Mar 12, 2021 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2021, Nikon 1 V1, Skiplanes & Seaplanes, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Skiplanes & Seaplanes | Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman As the VJ-22 moved along the taxiway, the late afternoon light spilled softly on its fuselage. It attracted several pilot onlookers as it made its way to its hanger.
The Back Story What is it? It’s a 1950’s vintage, experimental, high wing monoplane, Volmer VJ-22 Amphibian flying boat nicknamed “Sportsman.” You just don’t see a plane like the VJ-22 taxiing at your local airport very often. For more information on the VJ-22, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Feb 14, 2020 | 1 VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, Daily Image 2020, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Portrait Let’s get up close and personal with the working end of this seaplane. For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Feb 13, 2020 | 1 VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, Daily Image 2020, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Seats The seats with shoulder harnesses and seat belts seem a bit narrow in this photo. Still, when looking inside the cockpit and capturing this image, I did not notice them being narrow. For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Feb 12, 2020 | 1 VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, Daily Image 2020, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Cockpit Builders of homebuilt airplanes can sometimes customize certain parts of the plane. The cockpit panel tends to be a favorite place to get creative. In this VJ-22, the glass display is an iPad, which adorns a modern cockpit for a classy vintage plane. And, look at the wood floor; beautiful workmanship. For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Feb 11, 2020 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2020, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Turning The VJ-22 continues to taxi and start its turn toward the hanger. Since the tailwheel appears to be free wheeling, turning must be accomplished by differential braking. Still, the tailwheel incorporates a water rudder, and retracts upwards. Perhaps the tailwheel turns on the ground as well. For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Feb 10, 2020 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2020, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Taxiing As the VJ-22 moved along the taxiway, the late afternoon light spilled softly on its fuselage. For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Feb 9, 2020 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2020, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | Over the Hill After a pleasure flight on a nice, warm late November afternoon, the VJ-22 taxis up a small hill on its way back to its hangar. For the whole story with all images, see Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Nov 30, 2013 | 1 VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Aviation, Daily Image 2013, GA Aircraft, Nikon 1 V1, Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman
Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman Now, you don’t see that plane taxiing around the airport every day. So, what is it? That was my question to the owner after it stopped in front of its hangar. Well, it’s a 1950’s vintage, experimental, high wing monoplane, Volmer VJ-22 Amphibian flying boat nicknamed “Sportsman” with a 235hp Franklin engine, hydraulic brakes, and a two place, size by side, closed cabin. Apparently, only about 100 have been built. This particular airplane was built in 1994 hence the upgraded engine. For more images of this beautiful plane, visit Volmer VJ-22 Sportsman | a 7 Image Story.
Just the Facts
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- Height: 8 ft
- Wingspan: 36.5 ft
- Empty weight: 1,000 lbs
- Useful load: 500 lbs
- Gross weight: 1,500 lbs
- Fuel consumption 5.0 gals per hour with a Continental C-85 engine
- Cruise: 85 mph
- Stall: 45 mph
- Climb: 600 ft/min
- Ceiling: 13,000 ft
- Wood hull aircraft mahogany plywood and spruce, fiber-glass covered
- Wings-Aeronca Chief or Champion, wood spar, ribs, fabric covered
- Landing gear-Main gear, swiveling tail wheel and water rudder manually retractable
Yeah, the glass display is an iPad which adorns a modern cockpit for a classy vintage plane. And, look at the wood floor; beautiful workmanship. Hopefully, I’ll get another opportunity to capture more images of this gorgeous airplane. Once again, the easy to carry, Nikon 1 V1 comes through, since it was in my vehicle as I was leaving the airport today.
