A boys dream come true
When I was about 16 years old
(1953) a local farmer’s son landed a small plane in our hayfield. We
lived at the end of a dirt road and did not have many visitors, and only
went to town on Saturday night and Sunday morning to Church. An airplane
in our field was a very big deal to me. He had just stopped to say Hi
and offered my dad a ride, which he declined. I was taught that
“Children were to be seen but nor heard’ so I didn’t say a thing but I
was screaming inside “I will go, Ask me, Let me go, Please let me go”
Although I didn’t say a word I never lost the desire to fly. It was
simply not something that I could afford. Jim Robinson showed me that a
Quad City Challenger was affordable to me by building it myself and
registering it experimental means that I can do my own maintenance when
I am qualified. Jim assured me that he would be available for advice
every step of the way.
I
purchased the kit in Dec of 04 and received the tail section in Jan of
05. I started the smaller parts in the basement but as the parts got
bigger the construction moved to the garage. By Sept of 05 it was
completed, N numbered, FAA certified as Air Worthy, and legal to fly. I
started lessons in Dec of 05 in my own airplane, making lessons cost
less than $40.00 an hour including fuel. With much patience from my
instructor David Lillie I soloed March 10/ 05 and received my license
April 21/05 (My 68th birthday). I have logged nearly 550
hours in 12 states and taken over 60 people rides that don’t normally
fly. The credit for my unusual paint job goes to my friend Wally Walker
of Galesburg.
There are many good experimental homebuilt kits available but “bang for
your buck” the Challenger can’t be beat. The same basic design has been
sold for 25 years with thousands flying. The kit is foolproof by
following the instructions, as it is over 45% factory assembled when you
get it. It handles two 200# people well with a 75 MPH cruse, while
burning 3 ˝ to 4 GAL of automotive gas pr hr. ‘Ol Baldy” is quite well
equipped with heater, necessary instruments, radio, and GPS. I have
about $20,000 plus my labor invested. That is not bad compared to a
Harley or Gold-Wing and I fly all year. Winter is the best time. TRY IT
YOU WILL LIKE IT.
Dealership at Erie Airpark will sell you a kit for you to build.
Sport Pilot is
the quick and easy way to fly.
Build assist is available,
plenty of help for those first time builders.
Stop in the Airpark and talk to Jim Today.
E-Mail
Ph. 309-659-2721
erieairpark@juno.com is
also available. Don't put it off any longer.
Life flies by too quickly
to just wish.
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