"51" because that's my wife's birthday...5/1/51. How special is that? Also, the P-51 is my favorite warbird. AND...my office symbol at work is MP51. So the stars seem aligned for me to have "51."
"7" because I'm building an RV-7.
...and "D" because I am Don.
I really wanted N51DH but it's on a P-51 in Oregon, and I didn't have the guts to ask the owner if I could have his N-number.
I also tried the telephone touchpad trick. For example, my wife's name is Bev, which on the phone pad becomes "238," but I'm building a 7. I did buy a cap with an N-number on it of N238DH to see how I would like it.
As an aside, I didn't want any "niners" because my Dad's C-172 which I fly a lot is "November Seven Niner Five Niner Niner." The controllers usually come back with something like "November Seven Niner Five Five Niner."
The best reason I chose N517D is because I like it. Short and sweet..."Experimental Five One Seven Delta" and hopefully "RV Seven Delta."
I can't wait.
Don