Here is a picture from 2 years ago. That was the first Lazair that I every saw or flew. I didn't even know what they were till it showed up at my local airport. Even then, I had a hard time understanding it: 2 engines, 2 model airplane (not really, but looked like) props stacked on top of each other, inverted v-tail, wheelbarrow tires right next to your seat. Weird airplane to say the least. I then found out whose it was and asked when they were going to fly it. I just had to see this thing fly!!? (could it?). While watching it fly, I was completely captivated by its unique sound and its grace while passing by me. I had heard of different ultralights and seen them through the years, but I never knew such a sweet little ultralight existed. I don't know if this was a good thing or not, but the owner let me have a go at it. Having flown general aviation for a few years and flown a Quicksilver, I felt I might be up to the task. NOTHING could be further from the truth! With its ultra-narrow gear, its not-tricycle-not-quite-taildragger configuration, its two engines, 36 foot wing, etc. I had a very exciting time trying to just taxi the blasted thing. Thankfully, where I was attempting to fly it at, the runway was 100 feet WIDE (very important) with soft level ground on both sides of it. This made it nice for the multiple times I ran off the runway while trying to figure out why I was running off the runway. Also, the tall weeds were nice to hide my precarious position I found myself in from curious onlookers...oh yeah and the owner. However, it all came together like magic. I finally understood what to do with what. When everything felt right, I kept increasing the throttles and UP! we go. It initially wanted to climb quite steep, so I pushed forward on the stick. Then, after I got to a more comfortable speed, I climbed out from the airport. WOW. Words have a hard time describing how much fun I was having and how nice the airplane flew. It flew completely different than the Quicksilver. Seemed to flow through the air rather than push through it. I flew for awhile, then headed back for an uneventful (considering my takeoff attempts), yet pleasant landing. What a great plane in the air, I thought. Someday I'll get one...
MarkDJ.