I recently traveled to Lemoore California. This guy by the name of David Howe (@HFS) makes all kinds of useful gadgets to build and maintain our fine series of Aircraft. Since Fresno was the closest major airport, I bummed a ride with David from Fresno to Lemoore. As Dave showed me around his shop, we accumulated a pile of Dave‘s inventions for me to take home in my carry-on.
The visit progressed to his hangar and a thorough tour of his beautiful Harmon Rocket II. The real purpose of my 30 hour visit ended up being an interview by David of me to determine if I was worthy to be the new owner of his award winning Rocket. I passed the test and took delivery of the Rocket this past Tuesday. I flew it back to Colorado on Wednesday without incident.
I am now the proud owner of what must be one of the nicest examples of a Harmon Rocket II that’s ever existed. It will live alongside what I believe to be one of the nicest RV-3s ever in existence. The really cool part of the story is that the two aircraft were built by very good friends. David and Chuck have known each other for more than 40 years (probably 50 years now that I think of it). The two Aircraft are essentially siblings.
As I explained to both builders, I consider myself to be a caretaker for these Aircraft as long as they’re in my possession. My first and overriding goal will be to do no harm. As was the case in purchasing my RV-3 from Chuck, I feel like the best thing to come out of this transaction is a new friendship. David Howe is absolutely a national treasure in the world of amateur built aircraft. He thinks of things and sees things that mere mortals such a such as myself have never seen nor considered. What’s more, is that he’s able to come up with simple and effective solutions.
Dave’s Rocket will live with Chuck’s 3 here at my house near Brighton, Colorado. If I ever stop tinkering with airplanes long enough to finish my house remodel, I’ll have space to host guests wishing to visit these beautiful Aircraft. Until then, look for a bright red RV-3 or a beautiful red white and blue Rocket at a pancake breakfast or fly-in near you.
Family photos of the two beautiful aircraft together are already in the planning stages. Standby.
The visit progressed to his hangar and a thorough tour of his beautiful Harmon Rocket II. The real purpose of my 30 hour visit ended up being an interview by David of me to determine if I was worthy to be the new owner of his award winning Rocket. I passed the test and took delivery of the Rocket this past Tuesday. I flew it back to Colorado on Wednesday without incident.
I am now the proud owner of what must be one of the nicest examples of a Harmon Rocket II that’s ever existed. It will live alongside what I believe to be one of the nicest RV-3s ever in existence. The really cool part of the story is that the two aircraft were built by very good friends. David and Chuck have known each other for more than 40 years (probably 50 years now that I think of it). The two Aircraft are essentially siblings.
As I explained to both builders, I consider myself to be a caretaker for these Aircraft as long as they’re in my possession. My first and overriding goal will be to do no harm. As was the case in purchasing my RV-3 from Chuck, I feel like the best thing to come out of this transaction is a new friendship. David Howe is absolutely a national treasure in the world of amateur built aircraft. He thinks of things and sees things that mere mortals such a such as myself have never seen nor considered. What’s more, is that he’s able to come up with simple and effective solutions.
Dave’s Rocket will live with Chuck’s 3 here at my house near Brighton, Colorado. If I ever stop tinkering with airplanes long enough to finish my house remodel, I’ll have space to host guests wishing to visit these beautiful Aircraft. Until then, look for a bright red RV-3 or a beautiful red white and blue Rocket at a pancake breakfast or fly-in near you.
Family photos of the two beautiful aircraft together are already in the planning stages. Standby.
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