On my airport we have a gentleman who recently aquired a yak 54. There has been much discussion about this aquisition, since apparently its the only one in the US and it used to be flown by Eric Beard. I had actually seen the very same aircraft flown by Eric years earlier as he did the airshow circut. Those of you familiar with that particular corner of aviation may remember "Russian Thunder".
Unfortunatly Eric passed on in another aircraft, and "Russian Thunder" made its way to Corvallis Oregon. It needed a lot of work. Aside from the fact that most components on the aircraft were still Russian (seriously the altimeter was in kiloparsecs per hectare, and the brakes, well, sucked.) it is still quite the little aircraft.
A fully aerobatic two seat radial engine aircraft. The new owner set out to begin his journy into the Aerobatic world. Beginning his training with various individuals, and in various aircraft. Eventually the Insurance company (who I assume to constantly be the limiting factor in these affairs) gave our fatefull aviator the go ahead, and he took to the sky with relish.
A week later, with countless low passes, numerous rides given to every mechanic on the airport who had touched the plane, and just about anyone who had helped him get to his newfound perch, I was extended an invitation to go flying.
Unfortunatly the nature of line service is such that though you are on the airport. Salivating over the aircraft and wishing for a ride. When opportunities present themself you are left to weigh your gainfull employment, over the enjoyment of an airplane ride. Long story short it was months later before I found myself donning the parachute harness, and strapping on the Yak.
After a fairly standard 3000fpm takeoff (what a rush when your used to 152's) we turned out to the north east over his practice area. He handed me the stick and I got to try some steep angle turns. None of this fourty five bs, no no, we went full nintey's.
With the Owner's steady voice in my ears, we proceded to do the standards, beginning with a roll, following with a four point roll. That rapidly became a loop, then followed with some inverted flight. Then, my personal favorite, and the one I had been waiting for. The Hammerhead.
I wish I could put into words how long I've been going to airshows captivated by the Aerobatic pilots, specifically hammerheads. Ever since watching the likes of Patty Wagstaff, Sean Tucker, and a host of other dancers in the sky, I've wanted to try it. However when I finally had the opportunity it was over so fast, i could barely figure out what happened. The Speedometer dropped to zero then wound back up to VNO. There was no stall horn, no buffetting, not even a discernable change in the sound of the engine. We were going up, then we yawed to the side and we were going down.
Following that was the cuban 8, and with that we turned back home. I can honestly say I didnt feel even the slightest bit queasy. Four positive g's and two negative g's (for you military folks I do realize that was nothing, but baby steps). With the promise that next time we'd pull the six g's that I've heard so much about.
Just when I was starting to get comfortable with my flying ability I'm introduced to a whole new ball game. I love this career field.
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