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-   -   RV-8 N218HM First Flight(s) (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=86879)

Jeff A 05-30-2012 03:31 PM

RV-8 N218HM First Flight(s)
 
Since I have not one poetic bone in my body, I'll just give you the facts....after nearly five years and nine months of building, N218HM has finally taken flight. First flight was yesterday morning around 8:00am out of Fort Worth Meacham in the capable hands of Roy Geer....thank you Roy. He was nice enough to fly the airplane for 20+ minutes and reported no discrepancies afterwards. Wanted to thank my dad, whom I could not have started OR finished this project without his help. Also have to thank my wife for the help and putting up with my madness over the past few years.

After working up my nerves and waiting for the winds and temperature to be within my comfort zone, I decided to fly her myself at 7:00 last evening. About 30 minutes in duration. Orbited the airport on the west-side to get a feeling for the plane and headed north for just a few minutes. First landing attempt had a few small bounces and I didn?t see it getting better, so went around for another shot. 2nd landing wasn?t perfect, but it got the job done. For the record, not only was this my first flight in the front seat of a RV-8, it was actually my first SOLO in a tail-dragger. To say the least, I was a bit nervous. Overall, an amazing experience and I can?t wait to get out there again.

Airplane was a standard build kit, has a Barrett (Superior) IO-360X, Catto 3-blade, VP-X, Dynon Skyview, GNC-250XL, Becker comm, Mike Cingari bent stick, etc, etc....

HD YouTube video for anyone interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWfc79BWcNo

Mike S 05-30-2012 03:38 PM

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff A (Post 664246)
..after nearly five years and nine months of building, N218HM has finally taken flight.

Jeff, congratulations on the fledgling:D

Seems to be a bit of a epidemic of new flights lately.

Enjoy the "fazeone"

drill_and_buck 05-30-2012 03:48 PM

Most awesome!!

Congrats,

Mike

panhandler1956 05-30-2012 04:05 PM

Congratulations!!
 
Jeff,
That is awesome! I have been wondering how you were doing. Looks like you've been busy! Great job on this awesome accomplishment! Enjoy phase 1!

DeltaRomeo 05-30-2012 04:27 PM

Jeff!!!!

Congratulations my friend!!!!! You and I have come quite a ways airplane-wise since racing Quickie 500 r/c against each other back in the early 90's, huh? :D

Very, very happy for you!!!!

br,
dr


Update: I actually found a picture!!! Jeff marked with yellow point on left - me on right. I wonder what we would have thought had one of us said to the other, "In twenty years we'll both have RVs." The next logical step is for us to race, I'm guessing! And you'll probably beat me now, also.
http://i50.tinypic.com/29qbj4i.jpg

RV7Guy 05-30-2012 04:50 PM

Congrats!!!
 
Nice job Jeff. Take it slow and enjoy the ride. Your life has changed forever!!

JohnCFord 05-30-2012 05:18 PM

Good job, Jeff!! I was listening to Addison via LiveATC.net earlier that day. I'll be listening for "experimental hotel mike" from now on... ;)

Jeff A 05-30-2012 10:33 PM

That's great!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaRomeo (Post 664262)
Jeff!!!!

Congratulations my friend!!!!! You and I have come quite a ways airplane-wise since racing Quickie 500 r/c against each other back in the early 90's, huh? :D

Very, very happy for you!!!!

br,
dr


Update: I actually found a picture!!! Jeff marked with yellow point on left - me on right. I wonder what we would have thought had one of us said to the other, "In twenty years we'll both have RVs." The next logical step is for us to race, I'm guessing! And you'll probably beat me now, also.
http://i50.tinypic.com/29qbj4i.jpg

HaHa! That's awesome you still have that picture! I remember it fondly whenever I look at the plaque that still hangs in my Shrine To All Things Aviation (aka the spare bedroom)! Thanks for helping build such a great community, Doug. I'm happy to say that I'm a part of it now....


Bob Axsom 05-30-2012 11:06 PM

HEY! YOU GUYS GOT RACING BLOOD?
 
We have three or four more races in Texas later this year. My guess is you would be in the RV Blue class. www.sportairrace.org then click on Calendar of Events.

Bob Axsom

P.S. I sensed a little poetic influence.

Jaypratt 05-31-2012 05:47 AM

Congratulations
 
Jeff,

It looked really good. You did a good job building. I wish you many years of fun filled time flying your 8!!


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