Builder motivation flights

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #1 12-20-2011, 01:04 PM

Not that I'm campaigning or anything, but I'm just curious how often people with flying RVs pull up to the hangars where some slob is working on building an RV and says, "time for you to go for a ride?"

It's happened to me twice in 10 years and I can honestly say nothing helps get an RV finished like those rides, and anecdotally, I don't see it happening very often.

I was thinking of organizing some sort of effort to match builders with flyers, but maybe something like that is already being done.

RV7Guy · #2 12-20-2011, 01:11 PM

Hi Bob,

That is an interesting thought. I have had 3 different people here recently that are either building or thinking of building. I always take them and their spouse for a ride. In fact when they call or email, I tell them to make sure they have time for a ride. I've got two more coming in the next week. Any excuse to go flying!!!

I think it is important to positively represent RV's, Experimental aviation and General Aviation. It is time consuming but well worth the effort. Very rewarding.

To date, I've had over 140 people in my plane. Of those, I know of 6 that purchased kits with a few others working on buying. Lost track of how many actual builders have gotten rides.

So, come on out. We'll tour the State.

Andrew M · #3 12-20-2011, 02:04 PM

As someone who is building as the cash comes in (slowly), and flying something else in the meantime, It's awkward to be asking for rides. So if you have a flying RV, consider us builders as people who would love to go fly, and split the gas bill. Flying is such a commitment that asking someone to take time for me is a little to much. Everyone knows fuel is expensive. I have a few people who are learning some basics with me and are happy to split the costs as I am to have a reason to fly and be with like minded people. A joy shared is a joy doubled

So if you have an empty seat, feel free to ask if I (we) mind chipping in.

Rosie · #4 12-20-2011, 02:18 PM

First, I can tell you that we have no active RV builders on our airport, and if we did, I'd be sure to keep them motivated with rides as did Gary Sobek, Walt Hastings and Dwain Harris did for me; maybe got 5 rides in 5 years of building.

Secondly, I can't think of a single person building an RV at an airport, but again, would surely offer a ride if I showed up.

Lastly, you don't have to be building an RV in my book; Just show up to our skypark hangar! No asking or arm-twisting required as I LOVE to give rides to anyone interested in flying

Rosie

PerfTech · #5 12-20-2011, 02:26 PM

Any builder or potential builder in my area just let me know as I fly just about every day. I am based at KREI Redlands, Ca. Regards, Allan

fatherson · #6 12-20-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosie

I LOVE to give rides to anyone interested in flying

Rosie

Confirmed: Rosie and Dan Hall gave my son and me our first flights over two years ago, and that motivation hasn't waned yet! (and he refused gas money when we offered, too.)

--
Stephen

p.s. Rosie's 500th post: he doesn't write as often as some others, but he gives more to this community than most do!

DonFromTX · #7 12-20-2011, 02:27 PM

It gets even worse. I am pretty well along with my RV12, and have NEVER even rode in one! (I hope I am not disappointed). I think I will be one of those that goes out of his way to find builders that need a dose of ambition.

DeltaRomeo · #8 12-20-2011, 02:30 PM

Back in 1996, this was one of the reasons I started ‘The RV White Pages’ - hooking up those 'dreaming RV' with those flying 'em. You click on a link and it gives you the names and numbers (sorted by country/state/city) of builders and pilots around your neck of the woods.

I can’t keep track of all the motivation rides I’ve given over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if it was over a hundred.

3,028 people in 26 countries (and counting): http://www.vansairforce.net/rvwp.htm

Some of the Minnesota listings....

rodeja · #9 12-20-2011, 03:01 PM

First post here. Just have to say that I consider flying such a gift that I rarely fly alone. Am always thinking of who to ask to come along. Winter and wind are here now but I hear that Troy flies in spite of it.

Ron
1/2 share RV9 built by Troy Branch

http://tinypic.com/r/idhkzp/5

pmccoy · #10 12-20-2011, 03:10 PM

Hi All-

I was building my 9A for three years before my first ride in an RV. I got to Oshkosh on the first day of the show and went to stand in line at Vans. When the tent opened up for the show, I was in line to sign up for a demo flight in Van's RV9A.

After that my project moved up to the Cable airport in SoCal. Gary Sobek took me up for an hour long flight in his RV6. Loved it. He let me fly a large portion of the trip. It was a blast.

Since then I have had two more RV9A rides, and even logged one hour as PIC. Now I am hoping to finally finish my project soon. I can't wait to start offering rides to friends and other builders. I know first hand how much those rides have meant to me.