Photos by Jan Morgan
Great Machines: Reissuing a Classic Biplane
June 2, 2004
Flying the WACO is a trip back to a time when
engineers and pilots designed aircraft without the benefit of legal departments.
The controls are solid and linear in their response and effort. I was expecting
to use more rudder when turning, but the big YMF has less yaw than I expected.
The feel was that of the best aircraft of that period, with excellent control
feel, and fine flying qualities. There is a satisfaction in flying these older
designs—executing that perfect aerobatic maneuver, achieving that perfect
synchronization of stick and rudder, feeling the pressure of the wind against
the flying surfaces in the controls. This is flying, and not the systems
management of modern aircraft. ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Cruising at about 120 mph, the YMF is no
speed machine, but this sort of aircraft is not about speed. It is about
romance. Hopping over the mountaintops, checking out the newest large mansion,
or cruising down the coast, the Jacobs rumbling as only a big radial can, the
YMF gives the pilot and passengers a feeling of well-being. In the ’30s, you
would have felt like the king of the world. Here, nearly a century later, the
feeling is still the same. It is no wonder that the “average” YMF Super owner
also owns a Citation jet. Even busy type A’s have to slow down and enjoy
themselves. For a pilot, the YMF’s open cockpits and the view through the flying
wires between the wings induce some of the best relaxation available. (Click image to enlarge)
Returning to the airport, the YMF demonstrated fine manners on landing. The
wide-based landing gear, excellent rudder authority, and long fuselage make
landings easy once the pilot gets used to the limited visibility over the large
engine cowling of this big tail dragger. For owners operating their YMF in
controlled air traffic environments, Classic has provided options for an
excellent avionics suite, including an S-Tec autopilot with altitude hold,
traffic avoidance systems, Garmin GPS, and comprehensive IFR instrumentation. A
constant speed prop is also available, equipped with a large chrome spinner and
offering improved climb performance. Many pilots prefer the classic look of the
standard wood prop, as performance improvements are not what this aircraft is
about.
For a pilot seeking to rekindle that romance between man, machine,
and sky, there is nothing better than the WACO YMF Super. This particular
aircraft is available from Screaming Eagle Aviation at a price of $279,000,
equipped with GPS and IFR instrumentation.
Screaming Eagle Aviation
805.525.7121
WACO Classic Aircraft Corp.
269.565.1000
www.wacoclassic.com
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