Power loss over rough seas – USCG Rescue – SEMPER PARATUS

Power loss over rough seas.

Yes, I really do want to build an airplane!

Update on my fantasy to build an airplane. Yes, I really do want to. But first I need to decide what I can A) Fit into and B) Afford.

A) I am a big person. Always have been. Six foot eight or so. Some say you shrink as you age. I might be at 6’7″ or 6’7 3/4″ but anyway you put it. I am tall. With that I have long legs and big feet. Major considerations when you’re trying to fit in a little airplane. I learned to fly in a Cessna 150. Here is an example of a C-150 from Wikipedia:

It is a two seat 100hp airplane. When I appeared at the flight school the instructor said, “If you can fit in it, I can teach you to fly it”. 60 hours later and a bunch of dollars later I had a private license. Few years later I won my commercial and instrument ratings for airplanes. So I think I have the flying thing down. Just need to get into the airplane.

So size, my size and the airplane interior dimensions are a issue. The dimensions of the monetary commitment must also fit into my budget.

I have been looking at the RV-12 (see RV-12 – I wanna build an airplane) But that bird will cost me up to $40,000US. Ouch! That might break the bank. Not to mention my CFO (i.e. wife) wouldn’t be onboard with that. So, now I’m looking seriously into the Sonex line of homebuilt aircraft. Here is the Sonex – from Sonex Aircraft (www.sonexaircraft.com)

RV-12 – I Wanna Build an AIRPLANE!

Have I lost my mind? What – are you crazy?? You’ve never built anything substantial before. Okay, a picnic table and a swing set. But you did spill blood on both. Seems every time you pick up a power tool – it’s time to have the bandages and antiseptic ready. And now you’re thinking about building an AIRPLANE?? and then putting your butt in it and flying??

Yes – I have been wanting to for some time. And now the bug is bitten. I am thinking about an Van’s RV homebuilt. I would like to do an RV-7 but that’s a big investment. Van’s aircraft came out with a E-LSA (that’s Experimental-Light Sport Aircraft) kit. The RV-12. Looks really interesting and all the reading I have done to date on the kit says it is great for a first-timer. Hmmmm. Let’s see what happens. I need to do some more research first.

Click here for the RV-12 info.

And that’s a picture of an RV-12 above.

All the President’s Men

Got an opportunity to meet Bob Woodward author of this book at the Pentagon. Was able to talk with him briefly too. This pic was taken afterwards when he was signing stuff.