Chipmunk - the most fun machine invented since the Tiger Moth!
Designed as a basic trainer so relatively forgiving (and certainly easier than the Tiger). One of those machines which goes just where you want it with great control harmonisation. Landing allows one of those 'have we touched down yet?' moments - makes average flying look good.
I have a share in a chippy at Seething, Norfolk, and am happy to demonstrate why it is a great machine.
Flying from the front, visibility on the ground is better than many taildraggers (though doesn't beat short noses a/c like the Jodel.
Flying from the back with a passenger in the front (the wrong way to do it but the way you have to do it when assisting someone who is getting to grips with the machine) forward view is poor and you have to negotiate with the front seat person to lean in the opposite direction to way you want to lean into the slight bubble in the canopy. Side slipping helps.
90kts is about all you get without increasing fuel burn too much (2250 rpm).
Fuel endurance is less than 3 hours but also limited by seat discomfort and oil use (unless ring mods done).
good machine for basic lazy aeros but youre not going to win many competitions in one.
Spin recovery said to be touchy but get the stick far enough forward (past the aerodynamic 'limit') and recovery using the standard method works.
My favourite formation mount (see 3 ship in Todays Pilot this month).
On hot sunny days fly with the canopy open to the first notch.
Would still choose the Tiger on a balmy summer evening as nothing beats pottering along with the sun and wind in your face but for practicality give me the enclosed cabin, brakes, and (much) better handling of a DHC1.