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Found "RVenture!"

mmeredith

Member
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A little over a month ago I had posted in the classified section that my father and I were looking for an RV-A model to go on "RVentures" together. I guess Dad decided that after flying with me and listening to me talk about flying that he wanted to be a pilot too. In February of this year, he became a private pilot. Now with this father/son bond, we decided we wanted to buy an airplane together; One that was fast and efficient. We decided we wanted a Van's RV.

A little back story. Several years ago when I received my certificate, I came to know a gentleman on the field that had just finished building and experimental aircraft. It was sleek looking and fast to boot. At the time I had a partnership in a 172. I had to inquire about building one of these aircraft. He shared a wealth of knowledge with me about Van's aircraft, and the building process and told me to check out the website http://www.vansairforce.net. Wow, what a resource this site has become for me. Little did I know at the time, it would become the conduit to linking me with the seller of my new aircraft. Thank you Don "Squeak" Schnarr for turning me on to Van's Aircraft and vansairforce.net!

A couple of years past after getting the bug. I had even taken a builders class at Grov-air, near Indianapolis. I was getting serious to build and talked my Dad into going with me. I was ready, but with three active boys 8,7, and 4, time was going to be difficult to find. My wife shared the concern that she didn't know when I would have time to build. I put off the thought about building for a little while. I even entertained the idea of building a RV-12, just so I could reduce the build time. It probably wouldn't have mattered, but that was my thought process.

Fast forward, Dad is now a private pilot and he and Mom are now moving back to town. Now was the time to start looking for a flying RV that we can enjoy. I scoured all the trade classifieds and looked at the ads here on this site. I posted a WTB ad in the classifieds and received a personal message from an individual who had a 2011 flying RV-9A he would be willing to sell and gave me his number to call. I didn't hesitate and had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Jim Wright. I could tell in his voice that he wasn't totally convinced that he wanted to part with his plane, but we scheduled a time to visit. Jim is totally a class act.

I visited Jim and his plane and brought my mechanic with me to do a pre-purchase inspection while we were there. Jim was a generous host and I knew from inspecting the plane that he was meticulous and that his plane was well cared for. My mechanic is actually a DAR as well and has certified many experimental planes. He was impressed with the quality of the build as well, giving me a good feeling that this was the plane for Dad and I. After making sure that Jim was still okay with parting with his beautiful aircraft, the deal was made.

This past Sunday, Mr. Wright delivered the plane to me. Jim was great through the entire process. I couldn't have asked for a better transaction. Not only did he deliver to me a wonderful machine, I consider Jim now one of my newest friends. Dad didn't get a chance to meet Jim. Not to worry, we will visit him again soon, but this time just for a nice friendly visit!

Now Dad and I are planning our "RVentures!"

Blue Skies,

Matt Meredith
 
Great follow-on to Jim's front page story. Always nice to read about the other side and where the plane ends up. Your dad and you will definitely continue to enjoy the plane as much as Jim did.

Now you need to go see Bob Kelly, his 9A, and Eagle's Nest over in North Vernon (OVO). It's practically a 1/2 hour puddle hop from Washington, IN.

Doug, if you're reading this, this needs to be on tomorrow's front page as a follow up.
 
Scott:

Funny you should mention Bob Kelly and KOVO. I have been to the "Airport Awareness Day" at OVO and met Bob and some of the kids from the Eagle's Nest project. Good people!

Actually this weekend is their AAD on Saturday the 17th. I will be making the trip and this will be the first fly-in for the new aquisition. I'm excited.

Matt
 
Oh wow, it's this weekend? Have to look at my schedule. 2-hour drive for me. But if it's a nice morning, I'll get out of the condo for it.

And then there's also MERFI at Urbana next weekend. Yeesh, when am I supposed to find time to build? :D
 
Congratuations

Matt,

I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim Wright but I've read a lot of his posts and was sad to see him selling his 9A. On the other hand, the plane seems to be going to good hands and should provide you and your dad with lots of adventures. Have fun and I hope our paths will cross - I love to see the plane I've read about.

Don
 
Congratulations!

Take good care of her Matt. Fly her frequently to keep fit. In 8 years, when Jim sorts out his medical stuff, he will buy it back from you. I've heard he has a stash of cash untouched :D
 
GREAT story ...

Thatnks much, Matt, for sharing your story. It's a delight to see how much fun an RV can offer as it moves thru succesive owners. :D
 
Welcome Matt and congratulations. Just FYI, the annual fly-in at Post Air in Indy is this Saturday. Lots of airplanes and RVs. I'll be there with my Cobra for the car show part since my -12 is not finished yet.

Will probably run into you sometime. Let me know if I can help with anything.
 
I may have to drive up to North Vernon myself if a couple of my 9A buds are going to show up Saturday. Scott I didn't get to meet you at the RV Social at OSH. Matt I'd like to see how Jim's ex-plane turned out.
 
Mr. Meredith,

Great story - and a beautiful plane to boot.

Hope you and your dad have many great new adventures.
 
RV9A in good hands..

Jim, Not to worry about your beautiful RV9A. Matt is very good pilot and I?m sure there will be no bugs left on her after each flight. I kept an eye on her also. Great story Matt and thanks.
 
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