On Saturday March 4th my 18 month project became an aircraft when 19-7543 took to the air on its maiden flight at Ballina NSW. John Gardon, local flying instructor and experienced –7 pilot slipped out between showers to do some taxi tests and a possible first flight. After a clean start-up and taxiing to the far end of the runway, checking rudder and brake behaviour, John felt it was ready to fly, wheeled it around and took off. The audience heard the power go on and when it came into view he was already airborne and climbing smoothly. The aircraft was well over 1000ft by the time it reached the end of the runway. After a 40 minute checkout John returned just beating a gusty heavy shower.
Johns report was that the –12 performs exactly as advertised, and we shared the RV grin. Thanks to all the local aeroclub members for their encouragement and help. Special thanks to prospective co-pilot Joan for her support and acceptance of my fellow aviators with their unusual passion.
You can see some pics at
https://picasaweb.google.com/joanla...htMarch5th2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCPCimoWNl5HeqwE#
Rod