I finally got a few minutes now that graduations, confirmations, etc are over to write up a little on my transition training experience with Mike Seager. I hope some find it informative, interesting, and motivating for those building the RV10.
My building partner and I left Omaha, NE on Southwest to Portland, OR via Las Vegas the morning of May 8th. We arrived in sunny Portland about 3:30 pm and quilckly got the Sebring rental headed south on I-205. We checked into the Wilsonville Holiday Inn and quickly left for Aurora airport to get to Vans before 5 pm. Arriving a few minutes after 5 pm the doors were closed and everyone gone. The rears door was open so we walked in an introduced ourselves to the night crew. They told us all about the CNC machines as we watched in amazement how they quickly and accurately punch out the parts in the aluminum sheets. They run 16 out of 24 hours every work day. We were given a tour around and to my shock there were a few RV10 Quick Build kits in stock! I also noticed how much better qualilty the fiberglass Cabin tops are now vs the one we received. It was a learning experience seeing how everything is picked and packed and how efficient the operation is. We then went into the hanger to view the planes and closely examined 410RV. There were several parts we examined to compare our workmanship to that of the factory plane. I know know why the tech people at Vans often tell you to not dwell on a certain part and move on! After leaving the factory we headed south to Lenhart Field searching for Randy DeBauw. Randy and Cheryl came driving up shortly after we arrived in their nice white Camry. Randy opened up the hanger and there it was..................his entire HOUSEHOLD............chairs, tables, appliances, lamps, boxes, etc. Randy and Cheryl are moving into a condo and storing stuff in the hanger until it is ready.
After unpiling some things and moving out the trailer........there was the first complete RV10! We pulled it out and fired it up for a nice evening flight. My partner rode co-pilot and I got my first ride in the rear of an RV10. I can honestly say it is a great view and a very stable ride from the rear just like sitting in the front. This plane continues to surpass all my expectations every time I go up in it. Upon landing and putting the RV10 back in the hanger, Randy mentioned he needed to try out his new BBQ grill. Within a few minutes we were enjoying great juicy hamburgers, salad, pickles, and beer. What a life, what a day! We sat there as the tmps cooled on a great May nite talking about the joy of owning and flying an RV10. DAY one ends.
My building partner and I left Omaha, NE on Southwest to Portland, OR via Las Vegas the morning of May 8th. We arrived in sunny Portland about 3:30 pm and quilckly got the Sebring rental headed south on I-205. We checked into the Wilsonville Holiday Inn and quickly left for Aurora airport to get to Vans before 5 pm. Arriving a few minutes after 5 pm the doors were closed and everyone gone. The rears door was open so we walked in an introduced ourselves to the night crew. They told us all about the CNC machines as we watched in amazement how they quickly and accurately punch out the parts in the aluminum sheets. They run 16 out of 24 hours every work day. We were given a tour around and to my shock there were a few RV10 Quick Build kits in stock! I also noticed how much better qualilty the fiberglass Cabin tops are now vs the one we received. It was a learning experience seeing how everything is picked and packed and how efficient the operation is. We then went into the hanger to view the planes and closely examined 410RV. There were several parts we examined to compare our workmanship to that of the factory plane. I know know why the tech people at Vans often tell you to not dwell on a certain part and move on! After leaving the factory we headed south to Lenhart Field searching for Randy DeBauw. Randy and Cheryl came driving up shortly after we arrived in their nice white Camry. Randy opened up the hanger and there it was..................his entire HOUSEHOLD............chairs, tables, appliances, lamps, boxes, etc. Randy and Cheryl are moving into a condo and storing stuff in the hanger until it is ready.
After unpiling some things and moving out the trailer........there was the first complete RV10! We pulled it out and fired it up for a nice evening flight. My partner rode co-pilot and I got my first ride in the rear of an RV10. I can honestly say it is a great view and a very stable ride from the rear just like sitting in the front. This plane continues to surpass all my expectations every time I go up in it. Upon landing and putting the RV10 back in the hanger, Randy mentioned he needed to try out his new BBQ grill. Within a few minutes we were enjoying great juicy hamburgers, salad, pickles, and beer. What a life, what a day! We sat there as the tmps cooled on a great May nite talking about the joy of owning and flying an RV10. DAY one ends.
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