logansc
Well Known Member
Just got back from a business trip to Santiago, Chile and while there, hooked up with Fernando Abasolo, the builder of the spectacular RV-8 that has already been seen on these pages. Fernando was kind enough to give me a late afternoon flight from his home field out over the Andes to the east of Santiago.
My airborne photos are not good at all (sorry!) because of the canopy reflections caused by the late afternoon sun, but it was smooth even at 13,000'+ and Fernando gave me a really great tour of the area. He built his -8 in only about two years and his attention to detail and craftsmanship had me drooling with envy. We flew over the great city and then off to the northeast toward Aconcagua (actually in Argentina, about 100 km away and at 22,800'+, a bit too high for us to challenge!). Crossed over the mountains of the front range to see snow at altitude on mountains 2-3 ranges back. Flew within 5nm of Argentina as we rounded around to the south and after an hour or so, returned home as the sun was setting out over the Pacific. Sweet!
Very interesting 'experimental' rules in Chile. Basically U.S. experimental rules for the airplane, but no night or IMC/IFR flying. Plenty of Cessna 150's and other trainers at his field though, just like here. Apparently, they can fly any time---go figure!
Got to meet a couple of Fernando's friends too which along with Fernando himself, was honestly, the best part of the visit. Out to dinner for some good Chilean beef and great conversation. Fernando has been to Sun n Fun several times but hopes to come to Oshkosh next year. He flies as Captain on A320's for LAN Chile in his 'day job', so he's got this flying business covered from one end to the other. When he comes, I'm hoping he'll take me up on my offer of routing up the East Coast and will stay with me a couple of days in South Carolina on his way north (are you listening, Fernando?). I definitely owe him a Rocket ride. Anyway, a nicer guy with better friends you never met. Hope many of you get to meet him one day soon and get a better look at his really sweet -8. He tells me he's thinking about an RV-10 nowadays and I'd bet it will be a beauty.
Thanks Fernando, for making my visit to Chile so special.
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-kFgmksn/0/M/P1000732-M.jpg
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-LCXbDmt/0/M/P1000742-M.jpg
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-796LF9X/0/M/P1000762-M.jpg
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-JPk3BTG/0/M/P1000760-M.jpg
My airborne photos are not good at all (sorry!) because of the canopy reflections caused by the late afternoon sun, but it was smooth even at 13,000'+ and Fernando gave me a really great tour of the area. He built his -8 in only about two years and his attention to detail and craftsmanship had me drooling with envy. We flew over the great city and then off to the northeast toward Aconcagua (actually in Argentina, about 100 km away and at 22,800'+, a bit too high for us to challenge!). Crossed over the mountains of the front range to see snow at altitude on mountains 2-3 ranges back. Flew within 5nm of Argentina as we rounded around to the south and after an hour or so, returned home as the sun was setting out over the Pacific. Sweet!
Very interesting 'experimental' rules in Chile. Basically U.S. experimental rules for the airplane, but no night or IMC/IFR flying. Plenty of Cessna 150's and other trainers at his field though, just like here. Apparently, they can fly any time---go figure!
Got to meet a couple of Fernando's friends too which along with Fernando himself, was honestly, the best part of the visit. Out to dinner for some good Chilean beef and great conversation. Fernando has been to Sun n Fun several times but hopes to come to Oshkosh next year. He flies as Captain on A320's for LAN Chile in his 'day job', so he's got this flying business covered from one end to the other. When he comes, I'm hoping he'll take me up on my offer of routing up the East Coast and will stay with me a couple of days in South Carolina on his way north (are you listening, Fernando?). I definitely owe him a Rocket ride. Anyway, a nicer guy with better friends you never met. Hope many of you get to meet him one day soon and get a better look at his really sweet -8. He tells me he's thinking about an RV-10 nowadays and I'd bet it will be a beauty.
Thanks Fernando, for making my visit to Chile so special.
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-kFgmksn/0/M/P1000732-M.jpg
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-LCXbDmt/0/M/P1000742-M.jpg
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-796LF9X/0/M/P1000762-M.jpg
http://shiloh115.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Chilean-Flight/i-JPk3BTG/0/M/P1000760-M.jpg
