End of the line... NOT!!!!

[Vlad]

I motivated a lot of people with these pictures. I can't tell them now it's the end of line

[GLPalinkas]

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan

Bob,

I have pondered a scenario similar to yours quite often as my seventh decade has recently begun. It is difficult to visualize not being able to fly the RV-6 solo to Saturday breakfasts or cross-country at a whim. But somehow, life would go on.

I hope that after you have recovered from this initial shock that you can find a way to maintain the associations you have established in the aviation world. Contemplating loosing my aviation friendships is much more troubling than the loss of a medical.

Best wishes my friend....we are pulling for you.

+1 Bob on what Sam stated.

First, we REALLY are all pulling for you. Second, As you remember, my project was neck and neck with yours over the years. We both pulled it out in time to finish and fly about the same time. I'm hoping for (but not believing in) the FAA doing away with a medical exam. I may become a repeat offender, -12, if they don't do something with it soon.

Best of luck Bob and hope to run into you sometime in Venice or Cleveland (there now) and anytime you want an RV-6 ride or someone to go to the Indians game with, don't hesitate to call (in VAF white pages)

[panhandler1956]

Man that sucks Bob! I don't know what to say other than those of us who still have the privelege better enjoy it and not take it for granted.

Bob,
There are some cool ultralights out there and sailplanes are a passion all their own. Don't start playing golf or take up fishing on us!

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

Originally Posted by panhandler1956

Don't start playing golf or take up fishing on us!

Played golf for a number of years. Never broke 100. Only play it now for laughs.

Took my kids to a "fish with kids" day in MN when we first moved here. Went to crowded lake area dock and fished with them. Kid caught a fish. I tried to take the hook out and basically pulled its guts out.

Kid starts wailing.

I say "no , look... see ... it'll swim away."

Put the fish back in the lake where it twitched a few times, then slowly drifted past all the other parents and kids, all of whom decided they didn't want to fish with mom and dad anymore.

That was the last time I fished in the land of 10,000 lakes.

[digidocs]

Flying a motor-glider does not require a medical. Take a look at the Sonex Xenos:

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/xenos.html

It's two place, aerobatic, and can cruise at 140mph. It might be able to fulfill most, if not all, of your intended mission. After building the RV, it should be a piece of cake.

Keep it up!

David

[aarvig]

Because I can't say what I really want to. This really stinks Bob. I will tell you this...you have inspired me over the last few years with your perseverance and dedication to the mission of getting your plane done.
I think the third class medical is completely unfair. We'll give any person a license to drive but not to fly. Strangest thing I've ever heard. You have to step up to the plate and get your license back. Don't give up now. Sell the 7, build a 12, in the meantime, work on getting your medical back, then let it lapse and fly LSA. You win. Really, only you know whats best. But I wouldn't let this stop you. Get the right people to help you as has been mentioned. Good luck.

[WhiskeyMike]

Originally Posted by digidocs

Flying a motor-glider does not require a medical.

Amen! Below is a link to a well written EAA article discussing this subject that includes a comparison of the advantages in capabilities of motorgliders over LSA's (there are many), and that also provides several links to information on some very capable kit and/or factory-built aircraft that meet the FAA's definition of motorgliders.

There are a number of appealing options in this category that would let you pursue your original RV mission of efficient cross country flying with your significant other even if you never again qualify for a medical. Keeping dreams alive is SOOOOOO important?hopefully you will find a path to realize this one still!!

http://www.eaa.org/experimenter/arti..._editorial.asp

[Eddie P]

Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry

Well, again, flying with another pilot is fun, I suppose, but it completely defeats the purpose of building the RV-7A in the first place.

People always refer to the Rv as a "magic carpet," and I guess it is. It can take you places and give you great experience.s

Now imagine being the family member who's left behind -- not only for me but for the family members of the person who'll fly with me -- while I go to those places and have those experiences.

Also, who the heck wants to fly up to New England and spend a week with my mother?

You know, it just is what it is. The FAA's job is to keep as many people out of the sky as they can. They got me.

Vlad, I feel like I'm 59, which is to say, my hair's getting thin, the gut's getting larger, and I'm making the same noises getting out of bed in the morning that my dad made.

Bob I think the powered parachute is also a great idea. Sounds like youi might think it is too!

The "magic carpet" is truly magic, I certainly do understand. You mentioned a family member being left behind as a valid reason why flying with another rated pilot was not super attractive. Is there a way that family member might like to get her student pilots certificate, get soloed up and pass a private pilot check ride? She would certainly have the best "co-pilot" money could ever buy in her RV-7A. I bet she's be a good skipper and give you some stick time too. I bet a private pilot course in a C-152 somewhere warm this winter might make for a really unusual (and probably expensive) but memorable snow bird holiday? I hear learning to fly during one long or two short (but long) Arizona get aways might be an attractive option for those from the great white north.

I know this is a little out there but hey out of a few odd ball thoughts, there may be a solution buried in the hay stack.

[rv7boy]

Bob, you have a lot of positive thoughts coming your way from your many friends. Count me among them. I can't imagine a day without reading one of your posts in these forums or on Facebook.

My best wishes to you as you wrestle this bear. You'll still be family. We enjoy your musings too much for you to leave us, so keep in touch with us. Don't hesitate to ask if you think any of us can help.

[java]

Another long time follower who you don't know...

Inspiration, admiration, envy, appreciation, empathy, concern, sadness, laughter, elation... just a few of the feelings you've given with your posts.

I want to turn this around a bit... YOU BUILT A ******* PLANE, AND YOU FLEW IT!!! You have no apologies to make. You lived the dream, man!

Lots of good ideas here to stay in aviation. I hope you do, and that would be awesome! But you know what... there is life out there in so many ways! Just make sure you live it, whatever it is you take as a passion.