CHINOOK + 2 Information, reasons for buying, building, & modification photos
This page is to describe the reasons I chose to build a Chinook + 2, and the modifications and reasons for
them. There are plenty of photos of construction and flying. Contact me if you have any questions.

Having flown a single seat Quicksilver for about 900 hours, I found I was making longer flights and needed
more comfort. I enjoyed flying out in the open, but the wind-burn was getting to be a problem. I had
always wanted to build my own plane, and figured if I went to that effort, I should build a 2 seat aircraft.

I usually fly solo, and found the side-by-side seating bothered me. I wanted to sit ahead of the wing, but
wanted to be able to look down on both sides of my seat. I wanted a large roomy cockpit. Most of the
side-by-side types are just too cramped for 2 people.

Tandem seating seemed the answer, but I really didn't want to solo from the rear seat or under the wing.
The Chinook seemed to offer the best view, and this was one of my requirements.

My second requirement was that it have a strong gear and be a sturdy aircraft. I enjoy many off-field
landings and do my share of "barnstorming". I also wanted to be able to carry a good load and plenty of
fuel.

I also wanted a plane that was easy and quick to build. This was to be my first building experience and I
needed good instructions.

I wanted a plane that was easy to modify. Something that had strength to fasten things to. It also should be
easy to build. I didn't want something that would take years to complete. I also wanted fabric covering, as I
found from my Quicksilver that sails only last about 10 years or so if you do much flying.

I wanted a craft with more speed, but yet could fly slowly so I could still fly with my Quicksilver friends.

If you investigate these points, I think you will find that the Chinook fills all of them.
Having owned and flown this Chinook for 10 years now, and have over 600 hours in the airframe. I feel
these web pages could be of value to those looking to buy or build a Chinook Ultralight or LSA Microlight
aircraft.
Barnstorming with the Chinook: This landing on an Amish Farm in a hayfield shows
the fun you can have with the Chinook + 2
( Lots of Amish people behind the camera here, as they don't want pictures taken.)
In the photo below it is easy to see that the front wheels are even with the leading edge of the wing, far forward of the center of gravity. This makes the plane almost impossible
to nose over. It also makes the tail-wheel extremely heavy. You cannot lift the tailwheel without someone in the front seat to counterbalance the weight, and even then it is very
heavy.  Forward position of the front wheels, & high angle of attack,  makes the Chinook more challenging to land.
View from the pilot's seat of the Chinook +2
Splendid view from the front seat of the
Chinook, even on a very hazy day. Note the
reflections in the Lexan.
My Chinook is hangared at Mayfield Airport
( 1D4 ). It is just inside the 5 mile ring for Akron/Canton Airport and just
south of Akron Fulton Airport. Hangar rent is $60 per month. Bi-fold
doors eliminate any plane with a king-post. Walls are cement block. No
water, No electric. Very secluded grass strip near Akron, Ohio.
This site contains links to various photos and information about the Chinook +2 tandem seat Light Sport
Aircraft, or as some call it, Ultralight. Unlike some others, these comments come from experience, and
over 550 hours on the Chinook airframe. There will also be modification and engine photos of the water
cooled Rotax 582 gray-head engine. This engine now has about 1200 hours on it without seizure, boring,
water pump shaft problems, new pistons, or rings.
Plenty of places to land in Ohio. Many small airports and grass strips as well as farms
and fields. Flying the Chinook without doors is much like driving a convertible down
the highway. Lake Erie is also a pleasure to see.
We have a strong local club here in North-East Ohio.