[Vlad]

I planned the move for several months. Have read multiple accounts of builders asked many questions and as a result had several options to choose from. Decided to go with Al, a good friend of mine, active firefighter and experienced driver. We did a mock ride couple weeks before mapping all curves and potholes the size of my mini cooper on our future 52 miles trip. We have to move the airplane from densely populated megapolis

to very quiet area of Princeton, NJ. The only airport in my vicinity with hangar space available. Thank you Ken if you read this.

The move was scheduled on May 1st. Yes the same day Rudy's Enthusiasts flew their 12. I could not sleep that night believe it or not. Early morning rolled her out and rehearsed tie-downs one more time. My helpers were ready at 6 am.

 

[Mike S]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gettin closer.....................

 

[Vlad]

Dirtbike trailer was of robust structure and transported lots of heavy equipment so I was not worried about structural integrity. The only concern was absence of any kind of shock absorbing. Good feature of the trailer was platform's ability to tilt which (almost ) eliminated heavy lifting.

I screwed some wood planks to the bed of the trailer with 4" screws. It effectively blocked the wheels.

Then we strapped landing gear legs and ratcheted them to trailers frame. This baby is going nowhere during the move.

Loaded and ready to go. Did we forget something? Yes we did. Oversize load need to be marked.

 

[Vlad]

Gettin closer.....................

BTW Mike your modified trailer was a tipping point for me to decide on transportation mode

 

[Vlad]

We had a designated photographer. Duke, Al's son asked to ride with us. Sure why not?

When I was building my wings in 2007 he frequented my shop. Then he grew and priorities have changed

I owe him a ride.

We attached Old Glory to the tailcone and journey started. Streets of Jersey City are bumpy even on Sunday Traffic was light, occasional pedestrians stopped walking and stared at us - LOOK AT THIS!

We had small escort but at the toll plaza they turned back. They don't like tolls and potholes on the Turnpike.

 

[Vlad]

Dang potholes! Stressful watching trailer bouncing. Fuselage was springing a bit on legs. Air managed to get under canopy cover and there was huge bubble of air under it. Bruce makes good covers straps and locks can withstand 60 mph wind.

Toll booth girl didn't even pay attention to our load her booth on top probably has inner marker of one of Newark's runway so she sees airplane every two minutes. She wears headphones and seems like doesn't care much. Charged buck and a change that's it. Good job!

 

[tkatc]

There goes Continental 100 in the background enroute to Moscow!!

 

[Vlad]

Weekend drivers are dangerous. Period. They are armed with iPhones and tend to cluster to trailers. Watch out for them.

Couple times when I saw these mini miles per hour I told my passenger to call forward vehicle to slow down. And he did.

In 73 minutes we have arrived at Princeton International Airport, Gate B9. The stress is over.

It's time for food and victory beer for those who qualify



.... have something for tomorrow...

 

[RickWoodall]

Congrats

I remember the stress of moving to the airport, glad it all went smoothly.

Nice plane, nice car.

 

[tc1234c]

Vlad,

Congratulations! Final assembly should not take you much time.
Have you had the chance to get your ticket (of course not the traffic kind) yet?


Ted

 

[lancef53]

So do you have to drive an hour each way to the plane now?

Glad the move went well!!

 

[Fearless]

Congrats Vlad

Another major milestone passed - you're getting closer.

I suffered a setback in the health dept recently. I underwent open heart surgery on Apr 26th. I had a heart caterization done on the 25th and they found some blockage so I had two bypasses graphed. So no physical activity for the next 8 weeks or so and then I have to build up my strength while my chest heals up. I was going to the gym six days a week before the surgery so that is helping with the recovery.

Just a reminder to you guys and gals. Because you exercise and have borderline blood numbers and are eating healthier doesn't mean you don't have a hidden heart issue.

I am hoping to be able to move to an airport around the 6 month wait period the faa wants following this type of surgery.

Hope to see you guys at OSH this year again.

 

[PRIME]

Congrats on the move vlad! I instruct at Trenton (KTTN) so we're practically neighbors. 39N is a great airport... You'll learn to love the goofy winds.

 

[aarvig]

Nice write up Vlad!! Glad to see you are rounding the corner on the build! It was really entertaining to read about your trip to the airport.

 

[johnl]

Congratulations Vlad, one step closer to Oshkosh.

John, N441EL.

 

[Vlad]

Thank you guys!

Ted, almost there, I should have listened to your advice and recommendations two years ago. Somehow ended with a fancy facility and depleted reserve fund fast enjoyed it but for a hefty (for me ) price. Need several more weeks I hope.

Mike, I wish you the fastest recovery. Take great care of yourself, see you on Oshkosh 2012 have to miss this one.

PRIME, PM sent.

JohnL how are you good buddy! Is the bird still at home? You were first in the race not so long ago. By the time this picture was taken to be exact.

Lancef53, one hour commute is acceptable by NYC standards Sometimes it takes me 35 minutes just to cross Holland Tunnel on my way to work it's only three miles.

 

[Vlad]

... my ground crew helped to plug the wings in (tempo pins only) made couple of D-day pix and left. They enjoyed it very much.

 

[Caveman]

Vlad,

That is just great. I am greatly excited for you. Take your time and do it right, you're almost home!

Joe

 

[Vlad]

Then a car stopped by. I've never seen this type that close, honestly It has only ten cylinders but runs like twelve. Cool beans.

Jeff is building RV-12 we had mnogo pogovorit' pro samolety. Thanks for visiting Jeff. I may need your help soon.

Next was my cousin (his words) I asked him something in Russian he responded in English very clear and concise. Occupation maybe... Tony flew his newly purchased RV not only to say hello but also to help with torquing some jam nuts. Beautiful bird I am very glad they came!

Tony fixed his tracker also. Praised Allen for excellent customer service. I want to buy extra tracker as soon as I get my next paycheck.

 

[Vlad]

Vlad,

That is just great. I am greatly excited for you. Take your time and do it right, you're almost home!

Joe

Joe it feels good indeed. "Mountain off the shoulders" as say in Russian. I am taking June/July vacation and will have plenty of time to do it right.

 

[Vlad]

Steve Goldin hopped across Long Island Sound for a brief visit with his buddy. I promised him cowling hinges. His venerable six is running strong. Sleek too.

See you soon Steve thanks for coming.


Last visitor was a real airport bum. I have couple pictures but would rather not release them till he sees the thread and authorizes the release Hint on identity - they call us "Colonials" and he has RV-6 with 3rd wheel in right place.


I think I pretty much covered the two days moving odyssey. I am not a big fan of moving but I like the result.

 

[ReidVaitor]

Funny we used to live down the street from rt206 , 5 minutes to be exact from 39N, my wife is from 5th street in Bayonne. We plan to fly into Princeton when I do my RV-10 tour from California. Great airport, great folks.
If you see a Lancair 320, say hi to Rick for me.
Pascal

 

[Vlad]

Funny we used to live down the street from rt206 , 5 minutes to be exact from 39N, my wife is from 5th street in Bayonne. We plan to fly into Princeton when I do my RV-10 tour from California. Great airport, great folks.
If you see a Lancair 320, say hi to Rick for me.
Pascal

Pascal,
Is the Lancair blue over white? When you visit let me know you will have free ride to/from Bayonne. Small world.