REFLECTOR: Flight - Natural High

[Andy Millin]

Al,
 
I want to wish you a most sincere congratulations.  It has been a joy to
watch your dream come together into an airplane.  Thanks for letting us
share.
 
I know I'm waiting for the day when I transition to being an "aircraft"
owner instead of a kit builder.
 
Salute!
 
Andy

  _____  

From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Al Gietzen
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:34 AM
To: reflector
Subject: REFLECTOR: Flight - Natural High



A couple of visions, and the associated emotion, are still with me.  The
test pilot had taken off and climbed out to the NE and disappeared into the
distance below some high scattered clouds.  We knew he was out there, doing
his "work", and occasionally we'd hear the distant distinctive sound of the
3-rotor engine, and we'd hear the occasional call to Center on our hand held
radio.  After about 35 minutes we heard his call to the tower, and shortly
after could see the speck of the plane miles to the east.  We also heard his
request for straight in over the runway, with a break to left downwind over
mid-field.  And soon, there it was - in a hard left bank overhead, that
distinctive beautiful silhouette against the background of high broken
clouds.  Smooth and fast - MY airplane; my sweat and effort and anxiety.
What a sight - what a sound!! That moment of exhilaration I'll remember, and
know one of the reasons why we do this.

 

Later I climbed in the right seat for a flight to focus on engine
parameters.  I did that through most of the climb-out, and for awhile as we
cruised at 3500' agl.  But then I started to enjoy the view, and the
sensation of speed - even at that altitude, as we banked over the hills and
valleys. I took the stick to get a feel for the control response.  And there
I was; flying my plane, with the very kool EFIS displays, cruising at 200
mph, and enjoying the beautiful view.  Definitely high; a natural high.

 

Ok, there are still some problems to solve and things to adjust, but I'll
think about that tomorrow.

 

Keep building; and it will come.

 

Al

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