Tandem

We tried an old trick yesterday which I call "flying tandem". Two of us in the circle at the same time with the same speed airplane ( sort of) and doing tandem maneuvers on command. We started easy as it's been over 20 years since we'd tried this. We managed to do loops, lazy 8s, inverted flight, squares and vertical 8s. We did come within two feet of each other on this one. Great fun for a couple of old farts. Anyone else doing this?
Norm

> Anyone else doing this?
>Norm

I actually think this should be an event.
I believe it was back in the day called team stunt.
Someone a little older will have to confirm.

Wish it would make a come back

It's a lot of fun and exciting for the spectators too. Did you do it much and if so, any hints you can pass on?
I found that being the trailing plane I was doing a lot more walking than the guy out front. I'd hate to have to do that silly shoulders-together-pyramid shape the racers have to do.
Did you have any favourite maneuvers? How about crossing wingovers? (see knees knocking)
Norm

Yeah, other guys are doin' it!

Sometimes on Sunday afternoons at Sepulveda Basin (Los Angeles) Steve and his buddy fly together. They hardly ever fly alone, unless they are tuning one of the planes---so they can fly together. They are pretty amazing and a LOT of fun to watch. I call it Stunt Ballet. They have their special combinations of maneuvers. For some reason, I like the continuous horizontal eights. The next best one is the formation flying, one on top of the other right at 5-6 feet (bottom plane.) You can't take your eyes off of 'em! They fuss with the tuning constantly to try to get the planes to fly exactly the same speed. Sometimes they use two totally different setups, but they still manage to fly the same speed. The really nervy maneuver seems to be simultaneous upright and inverted laps. You are either on altitude, or else. And don't flinch!

As soon as I learn to stop crashing, I want to try it, too! No one wants to fly coordinated figure nines....

Dave
LA_Flyer
"Newbie Profile Puke"

The Sky Lancers of Washington do this as part of their show team performance. Not sure what they use now but at one time they used two Barnstormers built as equal as possible. The crowds really like the show especially when the planes get a little close.

Another thing they do is have as many planes flying at one time as possible. I have flown with as many as a dozen planes in the circle, you really need about 3 sets of eyes to keep track of where all the planes are. If you haven't ever done this you need to experience it once.

The stunt kite fliers love to do this.