Owned a Swift during the 70's flew airshows in it, A poor man's fighter especially with a 200 HP lyc and constant speed prop. Initial climb over 2500 FPM, cruise in the 170's, wing mods for higher G's pull 5g into a vertical 4 point roll. But above 200 mph the controls got very heavy. Any Swifter's from the 70's might remember a sky blue Swift with Red and White invasion stripes. Soon I had 4 growing boys bought an A36 and when the oldest got to be a teenager I bought a Cheyenne. But the Swift will always be my favorite. My group of Swifter's would meet on Sunday, dog fight, play tag, fly to a restaurants, 8 to 12 swift's landing in formation always brought a crowd, But I am the last, They now play tag in the clouds of eternity. Good friends, good memories.
I mounted a go pro n the belly of my Swift facing forward when I was having trouble with gear retraction. Very helpful, made some interesting views. Did solve the problem…
It's been so long since I've seen a Swift that I'd forgotten that it had slotted leading edges. It's a neat little plane, looks like a lot of fun to fly. The only real caveat that I've seen with a Swift is that you have to figure out a way to keep line guys from damaging the leading edge, and I've met a few line guys that make you feel brain cells dying as you talk to them. Nice to see that there are still a few of them left.
Many years ago at the air field I flew from there was a Globe Swift in bare aluminum similar to this one. The pilot thought he could get higher air speed by taping over the leading edge slots. Very bad idea as this upset the handling and made for uncontrollable stall characteristics. The slots prevent the outboard wing sections from stalling (only the inboard wing stalls) and give you good aileron control during a stall. After one test flight the tape was removed.
Owned a Swift during the 70's flew airshows in it, A poor man's fighter especially with a 200 HP lyc and constant speed prop. Initial climb over 2500 FPM, cruise in the 170's, wing mods for higher G's pull 5g into a vertical 4 point roll. But above 200 mph the controls got very heavy. Any Swifter's from the 70's might remember a sky blue Swift with Red and White invasion stripes. Soon I had 4 growing boys bought an A36 and when the oldest got to be a teenager I bought a Cheyenne. But the Swift will always be my favorite. My group of Swifter's would meet on Sunday, dog fight, play tag, fly to a restaurants, 8 to 12 swift's landing in formation always brought a crowd, But I am the last, They now play tag in the clouds of eternity. Good friends, good memories.
We dream what they lived, and they dream what we live. Beautiful.
Beautiful airplane. Lots of polishing. That airplane was ahead of its time.
I mounted a go pro n the belly of my Swift facing forward when I was having trouble with gear retraction. Very helpful, made some interesting views. Did solve the problem…
Very cool
What a nice looking airplane! I love the super simple cockpit!
I ferried this airplane a couple years ago from the museum in TX to its new owner in WI.
Beautiful and Original -- Thanks for sharing.
I've seen trim above and below a pilot but none that far behind. thanks for another great video
Soooo shiny. Nice plane!
Very Very Fun !!! Thanks for posting !!!
It's been so long since I've seen a Swift that I'd forgotten that it had slotted leading edges. It's a neat little plane, looks like a lot of fun to fly. The only real caveat that I've seen with a Swift is that you have to figure out a way to keep line guys from damaging the leading edge, and I've met a few line guys that make you feel brain cells dying as you talk to them. Nice to see that there are still a few of them left.
Many years ago at the air field I flew from there was a Globe Swift in bare aluminum similar to this one. The pilot thought he could get higher air speed by taping over the leading edge slots. Very bad idea as this upset the handling and made for uncontrollable stall characteristics. The slots prevent the outboard wing sections from stalling (only the inboard wing stalls) and give you good aileron control during a stall. After one test flight the tape was removed.
I was wondering, watching the video, about those unusual outer leading edge slats. Thanks for the info!
Nice plane, nice video. wish you had a go-pro under the wing though so as to see the landing gear. That's my only complaint.
Outlawflyer78 >>> Agreed....
Great video. Did this pilot win this?
You should see it now
Nice
What kind of cruise speed do you get?
Is it dangerous around the stall?
Is that a c125?
Did you say Mount Pleasant? As in Michigan?
Texas
The Swift is definitely one of the more beautiful airplanes of its time. The trim is rather unfortunate though haha
The design is 78 year old as of 2020 but it still looks contemporary. It is one fine piece of industrial design.
I didn't know they have leading edge flaps
Went to Kilgore College with boys from there
Very nice plane and flight but i had to mute the entire video because the sound was just awful when you guys talked.other that that all is well
Where are you I am org. from Gladewater
Guys just having "plane" fun.......