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-   -   Hand controls needed, please help. (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=99530)

gtmule 09-13-2013 04:16 PM

Greg/Pierre,

I'm mechanical/aerospace engineer in Macon/Warner Robins, GA with access to computer aided design and CNC machining tools. If you guys need help with anything in regards to Greg's modifications, I'd be VERY happy to come help, draw something up, machine a few parts, help design or analyze something, whatever! Just let me know!

pierre smith 09-14-2013 05:37 AM

Yes
 
Chuck, Sandersville is close to you, where Ray Lawrence has his RV builder's assist facility and I'd really like a pair of door safety locks, like Vic Syracuse and Vern Darley have. The original machinist won't make any more. Here's a picture of them:



Latched:


You should be able to see the shoulder at the end of the arm and it slides into a pocket on the receiver...a bulletproof safety latch.

There's another -10 coming together at Ray's and I'd bet he'd also like a set.

Best,

rgmwa 09-14-2013 06:08 AM

Hey Greg,

Thought you might be interested to read this. Dave Jacka, who is a quadriplegic, recently flew a plane around Australia. http://www.onawingandachair.org.au/t...ht/dave-jacka/
Check the "latest news" section of the link for the details of his flight. Also have a look at how his plane was modified. Hope you will be back in the cockpit soon.

Gregmarlow 10-25-2013 05:35 PM

Thanks Pierre and Ray
 
Pierre and Ray flew up to a cold South western virginia airport and picked up my plane today to get modified for hand brakes and a one legged rudder operation mod. It was great to meet those guys in person, and I know my plane is in good hands.

Thanks again to everyone for their kind words and support.

Ted Farmin 10-25-2013 10:46 PM

flying with one leg
 
Greg, sorry to hear of your accident. I have a right leg AK amputation and fly a RV4 that my son and I built 6 years ago. 770 hrs to date. I mounted the right master cyl. on the fire wall and ran a cable from it to a motorcycle hand clutch lever mounted on the stick. I built a U shaped styup that swings below the right peddle to hold the foot up off of the floor as I have some strength to push on the right peddle. I also made a handle that attaches to the right rear rudder pedal for extra rudder pressure for gound opperations. Building a 12 now and will use a similar set up. Fly Cessnas with one foot going between the peddles, foot cross ways up on brakes. I think this system would be better than the pull method.

72 years young
Sonerai 2 1977
RV4 2007
RV12 Jabiru 3300 building

pierre smith 10-26-2013 05:56 AM

Great time
 
You guys amaze me with your ingenuity and perseverance....flying a taildragger with one leg!

Greg's -9A is one of the most impeccably built RV's that I've ever seen...then again, what would one expect from a Citation driver? He's a first class guy and Ray and I are going to bust our butts to see him fly again. It's so rewarding to shake another fellow RVer's hand and enjoy the fellowship.

Best,

rv7boy 10-26-2013 06:23 AM

What a great thread!
 
This is a thread that's going to make front page on Doug's VAF news. Great work, guys.

Keep us posted on the progress!

Gregmarlow 11-14-2013 03:11 PM

Very sad news
 
Sad to say, the FAA is not going to allow me to renew my medical. So my plane is for sale. I never in a million years thought I'd be saying that. Contact me for details. IFR bird, Barrett IO320, constant speed MT three blade prop. Cover of GA news last September, Vans calendar this past September. Full AFS 4500 and 3400 glass panel, garmin 430 Waas, gtx 327, SL40 2nd comm, pma9000ex audio panel Pro Pilot auto pilot. Bruce custom canopy cover. Fresh annual. approximately 390 TT. First flight was January 2011. Gregmarlow@charter.net
I haven't figured a price yet, sorry. I'll think on it.

rockwoodrv9 11-14-2013 03:46 PM

**** Greg, that just plain sucks. Maybe things will change and they will pull their head out of their rear and see reality. Best of luck with recovery and getting your medical back.

bret 11-14-2013 04:10 PM

Don't sell! don't give up, fight back! there is always a way, don't want to pry, and only if you are ok with, what was there main reason for denial?

LifeofReiley 11-14-2013 04:27 PM

What is the standing in the proposed change under 360 cubes no more medical? There was much discussion on this topic, rumor has it AOPA stated it was moving forward. Anyone? :)

Brantel 11-14-2013 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregmarlow (Post 826147)
Sad to say, the FAA is not going to allow me to renew my medical. So my plane is for sale. I never in a million years thought I'd be saying that. Contact me for details. IFR bird, Barrett IO320, constant speed MT three blade prop. Cover of GA news last September, Vans calendar this past September. Full AFS 4500 and 3400 glass panel, garmin 430 Waas, gtx 327, SL40 2nd comm, pma9000ex audio panel Pro Pilot auto pilot. Bruce custom canopy cover. Fresh annual. approximately 390 TT. First flight was January 2011. Gregmarlow@charter.net
I haven't figured a price yet, sorry. I'll think on it.

Greg,

Hopefully a special issuance medical is still possible for your situation. We all have to realize however that there are certain things they won't budge on like certain medications (even regular use of certain over the counter ones), physical and mental ailments, and various "symptoms".

I have heard that sometimes they will deny you based on your current situation and not tell you that if you get off of "X" for so long or don't have "Y" for 6 months etc. that you might be able to get a SI. This is where you need the help of an advocate that knows what it is they are looking for because you can guess your life away and get denied time and time again.

Maybe you have already talked to someone about it I don't know but if you have not, don't give up yet!

rv7boy 11-15-2013 05:27 PM

What a bummer!
 
I was just thinking about your airplane and your situation the other day. Man, what a bummer! With the thread running elsewhere in these forums about a 7A tip-up going over on its back, your 9A slider may be worth more than you think!

I really do hope first of all, that your medical condition improves to the point that you are able to enjoy your family and enjoy life in general.

Best wishes to you, Greg.

KRviator 11-15-2013 06:06 PM

Greg, just a thought before you commit to selling your plane. Obviously flying means a lot to you and presumably your family understands this.

What are the chances of your missus getting her PPL to allow you to keep flying in your handcrafted plane? That the co-pilots side just happens to have modified controls is irrelevant if you're not PIC?

Ironflight 11-15-2013 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeofReiley (Post 826173)
What is the standing in the proposed change under 360 cubes no more medical? There was much discussion on this topic, rumor has it AOPA stated it was moving forward. Anyone? :)

The Intell I have heard over the past year is not good. It seems that the FAA finally learned that the easiest thing to do with input like this is to tell the pilot community that they are looking in to it. As long as they are "looking in to it", they don't have to give a final answer. Of course, they will consult their experts - the AME community. Then eventually, they will give an answer.

Like I said, the Intell I have heard is that I wouldn't plan my life around a change.

Nihon_Ni 11-16-2013 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bret (Post 826165)
Don't sell! don't give up, fight back! there is always a way, don't want to pry, and only if you are ok with, what was there main reason for denial?

Agreed! There's a chapter in "Practical Aviation Law" you should read if you haven't already.


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