beechrv9a
Well Known Member
Today at noon at Marion County Airport (X35) in Dunnellon Florida, the Terrific RV9A N194HW took flight after a 12 year build with me as the test pilot! I now have joined the ranks of the many builders who have experienced this! Incredible aircraft doesn?t begin to do this plane justice!
I have much to be thankful for, so please bear with me.
First of all, my biggest thanks to Paula, my loving, patient and terrific wife of 34 years, riveting partner, pillar of encouragement for allowing me to pursue this dream. I know having an IO-360 on a movable engine stand in our dining room for 4 years as centerpiece was not what you had envisioned, nor loss of your garage for all those years and airplane parts throughout the house? and to my kids always fielding the many questions from neighborhood kids (just what the heck is your dad doing in there??) and the many family character building exercises encountered in this journey.
A big shout out to Jesse Saint of Saint Aviation and his excellent staff for support during the final assembly.
Vans Aircraft and all of the Van's staff for providing such an excellent aircraft and support.
Thank you Doug, for providing this forum for the community of builders with similar passions. This wonderful group of people is always there ready to jump in to answer the trivial or technical questions.
In particular, I would like to thank Mike Bullock and his great website. Mike- Publish your build as a guide! The documentation, pictures and build commentary (bugs, blood, beer and humor included) were outstanding. All this as a result of a chance meeting with you on a 6:30am train out of Aberdeen Md. one early dreary morning back in December 2008. I was wearing my VansAirforce hat wandering sleepily down the aisle when I heard a voice call out from a darkened seat ?What are you building?? And so our friendship began?.Next beer is on me Mike!
Stein Air (Mike Gleason) who took my panel, instruments and electrical design concepts into reality
Jan Bussell ?Transition Training Extraordinaire in Okeechobee Florida?.Thanks to him I had no issues or surprises during that first flight
For all my friends and encouragement.
And lastly my parents for always pushing me to try a little harder when times get tough. I can still hear my dad?s voice in my head saying always, ?Remain Calm, Cool and Collected.? I know you are smiling with the angels.
Build On! It is an Amazing Aircraft!
Engine Mattituck Red Gold IO-360
Whirlwind 200RV C/S prop
Dual P-Mags
Dual GRT HxR 10.4 EFIS
TruTrak Vizion A/P
AOA Indicator
Garmin GTN 650
PS Engineering PMA 450