| Author | Message | ||
     Charles M. Robinson New member Username: F15epilot Post Number: 26 Registered: 02-2004 |
OK, Now that I've delivered to Nancy the article, I can announce to the forum the happy news that N336FS successfully flew Sunday, July 11th, at 1100 EDT, from St. Simons Island, GA. N336FS is Auriga kit #14, originally begun by Johnny Johnson at Marcos Island, FL, and eventually sold to Mr. Buddy Edwards, SSI. I bought the kit last February and passed my DAR inspection Saturday afternoon. While there is still a HUGE amount to be done to get the airplane to what I consider 'complete', taking it up for the first time was a true Kodak moment in my flight career. For those still working on your planes, let me honestly tell you, "IT IS WORTH THE EFFORT!" As those of you who've done it know, that first flight is awesome. I've flown 45+ aircraft, including combat time in three theaters. The first flight in my Auriga ranks right up there with the others. Here are a few pics of the event. Thanks to everyone for your advice, counsel, and ideas along the way...and please be assured I'll be asking more as I complete the interior and get it painted. Thanks again. Chuck    | ||
| Reinhard Metz New member Username: Reinhard_metz Post Number: 49 Registered: 03-2003 |
Congrats! And yes, that first flight is an absolutely awesome feeling!!! (As an aside, I could never understand how, after all that time building, anyone could go out and hire someone for the first flight - didn't do it on my wedding night and wouldn't think of it with my Express!!) | ||
| Hans Georg Schmid New member Username: Hgschmid Post Number: 19 Registered: 02-2001 |
Congratulations! Looks great! Wish I was that far... I know how you feel, as I still remember the first flight with my former Long-Ez some 16 years back. Lots of tailwind and always blue skies! With the best wishes from Switzerland Hans Georg Schmid | ||
| Roy Davis New member Username: Royhdavis Post Number: 45 Registered: 01-2003 |
This is wonderful news. Another Express flying! Great pictures too. They really capture the moment. Thanks for keeping us posted. Roy | ||
| Jim Oyler New member Username: Midniteoyl Post Number: 90 Registered: 07-2003 |
http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=937 Congrats Chuck!! Jim | ||
| Kevin Dennes New member Username: Kdennes Post Number: 88 Registered: 01-2001 |
Congratulations Chuck. It surely will have been a great thrill for you. Hope you have many happy years of flying N336FS. I am really looking forward to seeing our bird fly soon. As for Reinhard's comment; well, he really knows how to hurt a man. After spending all this time in building, it is a great disappointment to me that I am not permitted to test fly it due to my heart problems in 2001. Anyway, it will be a good "second best" to see it fly for the first time. Kevin (from Downunder) | ||
| Rob Jordan New member Username: Rob_jordan Post Number: 10 Registered: 02-2003 |
I'm very happy for you. I agree I count the test flight of N363RJ as one of the most exciting things I've ever done. |