Lindy
7/23/2010-FIRST FLIGHT!!
After 5 years and 18 days, I took my RV-7 in to the sky for the first time at 7:57pm today!! What an ABSOLUTE THRILL!!!! There's nothing else like it, and I can't even really describe it. The airplane ran fantastically, and the only thing that "went wrong", was the pilot accidentally turning the squelch off on the intercom. I could hear the tower, they could here me, but I couldn't hear myself. Not a big deal, and the flight went off without a hitch, ending a bit early due to "the end of civil twilight". ;o) We had to wait out a thunderstorm that was just north of the field, which brought us some low clouds. As soon as they were clear, the winds died to almost nothing, and it was time to go!
I gotta thank Jack Holland and Rob Johnson for flying their RV-7's in chase with me this evening. Brittne rode with Jack for her first RV and taildragger ride, and Rob's wife Christine was with him. Brittne took some great video, and Christine some awesome pictures!! Of course, without the family and friends that I have surrounding me, none of this would have ever happened, so thank you all!!
On to the pics and videos!! I have the full flight from the cockpit, but I haven't edited it to a manageable size yet...coming soon!
First flight landing, Jack in chase video!
Pics!
Just about to push it out...
It's time!
Brittne giving it one last check...and I'm apparently checking her out!! ;o)
Strapping in...video glasses on!
Engine started, and I'm showing my little airplane that my Grandpa made me when I was a kid...it rode along on the dash for luck!
Taxiing out...
Cleared for takeoff!!!
Jack, Brittne, Rob, and Christine were next!
Loose formation chase...thanks again guys!!
First landing...
Jack and Brittne...
Rob and Christine...
Brittne's RV grin, and a thumbs up!!
MY RV GRIN!!!!!
The REAL moment of the day...
Making the phone calls...
And FINALLY...time for Champagne!!!
Too many people to thank, but you ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! Love you all!!!