Experimenter

September 2013

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.

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H o m e b uil d e r 's C or n e r Paul's Aeroplane Factory By Charlie Becker, EAA Homebuilding Community Manager When I heard that Paul had passed away, I was saddened by the news. You hate to let go of someone you love, even when it is time. After slogging through the rest of the workday, I decided the best way to pay tribute to him was to head over to his Aeroplane Factory and weld on my project. Paul was letting me use that space to weld the fuselage for my Pirate Cub. I put on my welding helmet—one that Paul had signed for me— and started to weld. I think he would have appreciated it. You see, the Aeroplane Factory is a special place; it was Paul's workshop. It is located adjacent to Camp Scholler— not exactly a secret place, but one that was a bit hidden and out of the way. It's the place where Paul always had a homebuilt project or two in process; usually more steeltube fuselages than wings, because Paul liked to weld. The current project is a replica of the Mechanix Illustrated Baby Ace (www.facebook.com/MIBabyAce). In 1954, Paul wrote a three-part article for Mechanix Illustrated on how to build your own aircraft, complete with plans for the Baby Ace. Those articles caught the attention of thousands. Letters started pouring in from people wanting to join the fledgling EAA. A couple of years ago, as a student of history, Paul decided to construct a flying replica of the Baby Ace we have in the museum in order to show our membership the airplane that really started EAA. 4 Vol.2 No.9 / September 2013 I volunteered to help Paul with construction of the fuselage of that aircraft. Each Saturday we would show up, start cutting tubing, and do some welding. Having Paul show me the ropes on how to build a steel-tube fuselage is something that I'll always treasure. It occurred at a time right after my own dad passed away, so having Paul in my life helped fill that void. Whenever any group of EAA members was in town, I always made a point of offering to show them the Aeroplane Factory. For me, Paul's workshop was sacred ground. It was a thrill for me to take people over and show them the project and the memorabilia on the walls. With any luck, Paul might be there, too. Paul was inspiring. He preached the gospel of aviation as a way to make us all better human beings. He showed us that by using "hand and mind," we could create something and better ourselves at the same time. Paul inspired people to achieve. He knew we were capable of more. Paul offered anyone with the desire the opportunity to build an airplane and fly it. Thumbs-up, Paul! You made this world a much better place. Gonk! Photography by Charlie Becker

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