 Dan McElroys Questair Venture I just finished my Venture, which was started 20 years ago. There are marriages that have not lasted 20 years, there are careers that have not lasted 20 years, and there are whole lives that have not lasted 20 years, so how do you stay working on a project for 20 years? In this fast-paced world today, we all forget to smell the roses, walk the paths, take the time to say Hi, and listen to ourselves and do what we need to do to keep our sanity while encouraging our artistic side. Building is a journey, not an end result. A homebuilt is an expression of your artistic side, a way to connect with yourself and a way of life. My first flight went well, and the engine break-in is proceeding well. I expanded the envelope to about 245 knots indicated (redline is 300), rolled it three times, experimented with the trim, flaps and controls, and know I have a lot more to accomplish. I intend to enjoy every phase of the journey. Columbus, Indiana |
 Bud Weddingtons and Ed Nolans Double Eagle This is a Double Eagle designed by Leonard Milholland. We started the project thinking it would take about six months to complete. We got our DAR inspection 18 months later on September 25, 2009, and made the first flight four days later. Building a plansbuilt aircraft took longer than we expected. We made some cosmetic and structural changes, and used a 1955cc VW engine from Great Plains. The airplane breaks ground in less than 200 feet at 35 mph and cruises at about 65 mph, burning about 3.5 gph, with docile handling much like a Cub. Palm Coast, Florida |
 John Snaps Knapps Micro Mong Rocket Seaplane Flying in my 1984 Avid Seaplane for 2600 hours, the first one on floats, I always loved the nostalgia of biplanes, especially biplanes on floats. Consequently, four years ago I talked with Gerald Olenik of GreenSky Adventures, Inc., about a Micro Mong and got his advice about building one on floats. His only problem was how to exit to the front of the floats without getting wet. I would have to be a contortionist crawling through cables and struts. So I set to work welding, doping and scratchbuilding floats and attachments and two engine mounts. The original engine was a 440 Kawasaki, which was underpowered, so I installed a Rotax 582 with the C gearbox (3:1 ratio) and an RK 400 clutch. Now its overpowered with 5000 rpm providing 90 mph. I have to watch the Vne of 110. Performance is spectacular to say the least. The newest mods include a Warp Drive 72-inch, three-blade prop with polished aluminum spinner, and a smoke system. Im having so much fun, its time to build a two-seat Tiger Moth on floats so others can enjoy open air seaplane flying. Bath, North Carolina |
BUILDERS SHARE THEIR SUCCESSES
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