[hharney]

Congratulations Dan, you have joined a very passionate group and blue skies for you as you transition into this exciting time in your life.

What is the primary mission for the aircraft? With the Horton STOL kit installed, initially, I would fly the airplane by the book. Book numbers will develop good habits and that's important. Forget the STOL is even on the airplane for now. Then if the mission presents the need for short/slow performance you can configure the airplane for slow flight and short field based on the book again. Then practice some maneuvers at a safe altitude and test the STOL performance. I like to configure the airplane for landing and just judge the characteristics the STOL might provide vs the book. Then you know the limits of the aircraft. For most situations you will find that the Skymaster does well by the book numbers in slow / short events. The STOL is there to provide a cushion.

If you decide you are ready to tackle some adventure we are putting together a Flying Adventure to Yellowstone Park this year in September. Great time with a bunch of pilots doing what we all love, flying and bragging about airplanes.