Incredible progress!
Looks like you only work on Saturdays - how many hours is a typical work session?
I wish our local school offered this!
I would be interested to know when the first flight will be. It is quite a thrill to watch first flights and I would love to be there to see the kids watching too. I suppose there will be some media there to publicize the event?
I would be interested to know when the first flight will be. It is quite a thrill to watch first flights and I would love to be there to see the kids watching too. I suppose there will be some media there to publicize the event?
As an EAA Flight Advisor, I have to strongly advise against having any kind of media present for a first flight. First flights should have a minimal audience. Just a few people to help in case of an incident.
I would suggest a "private" first flight followed by a public "official first flight".
Scott I think what you guys are doing is great. My name is Jeff Pressley and I have been a high school metal shop teacher for fifteen years. I started an aviation club at Richmond Senior High school about twelve years ago and we have been building and designing rc models ever since. We are currently building a full size primary glider that will be donated to the Ashboro Aviation museum. We are just getting started on this project and hope to have it finished by the end of the year. We are also working on an N3 pup that should fly later this year. I think the city is going to work with us and give us a hangar sometime soon. I have come to the conclusion that I'm never going to get rich at the career that I have chosen but the rewards and benefits to the lives touched is worth more than all the money in the world.
I started flying lessons in 1995 and because of money and family obligations did not get my private pilot rating until 2006. I'm now working on my sport pilot flight instructor rating for the sole purpose of teaching young people how to fly. I plan on doing this and not charging for my services as I have already stated there are some things more valuable than money.
I was in the process of setting up a program to do what you are doing. The difference was that I was going to use a Pietenpol Aircamper because of the cost involved. When I saw what you guys are doing the same thing with the rv12 I decided this would be a better airplane to build because it comes as a complete kit. I have a few friends that I have also helped with their rv's so the design is familiar. The only drawback is the cost involved but have also learned that anything is possible. I have presented this plan to our local school leaders and they are excited about the idea but have to get the lawyers involved. I'm also in the process of talking to lawyer's to set up some private groups to accomplish this. Even if the school can't support this project because of liability reasons I will see this project through privately. This is a project that I intend to grow and teach not only the engineering and skills needed to build an airplane but also teach life lessons and let these kids feel that they are part of something great. I have witnessed the youth become more and more detached because of the electronic devices and different pressures that they deal with on a dailey basis but have also witnessed what programs such as this do for their self esteem and confidence. Just remember that you have the power to change someone's life in a positive way and don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something ( Even a lawyer ). Scott thank you and all of the volunteers for doing what you do.
Scott, how will it be registered, EAB, ELSA or possibility SLSA? I have heard that you could go SLSA since built at Vans.
It took a bit longer than anticipated but we are now ready for our first flight.
You can see the latest update on our blog HERE. It should contain some new photos in the next few days also.
The latest news, as of today, is that we have our insurance in place, which was donated by Tom Johnson of Airpower Insurance LLC in Phoenix AZ. Thanks Tom
Our first flight should be very soon...