Joe Hobbs and I had been talking about exchanging rides in our airplanes for quite a while. Two airplanes at the opposite ends of the general aviation spectrum, my Chipmunk built in 1956 and Joe's Cozy Mark 3 first flown in 1993. The dichotomy is glaring -- the Cozy is fast, the Chipmunk is slow, the Cozy is sleek, the Chipmunk is "sturdy", nose wheel, tail wheel, engine turns right, engine turns left...the list goes on.

After several failed attempts to get together, we finally did it! The big day was Saturday, January 12th. I arrive at Joe's hangar at Deer Valley at 1:00. There was his gleaming Cozy literally sitting on its nose. At first glance it sure looks odd. It looks like a cross between a Klingon warship and high-tech Anteater.

We diligently did our preflight, which is pretty standard. Joe apologetically pointed out the 2 or 3 drops of oil by the rear breather tube. (The engine in the Chipmunk is a Gipsy Major, affectionately and accurately called a "Dripsy Major". The only way it would only drip 2 or 3 drops is if it was out of oil). Due to weight and balance considerations the preflight is done with the nose of the Cozy on the ground. As Joe is holding on to the side of the fuselage, he carefully cranks the nose wheel down into a locked position. While still holding on I climb into the right seat. With the CG far enough forward, Joe gets into the left seat.

The Cozy is indeed cozy. Unlike most other canard aircraft such as the LongEZE, we are seated side-by-side. The seats recline at about 20 degree angle, with the side control sticks on both sides of the cockpit, and mixture and throttle between the seats. We both have to sit at slight angles so we don't hit each other. Instrumentation is standard, except for 1 magneto and 1 ignition switch. Joe places his removable GPS/moving map in place in a "head-up"position on top of the panel.

We're almost ready. I read the checklist and Joe meticulously goes through every pre-start item. With the canopy still open Joe yells "clear prop." The closely cowled IO320, turning the beautiful three blade wood prop, comes to life. As the Cozy is a "pusher" it is a strange feeling to hear the engine, feel the vibrations, and see no propeller!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We taxi to the active runway at Deer Valley which is 25L. The nose wheel is free castering. Steering is accomplished by overextending the rudder inputs. The twin rudders are independently operated by their respective rudder pedals. If both rudders are extended simultaneously, the rudders both push outward, giving the effect of speed brakes. Taxiing was challenging, especially if your feet are about 4 inches too short. We arrive at the run-up area and do our preflight checks -- we're ready to go.

We taxi into position, and off we go. Joe goes full throttle. Immediately we hear the muffled roar of the IO320, then down the runway we charge. The acceleration is outstanding. I'm pushed back into my seat. So this is what the runway looks like! Us taildragger guys rarely get this view. We are airborne at about 700 feet, climbing at around 1000 to 1500 feet per min. The visibility is overwhelming.

It is a perfect day to fly. Visability is unlimited, scattered clouds with a base of around 8000 M.S.L. We level off at 3000 and Joe hands over his pride and joy.

I've been champing at the bit! Now I've got control of this beautiful airplane. I'm slightly reclining with my side stick. We are no longer in a Cozy, we've been transformed into an F18. The side stick instantly feels natural. We are cruising along at Mach .3 (don't know if that's true, but it sounds cool. OK 200 MPH+) and see targets of opportunity (horse trailers). Circle the bogies at 1000 A.G.L. at 60+ degree bank angle and pull a few Gs. Joe's headset is pulled down around his neck as we're in tight turn. No hint of a stall, Cozy loves to fly like this. They may be "friendlies", Joe suggests we give'em a break. Joe also admits that he hasn't ever done those kind of maneuvers that close to the ground! We continue to climb toward Four Peaks, leisurely climbing to 7000 feet.

Joe is now flying and we circle Four Peaks and over to Roosevelt Reservoir. Head slightly to the south, over the dam and pick up a canyon down the drainage that ultimately leads to Red Mountain. Joe is at the ridge level flying down the river. Joe is now in Heaven. Smiling from ear to ear. Joe now smiles at me and says in the most sincere and understated way, "just another day in paradise."

We now fly over Fountain Hills to head back to Deer Valley. I'm flying again. The control harmony and the responsiveness of the Cozy is quite remarkable. We are cruising at around 210 - 220 MPH at 7.5 GPH.

We are now set up for a straight-in to 25R, Joe takes over. An Archer on base to 25L passes a mile in front of us. The Cozy is rolling along. I'm looking for traffic, Joe is watching the Archer, ground speed is, a lot! (Things happened too fast to look). We smoothly touch down while the Archer is still on final. The nose wheel quickly comes down. Before I know it we are on the taxi-way.

We taxi back and see Joe's wife Glenda reading a book. She sets her book down and asks "Have fun?" To quote Joe, "just another day in paradise."