I chose the Sportsman 2+2 for my current airplane to facilitate my present desire to get in to back country flying.  The plane is a modified supercub and can carry a load of 800 lbs, and has side by side seating.  The rear is a large cargo area or a removable bench seat.  The engine is a lycoming O-320, 150 HP.  So far my biggest challenge has been the Dell airstrip, which has a short narrow dirt runway.  My practice flying so far leads me to believe this airplane will be a good bush plane.  Takeoffs require about 500 feet or less, while landings can be done in somewhat shorter distances.

Flying off the 25 required hours took almost a year because of several revisions and many trim adjustments.  The airplane now flies correctly and is a pleasure to fly.  I look foreword to the backcountry experiences to come.

I bought this project 50% completed.  My half took 3years. The plane is plans built and contains many parts from a Cessna 172.  A more complete write up on this project appeared in the December 1997 issue of the EAA chapter 23 news letter,  written by Don Brock, pictures by Clay Gorton

Ralph Cravens (801) 255-9132
e-mail RlpCrvns@aol.com

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