Bob Irwin, co-founder of Aircraft Spruce, passed away on June 26, 2015 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at age 95. Along with his wife Flo, he started Fullerton Air Parts in 1955, Aircraft Spruce in 1965, and ACS Products Co. in 1983. Bob held a doctorate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri and worked for Aerojet General in propulsion testing during the 1960s. He was a Link trainer instructor during World War II and became a pilot in 1948. Over the next 50 years he logged over 2200 hours in his Vultee BT-13, Navion A model, and a Navion Rangemaster. He is survived by his sons Jim (Nanci) and John (Frances), eight grandchildren, and ten grandchildren.
In Case You Missed It
Lancair ES-P
Robert Simon had the distinction of building the first Lancair ES-P to fly. But the process wasn’t without its challenges. The ES-P employs the cabin design and structure of the pressurized, retractable Lancair IV-P, but has a larger wing and fixed gear. During the build, Simon also deviated from the base design with changes that required factory support to accomplish. Not only did he learn much, he ultimately got the plane he needed; by Dave Higdon.
Dan’s World
Columnist and RV builder Dan Checkoway advocates keeping it simple so that you can actually afford to fuel and fly your homebuilt aircraft. He claims many builders buy into the hype about the latest and greatest equipment must-haves, and then complain about the price at the pump.