Kansasflying

West Woodward, OK Fly-in 2010

2010-05-31T21:15:00.004-05:00

I took off work today (Memorial Day), in order to attend this fly-in. This would have been my farthest trip to date: 151 miles to be exact. I was REALLY looking forward to this trip. I heard about this fly-in via the SonexTalk e-mail group I belong to. There is a guy there that is building a Sonex, and a few others which are interested in building one. He was really hoping someone would fly down in a Sonex so he could look at one closer... I was determined to be that person.

The forecast was marginal at best! At first light (when I crawled out of bed) there was blue sky above. An hour later, when I left the house, low clouds and mist/fog had rolled in. The ceiling was down to 300 ft. My planned departure time was 0800. At the hangar I did a very thorough pre-flight, washed the windscreen, added a little oil, everything was ready to go. By the time 0920 arrived there was no clearing in sight.... I left for home.

This picture does not do it justice... but the weather was not good for a cross-country trip!

2nd Annual Rucker Airfield Memorial Day Fly-In Picnic

2010-05-31T15:10:00.007-05:00

Boy, talk about a good time! Since I missed the Woodward, OK fly-in earlier in the day I was itching to make this fly-in! The field is located only 10 miles or so from my home strip. The ceilings at my field was still 8-900 ft. I thought about waiting it out in hopes for the ceiling to lift. It was all of 12:30 and getting later. My wife needed me home in the mid-afternoon so I decided to pack it up and go home... I decided to drive there instead and make this a family event. This turned out to be a good decision!

I was surprised when we arrived. There were more planes than I thought would have showed up. The ceiling was over 1000 ft, so I could have easily flown in without much trouble had my field been more cooperative. Come to find out there were a lot of wet spots on this grass strip. Not only that, there was a "hidden" low-lying body of water about mid-field. Everyone found this spot - more like it found them! SPLASH!! This was the norm for EVERY arriving aircraft. On take-off, it was common for a crowd of people to migrate on the grass, watching with eagerness to see if the plane could make it off before splashing into the water - prolonging the take-off roll. Most planes, except for the lightest, could not make it in time.

It had become very muggy outside. High humidity and very light winds made standing behind the prop-wash of departing aircraft a must. That is where you could find me. The grills were working full-time cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. Everyone else brought side dishes. There was enough food there that no one would go home hungry.

It normally seems like I am the only person that brings their kids to these events. Not this one! There were kids of all ages there. This is a farming community. And I would guess that even non-flying neighbors were there with their families.... it was nice.

How can you not respect the Stearman... you got to love it!

Me and Isaac in the background. Little Grace, drinking, in the foreground.

Homebuilt.

The Stearman looks massive compared to this Cessna. The Cessna would look massive compared to my Sonex...

I will plan to attend this event in the future. For only being the 2nd annual it was impressive. Here is a link to there blog: http://ruckerfield.blogspot.com/

Hillsboro, KS EAA Fly-in Breakfast

2010-05-29T10:35:00.001-05:00

Got up around 0700 to fly up to Hillsboro, KS. Their local EAA chapter was having a fly-in breakfast. This is the first fly-in that I have attended with my Sonex. I was excited to go!

Right before take-off... looking down runway 17 at Cook.

Once in the air I realized that visibility would be an issue... it was POOR!

Looking East toward the sun. Maybe 4 miles visibility... if that.

Looking West was MUCH better.

Throttled back (a little) I was indicating 150 mph ground speed. Made it to Hillsboro in short order. It is only 55 miles from Cook (my home field) to Hillsboro. Here I am starting my downwind leg to runway 17.

Some of the planes there already. There was not a ton of people there, but respectable for the size of town.

My plane sitting on the grass. I hate parking in the grass with my super-tiny tail wheel. I took a friend up for his first Sonex flight - he is around 210lbs, my heaviest passenger yet. We hit the tail wheel first on landing but all was good!

After answering a few questions about the Sonex, and eating some pancakes and sausage, I took off... good time overall!

Grass Roots Aviation

2010-05-01T21:49:00.003-05:00

Douglass, Kansas was the place to be on May 1, 2010. This small grass strip is home of our famous Lawrence Alley - a USMC Skyraider pilot. EAA did a Timeless Voices video with him: http://www.eaa.org/video/timelessvoices.html?videoId=27504931001

This little grass-roots aviation event was very impressive! There were planes of all shapes and sizes. I did a fly-by earlier in the morning but was not confident enough in my landing skills to land on this postage-stamp sized runway. My father, me, and the kids drove 20 miles east of where I fly out of to join in on the fun. When we got there, they were taking a group photo. I let my dad and kids (far right side) get in on the pic as I shot my own.

