Tom Kerns flies the 2007 Advanced category known sequence.Tom used a "lipstick" style camera mounted to his helmet. This camera shoots at 15 frames per second resulting in video that makes propellor rotation appear unusual. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the view from the cockpit while flying these aerobatic figures. The chart to the below right shows the sequence Tom is flying. On the left side is the Aresti code symbol for the aerobatic figure. Next is a competition styled desciption of the maneuver, and on the right side is a description of the maneuver. Check this link for more information on the Aresti aerobatic symbol system: Aresti Symbols IAC |
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Tom Kerns Pterodactyl Rex Pitts Deravitive
Tom Kerns - Builder and Owner |
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The “Pterodactal Rex” is a one-of-a-kind derivative of the two seat Pitts.Tom producedhis own drawings for the KS-2B after reverse engineering the Pitts S-2B. Weak points of the S-2B are beefed up, secondary structures are lightened to compensate, and sub-systems are updated for performance, durability, and esthetics. The wings look like a standard Pitts, but the ailerons are enlarged, spars are strengthened, and rough edges are smoothed out. Roll rate will fall half way between the S-2B and the new S-2C. The leading and trailing edges are wood to yield a stiffer, tougher wing with reduced weight. The standard 5 gallon wing tank is doubled to 10 gallons, and the main tank is enlarged to increase cross country range with a thirsty 6-cylinder Lycoming. Full fuel range with 30 minutes reserve is 435 miles, up from 260 miles in a factory S-2B. A small header tank provides reliable aerobatic fuel flow down to the last gallon, permitting carriage of a reduced fuel load during aerobatic competition. The fuselage is quite different, with increased strength, smoother lines, and much improved pilot visibility. The cockpit and canopy are similar to an Eagle with the forward fuselage deck lowered an additional 1.5” for better visibility. Longerons are enlarged from 3/4” to 7/8”, and the truss geometry is modified to smooth the fuselage profile. The bottom of the tail-post is 3” lower to eliminate the Pitts banana shape profile, and the engine top cowl is lowered 1.5” to further straighten the profile and improve engine cooling & drag characteristics. The rudder is enlarged and tail surfaces are squared off similar to an S-11. Spring gear is used for low maintenance and reduced cockpit air leaks, essential in a Pitts built to fly in Minnesota winters! The cockpit is well sealed, and a heater, a canopy defrost blower, and engine winterization is used to allow aerobatics during frostbite season. Power is a six cylinder Lycoming IO-540 producing about 370 horsepower built by LyCon Engines of California. |
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Read about Tom Kerns first flight in "P-Rex" and learn more about this remarkable plane: P-Rex First Flight
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