N986BP “Banana Puddin’” made her first flight June 9 (finally getting around to posting this!) under the skilled test-piloting of Tom Porta (CFI, RV-8 driver Reno-Stead). The flight was short due to a faulty low-voltage warning and mis-plumbed ASI, but Tom greased a perfect landing. After addressing the voltage and ASI, I took her up June 20 after graduating Mike Seager’s transition course. She flies straight and fast, powered by an IO-320 w/ Plasma III EI. Panel is a 7” Skyview with SL30, powered by VP-X with backup steam gauge ASI/compass. The plane is IFR certified even though the pilot is not (yet). Empty weight is 915lbs – I worked hard to keep her light. She is very forgiving of my often ham-fisted landings (as evidenced by the video).
Build time to first flight was 3600 shop-hours and 900 study-hours (mostly VAF – thanks DR!) over 20 months, and another 400 shop hours tweaking and prepping for paint. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to the VAF forums as well as the residents of Farias Wheel Airport (NV33). This was my first airplane, and I loved every minute of it. I plan to begin building a composite racer of my own design shortly.
Marc Ausman at Vertical Power and Tom Swearengen at TSFlightlines both went beyond the call of duty. I’ve also had good customer support from Dynon, Plane Power, Catto Propellers, Saber Mfr, and of course Vans.
I made a short video for family and friends who wonder where I disappeared to the last 2 years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk0f0qE6HOo
“Banana Puddin” by Southern Culture on the Skids inspired the name of the plane and the paint job/tail art.
Again, many thanks to all the VAF’rs who have supported me via email, phone and in person – you truly make the world a better place when you share your knowledge.
Eric
Build time to first flight was 3600 shop-hours and 900 study-hours (mostly VAF – thanks DR!) over 20 months, and another 400 shop hours tweaking and prepping for paint. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to the VAF forums as well as the residents of Farias Wheel Airport (NV33). This was my first airplane, and I loved every minute of it. I plan to begin building a composite racer of my own design shortly.
Marc Ausman at Vertical Power and Tom Swearengen at TSFlightlines both went beyond the call of duty. I’ve also had good customer support from Dynon, Plane Power, Catto Propellers, Saber Mfr, and of course Vans.
I made a short video for family and friends who wonder where I disappeared to the last 2 years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk0f0qE6HOo
“Banana Puddin” by Southern Culture on the Skids inspired the name of the plane and the paint job/tail art.
Again, many thanks to all the VAF’rs who have supported me via email, phone and in person – you truly make the world a better place when you share your knowledge.
Eric
Last edited: