The order is in...

[Corsair613]

Well, gents, the deed is done! My order went in today, the wire transfer has been made, and now I've got around 14 weeks to wait. Plus shipping time!

I definitely recall the "what on earth have I done" feeling from my airplane project…

Ken

[Steve_D]

We like projects...airplane? spill the beans.

Steve

[Corsair613]

The short story is that I built an RV-8 from a standard (non-quickbuild) kit over nearly 2.5 years of work. It was an absolutely fantastic airplane and I miss it every day. Just not its hangar fees, fuel fees, insurance fees, etc. The long story is (mostly) here: http://www.kenbalch.com/Kens_World/Aviation.html

Ken

[Storer]

Stunning looking plane Ken.

We now have high expectations for the quality of your Ultima!


Paul

[AlexCim]

I know the fear of things being wrong in a freshly built Ultima. I could only imagine the feeling in a newly finished plane going for its first flight...

[Corsair613]

Storer said:

Stunning looking plane Ken.

We now have high expectations for the quality of your Ultima!


Paul

Thanks for the kind words. The RV came out great and I loved the reception it got at airshows and airports around the country. If I come anywhere near that quality with the Ultima, I'll be thrilled. I'll certainly need all sorts of assistance, so standby for questions!

Ken

[Corsair613]

AlexCim said:

I know the fear of things being wrong in a freshly built Ultima. I could only imagine the feeling in a newly finished plane going for its first flight...

You know, in 20+ years of flying, including warbirds, aerobatics, formation, instructing, experimental flight test, and six emergencies (they've rolled the trucks for me four times), I've never been scared in an airplane. It's either a control thing or sheer stupidity. Or both. That, plus always being current, proficient, and trained to a razor's edge.

The first flight of the RV was an adventure. The article I wrote about it is here: First Flight

I don't want to bore anybody on an automotive forum with my old aviation stories, so just say the word and I'll quit blathering on about it.

Ken

[UltimaCH]

Flying high! That plane looks fantastic. Take your time and enjoy your future build. Any questions? Just shoot them on here. Plenty of great people and 99.9% time your answer will find a suitable reply.

[Corsair613]

UltimaCH said:

Flying high! That plane looks fantastic. Take your time and enjoy your future build. Any questions? Just shoot them on here. Plenty of great people and 99.9% time your answer will find a suitable reply.

Thanks; much appreciated! I'll definitely be posting questions as they arise. Can"t wait to get started.

Ken