Just an awesome C140 airplane in one of the hangars.

A little formation flying fun!

There was a neighbor/pilot at the event who lived just a few yards from the strip. He kindly invited us over to visit some of his family. This guy owned some interesting animals: Kangaroos, turtles, and exotic birds - WAY COOL for me and the kids!

Powered-parachute rides...

I love looking at planes in different stages of construction; especially after building a metal plane myself.

Here is the runway. I am not sure this picture does the actual length any justice in just how short this runway is.

We could only stay 2 hours or so... I wish I could have been there earlier, but it was wonderful day for flying. I spent all morning flying my Sonex... working on getting the 40 hours flown off!

Sun n' Fun 2010

2010-04-20T09:17:00.005-05:00

My first trip to Sun n' Fun! The family and I took a trip to Florida to enjoy some of the attractions that the Orlando area offers. I was "allowed" two days at Sun n' Fun, the rest of the time we went to Disney, Sea World, Coco beach, and of course, NASA.

In a nutshell, the time spent at Sun n' Fun was far from enjoyable. The kids were throwing one temper-tantrum after another. I should have known better. The second day we went my wife offered to stay with the kids at the condo we rented. The kids actually have fun there, playing on the balcony and watching cartoons. I felt a little bad about them staying there all day, and thought just maybe the second day would be better. NOPE! Anyway, I was glade to be there and will put this down as a "lesson-learned" trip. Here are few pics:

We had to walk a long ways to the front. There should be special parking for those with kids under 3 years old. Day 2 I got smart and parked a LOT closer.

Talk about a wicked-cool paint scheme!

I just love the T-51 aircraft by the Titan Company. It is a 3/4 scale P-51 mustang.

Very unique ultralight design. I really enjoyed Paradise City (the ultralight section).

You cannot go to Sun n' Fun and not visit the museum on the field. The museum was full of some of the coolest home-builts.

First Sonex Flight!

2009-12-11T21:57:00.000-06:00

I have not posted anything in a little while now. I have been a BUSY bee trying to finish up my Sonex project. Like anything else, there is always those odd & in things that somehow prevent you from finishing on time. I received my airworthiness certificate 21 Oct 2009. After that, engine issues, and training for my tail wheel endorsement, delayed the first flight until now.

My tail wheel instructor (Jim B) wanted me to get some higher performance air time before taking the Sonex on its first flight. After we landed the RV6 he asked if I wanted him to take the Sonex up for the first flight. I agreed. I have not had much flying time in the past 2 years, and the time I do have has been in a very light 70mph airplane. Jim is WAY more experienced and current - he was the IDEAL person for the job, and I am grateful that he did it!

I was NOT expecting a first flight so I did not have ANY camera equipment. I quickly called my father to come out to the field - and BRING A CAMERA. He made it out there after take-off. He was able to snap a few pics. This is Jim landing. PERFECT landing.

The flight was a success!! A few high temps and a left turning tendency but all went well. Here Jim is in the red coat - he is thanking me for letting him fly the plane - NOT! I really appreciate him doing the first flight, and for all the advice and awesome training he provided me.

Wichita Flight Festival 2009

2009-08-30T22:58:00.000-05:00

I was only able to go on Sunday August 30th because of a work. It was the first time that this show was free to attend. The scale of the show was dampened because of this, but nevertheless, it was fun and entertaining. Here is a short video clip showing some of the planes that were on display and show. Hopefully, next year my plane will be on display! Enjoy!

Stearman Field Fly-In

2009-07-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

Once a month Stearman Field has a breakfast fly-in. I try and go if I am off work. One thing significant this year that my wife has the opportunity to go with us - last year she really felt left out. I am not sure she really enjoys going to these events. I feel it is more about spending time with me and the kid's. I know everyone is not obsessed with flying like I am, and I can appreciate that. I absolutely love it when my wife goes to these events with us - who knows, maybe one day she will get the "bug." Enjoy the pics!

Here is my wife, dad, and kids in the background looking at this Christian Eagle II.

Here is the new Belite ultralight aircraft JUST starting to present itself on the ultralight market. This airplane was once part of the kitfox line before it sold its production to a guy, locally. He took the plane and made some changes to lighten it up some. I wish him the best in this tough market! It seemed to fly great!

I had to post this very unique car/air car. It is an OLD BMW, powered by an aircraft engine by way of a propeller on its aft end... very different to say the least. Good times had by all!

A day at the field...

