3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

[Flyingaceaircraft]

So besides my model airplane addiction, I build and fly full size or scale replicas. I have been flying since I was 8 and have had my private pilots license for 26 years.

It took 9 years and 1600 hours to build the triplane and the motor - flew for the first time last year.

[Loneflier]

RE: 3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

Absolutely awesome! For a short while, we had a bunch of WWI planes at a small airfield in Guntersville, AL, most of course were replicas, but full size and the guys did fly them. I never got to see a Triplane fly though. Talk about living the dream. Best I've done is to fly a small RC DR-1, and I have to admit, it is one of the more difficult planes to fly that I have. Very touchy, and extremely sensitive to wind. How does that compare to the full size one?

Do you have any flight videos for your plane? I am sure there are many on this forum that would like to see them!

[SOB8604]

RE: 3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

That is awesome!

[retiredflyer]

RE: 3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

That is a beautiful plane, you are extremely talented. Amazing that you also can fly it. I will assume that "LAURIE" is your significant other? Also, because I don't read German,, what does the script on the elevator say? GREAT JOB!

[Flyingaceaircraft]

RE: 3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

That is a beautiful plane, you are extremely talented. Amazing that you also can fly it. I will assume that "LAURIE" is your significant other? Also, because I don't read German,, what does the script on the elevator say? GREAT JOB!

Yes - Laurie is my signficant other. She thought it was going to have "LOLA" as my paint job was inspired by The Great Waldo Pepper - I got some serious benefits from changing it to her name.

Here is the first flight video - made some changes to the motor after flying it this year and had to get a new prop... which came in last week. As soon as the snow melts I will fly it again this spring.

http://youtu.be/WOJhJRhQcyg

Also planning on having it at The National Museum of the Air Force in 2016 for their Dawn Patrol Rendezvous. You should plan on attending if you like WWI aircraft. It is rare to see a flying triplane - there are less than 30 world wide... of any scale and no originals survive anywhere. So yes. I am living the dream of building, owning and flying one. I pinch myself every time I walk in the hanger and see it sitting there.

The Du Doch Nicht means - No you don't - or No you can't - or No not you... there is no literal translation but it is a taunt saying you are not good enough to get me.

Regarding the flying characteristics of the Triplane - they are well documented. And yes - they are all true. Crosswinds are challenging, landings are difficult - it's responsive in the air. It has a reputation of being the most difficult airplane to land since it is so draggy, you're blind to the front when the tail is down. Plus the wings and fuselage prevent airflow over the tail feathers when it starts to drop on the roll out... in other words - HAIRY - you have to fly this plane constantly even during the taxi. Having said that - these are all of the reasons I wanted one. I am happy to be in a very very small fraternity of triplane pilots.

Photo Gallery

[Loneflier]

RE: 3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

Very cool video of an awesome plane! Thank you so much for sharing your flight. Simply incredible to see a tripling flying again.

[hick20]

RE: 3/4 Fokker Dr-1 - My "other" Hanger

This is awesome.
I really like the video.