Testing the Calypso Floatplane

It is always nice when 1st prize comes with a bonus. When Gord Larsen asked me to do the initial flights on the 6-cylinder 120 hp Jabiru powered Calypso floatplane, I was given its 4-cylinder 80 hp sister on wheels to get familiar with the type.

I reminded Gord that since I was neither related to him, owed him money, or in any other way indebted an honest appraisal would be just that. I also pointed out that as a proud owner of a black rotary dial phone and a self-confessed, born again tube and fabric man, this would be my first hard look at the world of composite aircraft.

I'll leave specifics of design to the spec sheets and palm pressers and give a hands-on view of this little sports car. Lovely lines with power by the Jabiru 80hp give a great "showroom" first impression. This feeling continues after you settle in to the best seat in the house. Center side stick comfortably placed and the throttle set in the centre front of the pilots' seats.

Regarding the ergonomics of these control positions, I can say that within 15 minutes of flight it was not just comfortable, but pleasant. Remember, its not your hands that know how to fly, but the grey matter between the ears!

I'll have to comment now on the Jabiru line of engines. I like a true aviation engine and feel safe flying behind these smooth running power plants. Period! No elaborate warm-ups, high RPM or noise.

There are differences to the easy startup and taxi that crop up, but they are differences, not difficulties. Heh! This is an article, not a book!

Once you throttle up and go flying it is quickly obvious that Calypso is a true aircraft. She may be in the ultra light category but she is all airplane and flies sweetly and conventionally. Gentle back pressure early in the takeoff roll gets a nose high attitude and she flies herself off beautifully. Personally, as a long time instructor, I leave rotating into the air for the heavy metal guys, its just good flying practice to get that nose wheel out of the dirt in a reasonable time frame. Climb performance is excellent as is cruise. Basically, Calypso is a rudder airplane. By this I simply mean that smooth, comfortable flight requires coordination of rudder and aileron. Nothing difficult, but if you have trouble walking and chewing gum I'm sure your local Piper dealer would love to meet you! And Power! You may be curious about the types of foliage at the end of the runway, but if not you'll clear them easily.

The feel of the side stick is excellent, as is the rudder. The greatest compliment you can give a designer is in one sentence. "Controls are harmonized and the ship is pleasant to fly." It saves reaching into the dictionary for eloquent descriptions. From stalls to Vne, there are no surprises, nothing hiding in the closest to come out and bite you in the middle of the night.

The new market of Kit and composite aircraft has opened up interesting and exciting designs that Piper and Cessna couldn't do. Differences –yes, difficulties -no. If the plain, white bread of rental aircraft leaves you cold, there is an alternative.

Splashing Around With the 120hp Calypso Amphibian

Now I can bore you to death on the land trials leading up to the first water trials, suffice it to say that Gord and Stan did class 'A' work equipping the working model Calypso 120hp with amphibious Puddlejumper floats - a first time installation. It was a great advantage to test the mating of aircraft to floats on dry land. Anything more than fueling and adding oil on the water can be an ordeal.

Initial tests proved than the amphibs are not just a way to get her in the water for the maiden launch but a viable way to dry-park her at the end of the day. She is easily maneuvered out of a hangar solo and a gentle pull down on the tail ring lifts the float nose wheel off to point her in the right direction. Try that with a C-185! That is like taking your pet gorilla for a walk!

Taxiing was a no-brainer and the ride was typical for this configuration. Keep to hard surface operation and you'll never have to say you’re sorry.

One of the major changes incorporated with this project was a larger rudder. It was an excellent choice! Through all the realms of amphibs and floats I never felt under- ruddered. This became immediately apparent from throttle up for takeoff.

Once you decide to go aviating and line up for takeoff, feed the power in slowly, which is just good airmanship. The rudder response is immediate and allows you to lift the float nose wheel off pronto.

A most pleasant surprise was the climb out! There is no degradation in climb, and cruise is only marginally less than the wheeled version. Climbing out with 800 fpm and 90 on the ASI was impressive. Range and endurance glides confirmed a good, clean aerodynamic installation that was almost identical to wheels.

After we were happy with the numbers (these included angle of incidence versus float angle) it was time to throw her in the water and see if she'd float! Although that was never in doubt it is always interesting when you put a new design in the water for the first time. Frank Sinatra could sing, but did you ever see him dance! It wasn't a pretty sight! Would the Calypso prove to be a poor waterfowl? Read on, McDuff!

The day dawned bright with light winds. I had run out of excuses! The truth was that I was champing at the bit to get the floats wet. Following a quick ferry flight to St. Mathias we maneuvered her to the ramp and gently slipped her into the river.

Enough suspense! She is a jewel of a seaplane! From the startup to shutdown I couldn't get the grin off my face. Yes it was challenging figuring best flap for takeoff, landing, etc. But at no time did I feel my blood pressure out of the green band.

She maneuvers well on the water and docking requires only normal technique. She has excellent takeoff characteristics and as already stated the power to get up and away. Landing is a pleasant adventure and for a float pilot is straight forward.

Its a no-brainer stating how nice it is to have a little air under your butt and speed on the clock leaving the lake. Low level scenic tours just off the stall in underpowered aircraft have definitely lost their appeal to me and I prefer that my blood pressure remains in the green range at all times.

Calypso is a true floatplane. She may be classified as an ultra light but there is no similarity to many other ultra lights on floats. Further, she sparkles in performance compared with other small float conversions. Unlike others that behave like water bugs, Calypso requires proper technique that comes with training. With this comes some of the most enjoyable float flying you can get.

Bruce Olson
Bruce Olson is an airline pilot when he is not flying his own aircraft for fun or doing "first flights" for home builders. With his wealth of knowledge and experience as an instructor, bush pilot, and collector of types flown he is much sought after for checkouts or for those all important first flights.