We have a new airplane completion in the Chapter as Tom White flew his RV-8 on Aug 18th. For years we have only had a handful of few first flights, and in the last three months we have had three. Don Christiansen, Greg Schroeder, and now Tom White. Tom’s RV-8 is the lightest RV I have weighed in all the years I have been weighing airplanes. When Mel inspected the plane I asked him if any parts were missing, because I don’t know how Tom did it. I was impressed with his RV-8 build.
Light airplanes fly the best and Tom’s should be a real nice flyer. Congratulations Tom!
In conjunction with the rash of first flights, we have implemented our plan to celebrate them. So, we exited our COVID caves, gathered together at Northwest Regional Airport (home of Greg and Tom) and safely distanced and celebrated these huge milestones.
Tom rolled out the grill to cook a few hotdogs, and Norm brought a cake to celebrate the first flights. Several other members flew in to help get into the spirit of flight. Norm brought his Glastar. Brad Roberts flew his RV-6 and Joe Migas and A.D. Donald flew their Cessnas in.
Also taking part was Don Christiansen who brought over his recently completed Rans S-21. So we all got a good look at that new airplane as well. We spent several hours looking at new planes, eating hotdogs and cake, and enjoying the rare opportunity of each other’s company in this very strange year. We had a great turnout for our first celebration.
I want to thank Ann Asberry and Norm Biron for arranging our lunch. I especially want to thank Tom and Greg for hosting the gathering. I also want to thank all those who made it out to Northwest Regional which made the day very special.
