Aug 29, 2023     First Flight!!! - (0.9 hour)       Category: Testing

It finally happened! First Flight Today at KFLY. I was joined by Tony Brotherton, my Qualified Pilot, under the Additional Pilot Program. He was a huge help and support. So glad Tony joined me. Many thanks to family and friends that have helped and encouraged me along this journey. All went very well and can't wait to go again. Yeehaw!

  Mar 25, 2023     Interior Complete - (2.5 hours)       Category: Interior Finish

Finally finished installing the interior! Happy with how it turned out. Lotsa work!

  Feb 18, 2023     Xtreme Decathlon - (2 hours)       Category: Training

Continuing to train with TW, but now in the Xtreme Decathlon! It's 210 hp and has a constant speed prop. Had a great flight with Ryan and I feel like I was really getting the feel for this plane. We flew some canyons, did steep turns, then several touch and goes on 17R, KAPA. He seemed happy with my performance, and I was awarded my High-Performance Endorsement! Ryan has accepted a job with Mike Goulian ferrying his Extra 300 to and from airshows, plus instructing in upset training and recovery. Really enjoyed Ryan and wish him the best!

  Jan 28, 2023     DAR Inspection - (2 hours)       Category: Inspection

After 19 years of building, including two prior aircraft projects, it was finally the day for a DAR Inspection. I spent a lot of time preparing documents, manuals, data, and the aircraft for this inspection. Randy (the DAR) is a great guy that does this on 777s and many other large jets. It was great to have him also inspect my plane! He started with all the paperwork. I fielded questions as he continued reviewing all. This stuff has to be exact, or you have an issue. He seemed to really like the POHs I created, too. We eventually moved to the plane. He looked at many aspects, exercised all the controls for full range and stops, then had me do the engine controls while he watched to make sure of full range and stops again. By the time he finished, he congratulated me and complimented the aircraft. I soon after was awarded my Airworthiness Certificate. N742US officially graduated from a project to a real aircraft! Wahooo!! Tracey was so awesome to help work on the plane whenever I needed help, and she even brought a surprise lunch, sweet congrats card, and awesome bottle of Stranahan's Single Malt! I could not have finished this without Tracey and her undying support. I also have to give a big "thanks" to so many friends and family. My hangar-mate/friend John (RV-9A) has also rolled up his sleeves helped whenever needed (many times...haha) and has always encouraged me! I am truly blessed!

Time to get this thing back together. Continuing with my tailwheel training and then transition training. Not too long and this bird's gonna fly!

  Dec 01, 2022     Tailwheel Training - (18.3 hours)       Category: Training

One of the more challenging aspects of building a tailwheel airplane, is getting the necessary training and endorsement. This has been looming for many years. I've had much difficulty finding an instructor and proper aircraft for my profile. Finally, I rejoined Aspen Flying Club at KAPA (Centennial) and was able to train with Ryan in a Citabria (160 HP). I stayed near the airport 11/16-20 with the sole focus of getting this part completed. It was an adventure with two lessons each day and classroom time. Plus, snow, ice, and very cold at times. Ryan was an awesome instructor and taught me well. I look forward to flying with him more! On 11/20....after a final wheel landing on 35L, with slight right crosswind, Ryan felt comfortable to grant my tailwheel endorsement! Yeehaw!!! As he stated, "this is the beginning of your TW training". Well said. Oh...and I also completed my BFR in the process.

  Nov 27, 2022     Empennage Fairing - (12 hours)       Category: Fiberglass

As with many, my empennage fairing has fit issues. I began by cutting it in half along the spline. This helped me reposition things, then make more trims. Once things were close to correct, I began laying fiberglass cloth below and on top of the existing parts to fuse them together again. Several iterations of this provided a better fitting piece. I still need to do some final trimming and lots of finish work, but it should be a nice improvement.

  Oct 16, 2022     Taxi       Category: Testing

  Sep 27, 2022     Canopy Wiring - (2.5 hours)       Category: Canopy

I've had wires for the dash fans and AOA loosely draped on the underside of the canopy for a while. It has always bothered me and I finally took the opportunity to snake wrap and consolidate it all. It cleaned up pretty well. Also, took time to install edge guard where bundles may rub when opening/closing the canopy. Another task off the Pic List!

  Sep 25, 2022     Classic Aero Designs Installation - (12.5 hours)       Category: Interior Finish

I've been chipping away at the Classic Aero Designs Interior for quite sometime. There are lots of mounting points and adjustments to make it all to fit. Top notch kit, but not without work. Pretty cool to see what I had in my imagination coming to reality. Happy with it!

  Sep 24, 2022     Nav/ Landing/Taxi - (6.5 hours)       Category: Lighting

Continued to work the wingtips and lighting coves. Lenses completed, tips primed. Installed the right side Nav/Landing/Taxi lights. Brighter than ever and looks great!