2009-07-16T16:28:00.000-05:00

Went to the airport today to just hang-out. I do this a lot during the summer months. It is nice to take the kids out in the evening before bedtime. We sit and watch the airplanes take-off; sometimes they play in their wagon trying to push each other around. Anyway... if my kid's don't get into aviation, it will NOT be due to lack of exposure!

As we pulled up I saw this VERY PRETTY C-195 sitting there in the grass. I had to take a few shots of it.

I found out that this plane was not local. It is from the Texas area. I never did meet the owner.

2nd Annual Wings & Wheels

2009-07-11T15:51:00.001-05:00

Dad, Isaac, Grace, and myself all loaded up in the van and made the short trip South to Strother Field, located in Winfield, KS. I was not sure how big or small this flying event would be. All I know is they were providing breakfast and lunch, so, regardless, the trip would not be a wasted one!

It turned out to be a small to medium turn out, as far as aircraft are concerned. There was a variety - that was for sure! The aircraft that showed ranged from Experimental's, Cessna's, trikes, ultralights, and even a helicopter showed up.

There was even a local cheerleading group there washing airplanes! I have never seen that before at a fly-in!

Very nice airplane!

Paul's Airbike always draws a crowd of people.

We didn't stay too long. The crowd & planes were thining out quickly as the temperature and humidity became exhausting to tolerate. We left just before lunch... overall, not a bad fly-in.

46th Air Capital EAA Chapter 88 Fly-In

2009-07-04T15:50:00.008-05:00

The hot days of summer are quickly passing by. The local EAA Chapter 88 held its annual fly-in. Due to some logistic problems, this year's event was held in Newton, KS (instead of El Dorado, KS like in previous years). It is amazing how it can be severe clear all week long, then the weekend comes, and it pours down rain! Well, we just got rain in the early morning hours and it quickly moved out - left behind was some low clouds, but high enough the scud runners could make it in and still be safe. This year dad and I did not volunteer like we normally did. I had the wife and kids along this time so I felt obligated to spend my time with them. It was fun. I just wish more planes could have been there - I still question the logic of having this fly-in on the Fourth of July weekend.... anyway, here are some pics:

Started out by eating breakfast - we were so late that they only had enough pancakes and eggs for one order. We all shared.

There were Young Eagle rides being given for kids between the ages of 8-17 years old.

The Davis DA-2A - I hear it is a wonderful airplane to fly! Because of its "box-shaped" appearance, it many times goes unnoticed... so they say. I like it! Looks simple and to the point - and I hear the handling is like that of a Cherokee.

A series of RV's sitting on the ramp.

Here in Wichita there is a group of aviation enthusiast who are rebuilding the B-29 "Doc." Within the past month or so they started one of the engines on a test stand. I took a video of it during a start-up at the fly-in: Here is the link B-29 Engine Start

Stearman Field Fly-In - Rained out!

2009-06-20T14:30:00.000-05:00

Very disappointing! My wife took off work and we had planned to attend this all-day event. The Stearman Field fly-in is an annual event that I normally miss because of work - I never do plan ahead very well with my work schedule. They have a concert, fireworks, and a barbecue at night, and have flying events all day. Anyway, it got rained out...

The same day as this event I was scheduled to talk about my Sonex project in Saturdays local EAA Chapt 88 meeting. This all went very well... even had a decent crowd. Next, is the local EAA Chapter's annual Fly-In - scheduled for July 4... lets hope this doesn't get rained out!

3rd Annual Ultralight fly-in at High Point Airpark

2009-06-13T14:17:00.009-05:00

Today we went to the 3rd annual ultralight fly-in at High Point Airpark. It was a lot of fun - displayed was several Part 103 ultralights and a few Light-Sport category aircraft.

This plane was new to me... I believe it is called an Ikarus. Seemed pretty cool. Had a composite-type shell for the fuselage with fabric on the wings and tail.

Here goes a Mini Max!

Onlookers watch Doug Moler in his Airebike.

Larry H with one of his high performance climb-outs.

This was cool... at the field they were interviewing Lawerance Alley for a little glimpse of his experiences in aviation. I believe he flew Corsairs during the war - probably along with other planes as well. The EAA website has a section under "Media" that has numerous clips of similar interviews with people called "Timeless Voices in Aviation," definitely worth checking out!

Ponca City Fly-in Breakfast

2009-06-06T13:47:00.004-05:00

Made it to the famous Ponca City, OK Breakfast fly-in! This is only my second time driving down to this event (can't wait to fly down) but only the first time I was able to take my wife along. As I remembered, the breakfast was top-notch, and the friendliest people were there.

People were starting to leave when we got there around 0940 - time we ate breakfast most were gone....

