Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/101874
airplane, just it was not getting used so we found it a new home. A Thorp T-18 was just a stack of aluminum in my shop during that time period. Then I built a Lancair 235, which first flew in 1992. The Lancair did close to 200 mph on only 118 hp. I flew Lancair more than 225 hours over the next few years and then sold it to a pilot in California. Finally, in 1995 I got to finish the Thorp I had set it aside to build the Davis in 1977. Today, the completed Thorp sits in my hangar with a bit under 700 hours flight time. I still love my Thorp and doubt I'll ever sell it as long as I can fly it. There were a few other interruptions that caused the Thorp to be delayed so long, A Christen Eagle that needed fabric and paint, a Smith Miniplane that also needed major upgrades and recovering. A Taylorcraft and Cessna 140 rebuild, and some engine work on the Ranger engine on our Fairchild PT-19. I've been busy for many years, made possible in great part to a very understanding wife. This project was born when one of EAA Chapter 166's members acquired a partially built kit and suggested to another Chapter 166 builder that he should take the lead for building the airplane. Larry Gagnon was the leader, having built another -6 and a Kitfox previously. Preston Kavanagh, Tim Dale, myself, and a few others pitched in with the construction. In October of 2008, I took the airplane up on its first flight and pronounced, "All is well," upon landing. It's powered by a 180-hp Lycoming and the standard metal Sensenich prop many builders use. Handling is typical of an RV-6 with no bad habits at all. N58Y has been flown to the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida, and also EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, both memorable trips. "The Project," as the airplane is referred to, now has just more than 300 hours on the Hobbs meter, and everybody enjoys flying it and sharing it with family and friends. My latest project is a story of a few guys getting together to finish an RV-6A that was started by an EAAer whose family donated the partial kit to us on his passing. This is a great example of the benefit of chapters, in that Chapter EAA 166 brought this bunch together and the airplane is the result. Sharing the costs and the benefits through joint ownership is a great way for some with limited resources to participate in this great adventure called homebuilding. Te RV-6 built by members of EAA Chapter 166. Joe's Torp T-18. Randy Hooper, Nashville, Tennessee This is my RV-8, which I completed in March 2009. With a travel time of about three hours from Nashville, I have flown it to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh the past four years. In our area, we are fortunate to have a Saturday breakfast within 30 minutes flying time almost every week. My wife, Malinda, and I are part of the regular crowd. Building and flying the completed project is satisfying, but when it inspires someone else to build, that is one of the greatest compliments. EAA Experimenter 27