Actually, the sun was right in my face, and I didn't have my shades, as I expected to actually use the viewfinder when possible. I was a pretty happy camper, and we hadn't even left the ground yet!
Turning crosswind after a fun crosswind takeoff...
The turbulence becomes apparent as we climb out, but it's not too bad. The visibility under the bubble canopy is astounding!
Gus takes up a NW heading, and shortly we're passing Spruce Run Reservoir. the air is pretty clear here at about 2000 MSL, with a broken layer of clouds at about 3000. We are scooting along at about 130 KIAS, with the Lycoming barely breaking a sweat.
Fuel consumption rate was about 6 gph. Nice.
Not much of a view forward, unfortunately, but I'm not complaining. And once Gus hands over the stick, i find it pretty easy to maintain heading and altitude, despite no reference to instruments or the horizon directly forward. Any changes in attitude result in immediate and obvious changes in slipstream and engine noise... and he's got it trimmed perfectly. Barely need any input to keep her steady, even with the occasional bumps.
The stick is a little close, but it's very well-balanced. The roll rate is phenomenal- I found myself putting in more aileron to neutralize than to initiate a turn. Very fighter-like.
I try a few turns (this thing loves to be yanked and banked! Woohoo!), then hold her on a course towards Alexandria.
Next: Quakertown Airport, etc.
