Today I had to say goodbye

[Mark Cigal]

Yesterday was a very difficult day. On August 23rd 2004, after 3 years and 4 months of construction, Miss Claire and I got airborne for the first time. Twenty years and one month later, hurricane Helene completely destroyed my beloved RV8. During those years she introduced me to many fine folks, carried me to many new places and gave me 1,051 hours of pure joy in the air. We flew for several years with "The Yankee Clippers", a formation group in New England and after moving to Western North Carolina, I had the great privilege and honor to fly with the Bandit Flight Team for two seasons.

As hard as this is, I don't have to look very far to find others who have lost much more than I. I'm very grateful for the years I got to spend with Miss Claire and for the support many of you have given. My greatest hope is that a patient, competent craftsman will claim her from the salvage yard and let her fly again.

 

[RVbySDI]

Sorry for your loss on this damage. I have to say though, the damage that is visible in your pictures does not look all that difficult to repair. Perhaps there is more that is not visible but it does look repairable.

 

[DeltaRomeo]

Mark,
Thanks for the update, and I'm so sorry. I hope you can find another plane to fly down the road, and enjoy aviation for many more years.
Kindest,
Doug

 

[Canadian_JOY]

Sorry for your loss on this damage. I have to say though, the damage that is visible in your pictures does not look all that difficult to repair. Perhaps there is more that is not visible but it does look repairable.

5'10" of water in that hangar - the damage is far more than what meets the eye. Alex's Glastar (in the background) was a beautiful aircraft, too. Written off. Very very sad day.

 

[Mark Cigal]

It's the damage you can't see. The plane was completely submerged for 12 hours in muddy toxic water. The mud and sludge was everywhere. It got into the engine, the fuel tanks, inside the wings and into every nook and cranny. Not one single electronic device survived.

 

[Mark Cigal]

Mark,
Thanks for the update, and I'm so sorry. I hope you can find another plane to fly down the road, and enjoy aviation for many more years.
Kindest,
Doug

Thank you Doug. I want you to know that this website was a godsend for me, both during my build and throughout the 20 years of RV ownership. You have done a wonderful job with it. Please continue.

Best regards, Mark

 

[Mark Cigal]

5'10" of water in that hangar - the damage is far more than what meets the eye. Alex's Glastar (in the background) was a beautiful aircraft, too. Written off. Very very sad day.

It's ironic that the two airplanes that shared a hangar for many years, also shared a ride to the salvage yard......

 

[DeltaRomeo]

Thank you Doug. I want you to know that this website was a godsend for me, both during my build and throughout the 20 years of RV ownership. You have done a wonderful job with it. Please continue.

Best regards, Mark

Mark, thank you sir. I will! PLEASE stick around and chime in every so often - you’re one of the pillars of the hobby and we’re glad to have you in our universe. Let me know if I can help you find another plane (I’m sure you have lots of help offers). Again, so sorry you’re having to go through all this.
b,d

 

[JonJay]

While a very sad day for sure, your perspective and attitude is great. First world problem for sure, compared to the losses others incurred. That doesn’t minimize your loss however.
Carry on…..

 

[8MikeXray]

Mark,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Miss Claire……if you ever make it out to Santa Rosa you are welcome to fly my 8….anytime

Best wishes

Mike Cingari

 

[Carlpretzel]

I was saddened to read this post because I'm just east of you in the Greensboro Triad area. Where was she based if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Mark Cigal]

Mark,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Miss Claire……if you ever make it out to Santa Rosa you are welcome to fly my 8….anytime

Best wishes

Mike Cingari

Thanks Mike. It would be great to fly with you again..... especially in your 8 !

 

[Mark Cigal]

I was saddened to read this post because I'm just east of you in the Greensboro Triad area. Where was she based if you don't mind me asking?

The plane was based in Hendersonville (0A7). We have a paved strip there and right next to it a grass strip that is owned by the Western North Carolina Air Museum. Come out and visit some time...... we are not always under water !

 

[N733JJ]

So sad. Just a couple months ago we discussed getting together for another flight.
Here are a couple pics of happier times.

 

[Mark Cigal]

View attachment 73061View attachment 73062View attachment 73063So sad. Just a couple months ago we discussed getting together for another flight.
Here are a couple pics of happier times.

Thanks Scott. Those were indeed happier times. Not sure if I'll ever be able to find a suitable replacement for Miss Claire......

 

[flysrv10]

This would make my cry, literally!

 

[Mark Cigal]

This would make my cry, literally!

I'm not gonna lie....... there were many tears shed. I loved that airplane like a child.

 

[Carlpretzel]

The plane was based in Hendersonville (0A7). We have a paved strip there and right next to it a grass strip that is owned by the Western North Carolina Air Museum. Come out and visit some time...... we are not always under water !

I used to race Cyclocross at the park just north of the field