A group of Pitts flew in later than the rest of the planes, so after filling our belly's we got a family picture next to my wife's favorite.

EAA's Chapter 88 Fly-out Lunch

2009-05-16T16:50:00.008-05:00

Today our local EAA chapter 88 had a fly-out lunch and meeting. This took place at High Point in Valley Center, KS. This is a residential airpark with a nice grass strip. The only problem was that a cold front had plowed through the night before with strong winds and rain. The temperature went from 84 degrees and muggy the night before, to the 50's and windy the next morning - the morning of the fly-in. Regardless, I was determined to go, and since the wife was working I loaded up my mom, dad, and my two kids for a trip to the airpark. Our first stop was for breakfast at Stearman Field in Benton, KS. The Boy Scouts cooked up some delicious pancakes and sausage. We ate our food and headed out to High Point. Only a couple airplanes were at Stearman Field and they took off as soon as we got there.

Once at High Point I quicky ran into Yens - A Sonex pilot who is based off this field. He had just finished his annual so his plane was still in the hangar with the cowling off. Perfect for me because I am working on the firewall forward components right now my plane! This allowed me to see how someone else did it - and ask questions that I had still floating around in my head. Our airplane chatter was quicky interupted with a call from my dad. Isaac was out of control crying! It is tuff taking a one year old to these events!

We were making our way back to the hangar where the food was, and this mooney came zooming by!

People in line waiting to get their grub!

At this time Grace, dad, and myself had ate and was heading back out to the van. Isaac and my mom did not eat. Isaac was sleepy so he would not stop crying - mom took him out to the van before they could eat. Here is Grace... good times!

Lazy day at Selby's

2009-05-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Boy, I don't know what happened to April! Time is flying by - no pun intended! Well, on May 7 after my wife went to work, the kids and I went over to Selby's horse farm/flying field to see if any aviating was taking place. Lucky for us there were two people getting ready to take-off.

Looks like a Mini-Max and a quick silver ultralight.

I like Mini-Max's. If I ever decide to build another ultralight it might just be a one of these!

Everything was going great... Isaac was being good, Grace was watching as the Quick Silver did some pattern work. Then the Quick Silver started to come right toward us! At the last second he would pull up and turn 180 degrees to perform another assult maneuver on us. I am sure he was just trying to have fun, but me, being an old scrouge, did not feel right about this. If for any reason things would have went wrong he would have wiped out me and my two kids! Needless to say... we left.

Pic is not zoomed in... crazy people!

Blizzard in March?

2009-03-28T12:50:00.006-05:00

Yep...that's right, blizzard-like conditions swept across the mid-west bringing record snow fall. For us around the Wichita area it started with around 2" of freezing rain and sleet, then turned to snow.

Here was the beginning of the ice, then came the snow...

Saturday morning is when the snow really began to accumulate.

This snow storm brought with it 35+ MPH winds that were just brutal! Dad decided not to come over during this time and work on the plane. Besides, with such strong winds my little heater would need to work overtime to keep up (my garage can be drafty with strong north winds). I opted to stay inside and work on some of the logistics of the build. Probably will be next month before working on the rudder cable connections.

The Sonex

2009-03-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone see what paint/polish/decal scheme I am planning on using. Here is a picture from the Lawerence, KS - Sonex Squadron (pics are from Bob M. from this Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/24014066@N06/ ). I bought the star & bars from this website yesterday: http://www.callie-graphics.com/ . This lady specializes in making decals for radio controlled airplanes, but was willing to make a larger scaled version for the Sonex. I will post pics when I receive them in the mail. I need to give a shout out and thanks to Charlie R. in the Sonex community for telling me about her! Until next time, fly safe!

My first post!

2009-03-18T23:53:00.000-05:00

Hi there, and welcome to my blog! My plan for keeping a blog is to let everyone in on some of the cool flying events I attend throughout the year, along with brief updates about my Sonex airplane project. Currently, we just rigged the wings a couple weeks ago, and last night we just finished the brakes. I am thinking about a paint and polish scheme right now - thinking about going with the P-51 Mustang look! A guy on the internet gave me a lead on a place to buy decals for the star & bars insignia; the black & white stripes I will probably just paint, which means choosing a paint system to use. Enough about the Sonex project on my first post. Now a little about me and my family: I am 35 years old and in school (again) and will start some Master classes this coming August. I have been an RN at a local ICU for 10 years, and recently feel it is now time to further my education. I will begin to study for the GRE in hopes of scoring high enough to be a contender for acceptance into the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program at a local university. I have a wife and two wonderful children Grace (2 years old) and Isaac (10 months as of this date). I will talk with ya'll soon!