 40 degree flaps landing. That nose wheel weight may be the difference from his Tundra to mine. T-Joe, do you have the constant speed prop or fixed, I'm guessing fixed as your cruise numbers are close to mine.
Help me out here, I'm feeling inadequate.

Can I repost this Zane? It seems appropriate given this is the Tundra thread. I had about 55 hours at this point. Best viewed with ear plugs and autofocusing- vibration dampening- eyewear. These are 15 degrees of flaps take off and landing. First landing at 3:45

[TundraJoe]

Sorry I haven't been here in a few days, but I'll try to cover the ground.
1. BCT has 30 more hp and 4-6 inch more prop( and an MT to boot !!)--I would certainly expect that to make up the difference in 125 mph vs 140 mph. I also have more drag with the nose wheel--I agree with Zane--that's a great combo of engine and prop--
2. Yep--great landing--What an experience--gotta go--
3. dirtstrip--I'm constant speed prop, nose wheel, and my main gear is right behind the front seats, while the taildraggers are in front of the pilot/passengers--where the struts attach--I'll be at the factory in the next 2 weeks and will discuss this with them and report back--I'm going to see if they will let me fly a tail dragger--then I'll have a better feel for the performance.
4. 40 degrees flaps--I haven't landed with them recently--kinda expect to use them in an emergency--however, a couple of weeks ago, I took up our new mechanic/instructor and let him fly the Tundra--he started with lazy 8's, then power stalls, then slow flight, using 40 degrees--I let him land from the right seat and he used 40 degrees and made a quite, great landing !! I asked him why he used 40 and he said " I like flaps" !! His application of power during the landing was subtle and the landing was smooth--
So, I just completed my annual condition inspection today and will be at the factory for some main gear reinforcement ( first trike), then, I'll try some 40 degree landings--will report back
Cheers

[dirtstrip]

Thanks T-Joe,
I feel a little better, but not much.

[Zzz]

Can I repost this Zane? It seems appropriate given this is the Tundra thread.

This stuff all seems germaine as it's about the Tundra. All I ask is that if J-M posts any more trip-related stuff, he start a thread in Trip Reports so it doesn't get lost amidst the Tundra talk.

[TundraJoe]

Well, it's been about 6 months and it has gotten quiet on the Tundra front--N351PW flew great all summer--local flights and one round trip ME to KY --didn't make it to Osh Kosh--lil weather. Continuing to do local flights and planning a get away to Andros Island, Bahamas for 3 weeks in June. Unfortunately I have to put 12 in letters on great paint job--will use vinyl--plan to fly much of Bahamas and bonefish and dive those amazing blue holes--
Where are the rest of the Tundra pilots ? Let's get an update
Cheers
Tundra Joe

[Backcountry Tundra]

Haha!! Flew lots this summer to my standards (125hrs) but not much to AKtahoe1 (700!). I flew it all in the mountains in the Yukon and Alaska, used it to go fishing and hunting. In late June I had the opportunity to take a great trek over a great part of AK, left Whitehorse for Beaver creek, northway, tok, northpole to meet with Ken, then Fairbanks, fly the cheetna river to Galena to meet with George (M6RV6) and Chris. Had lunch (left over potluck from Nulato...delicious!) and took Chris for a quick rip in the Tundra. Then George and I headed Anchorage over Rainy pass and some creative flying to get through! Ended up back in Nulato and because of bad weather on the coast had to fly back to the Yukon via the same route. I started a thread on this and will post photos soon. I flew the Ferebee icefield quite a bit around Skagway and Haines, AK and then a whole bunch here in the Yukon checking out new hunting/hiking/landing spots! The plans has performed super well, the MT prop took couple small dings but got the factory instructions on how to fill them up with epoxy. I found out that i need a AK bushweel tail wheel and bigger tires, either 26 or 29's. The Dynon glass is doing great but having uploading issues (likely cause of the poor quality USB/Serial wire...Dynon was very good and sent me the one they use...will try it out this week). I got to meet great pilots from BCP, George, Dorothee, Abe, Chris and I'm forgetting couple for sure that came thru the Yukon bound to AK or lower 48.

All in all the Tundra has been nothing but GREAT! we should update here more often!

talk to you soon,

Cheers, BCT

[Blu]

Seems like a great plane... But why would anyone build the tricycle gear model? Just looks dumb

[worldvoyagers]

Does anyone know what crossover exhaust would fit an O-375 Aerosport Power on the Tundra. DA built a custom exhaust for the company plane. Aircraft Spruce is a special order, non-returnable. You can check out the project at worldvoyagers.com/tundra
Phil

[courierguy]

Seems like a great plane... But why would anyone build the tricycle gear model? Just looks dumb

[dirtstrip]

Maybe I can shed light on the tricycle Tundra. If you are an aircraft builder you try to expand the customer base. If you took training in a C172 and were comfortable with it, it wouldn't be much of an adjustment to move to the Tundra tri-gear for something a little more suited to the grass strips that most of us prefer. I think I have actually heard they make a tricycle for Maule's too and for about the same reasons. We each have our preferences and I can respect that. I had a CH701 before this and it was a great performer with the bushwheel up front.

[dirtstrip]

Does anyone know what crossover exhaust would fit an O-375 Aerosport Power on the Tundra. DA built a custom exhaust for the company plane. Aircraft Spruce is a special order, non-returnable. You can check out the project at worldvoyagers.com/tundra
Phil

Isn't the Aerosport 375 just a longer stroked O 360 to get the extra cubes? If it is then you will use the same system as mine. I have the crossover exhaust system built by Larry Vetterman out of Hot Springs South Dakota. I gave him the measurements from the firewall to the closest exhaust port and from that same exhaust port down to the exit on the exhaust ramp. Turns out there was a crossover exhaust he already designed for the Glasstar that is the same configuration as my Tundra. He made one up for me and it is definitely an improvement over the two- into- one dual can system I had before. I did have to put turn downs on the tips as on the first flight it was louder in the cabin. The turn downs took care of it. The performance difference is noticeable. Vetterman Exhaust has been doing the exhaust system for Van's aircraft for many years and is the standard Vans system. For the Van's you can order through Aircraft Spruce but for anything else, email him through his site.

http://www.vettermanexhaust.com/

It was a little over 800 bucks at the time and only took about a week to build and ship. I doubt if you can beat that anywhere else and it is very good stainless steel work. His right hand man last summer built mine after he had just returned from some time spent out at the factory building systems for Carbon Cubs. Vetterman Exhaust has a good reputation and will treat you right.

Late addition: Larry does not build the heat muffs but recommends a company called Robin's Wings in Colorado. I can attest that the work is the same high standards, the welds are beautiful and designed to fit the systems Larry builds.

[worldvoyagers]

Talked to Vetterman today and bought a crossover. Just had to give him a few dimensions. Thanks for the tip!