Having the Dalotel project posted in Barnstormers connected me to another amazing person.

I received an e-mail from Tony Bianchi in the UK who advised me that he had flown the Dalotel and really admired its flying qualities.

In Tony's words, "Hi Jeff, I saw your ad for the Dalotel. That's a great aircraft ! I flew it in the early 70s when Michel Dalotel was on a visit to the U.K.
At the time I was flying in unlimited aerobatic contests with the Zlin 526 and flying the Dalotel was like flying a super Zlin. Delicate, light and a lot easier than the Zlin. We could see future development with a slightly more powerful engine and a VP propellor that the aircraft would be a very competitive machine in world contest. However things moved fast in those days and Michel's aspiration was eclipsed by Mudry and the Cap 10 and other aircraft that were emerging at the same time with more backing. We can only dream of what would have been. Fantastic and loved it! I hope you find a worthy home for the aircraft. It's a wonderful part of French aerobatic aviation history that sadly never happened and should be saved. "

Tony also mentioned, "I first saw the aircraft at Meaux Esbly with my late father Doug when the aircraft was finished and before the first flight. We were very impressed with the quality of the build and the detail engineering."

Tony has some credibility to his comments as he has an impressive flying repertoire. Tony represented Britain on the British Aerobatic Team at the World Championships in 1976, 80, 84, 86, 90, and 92. Doing a little internet sleuthing directed me to a profile published in Light Aircraft Magazine in 2013. The article mentions that Tony has "Around 170 types but only 2,700 hours total (approximately 1,000 hours aerobatics). Types include include early pioneer aircraft Bleriot, Demoiselle, through to WWI machines like various Sopwiths and Fokkers. Also 1930s fighters, Hawker Fury, Dewotine D26 and second war fighters like the Spitfire, P40, Mustang. I've also flown trainers, support aircraft and modern singles and twins on routine flight testing; post-war biplanes and aerobatic aircraft. "

Additionally Tony has been involved in some amazing restorations and maintenance of incredible aircraft. There's true value in his comments and observations. Thanks Tony for sharing your perspective.