May 27th 2017
The day was here, the Rotary Engine Fly-in was today! My mind contemplated what might happen at such a fly-in. Would everyone be a crazy rotary engine fanatic? how many people would be there? What sort of presentations would be shown? how much of the Cajun pulled pork could I eat?
For 5 weeks I had worked to prepare the host's house and hangar for the fly-in, and Now I was going to attend the event. Wait wait wait, I'm getting ahead of myself I'll start at the beginning. About a week after I had safely transported my kit (Sonex 1612) home to Mississippi, I received an email from one of the chapter RV guys. It read (roughly) to Isaac, My Wife and I are very impressed with your drive and enthusiasm for aviation. We know that even though you bought your kit, you will still need money for parts, hardware, and an engine. It just so happens that we need a hand getting ready for a fly-in that we are hosting at the end of May. If you are interested in helping us please give us a call.
I did what anyone would do, I called the included phone number and worked out the details of when I could work and for how much. Each time I was dropped off at their airportside home, I learned more about the pair, and filled my account a little higher. On the week of the Fly-in, I worked 3 days to put the finishing touches on. I cleaned windows, Carried airplane wings, Hung fire extinguishers, Killed wasps, and Helped with grocery shopping. Finally after 5 weeks of hard work, my curiosity would be satiated.
When we left for the 15 min drive to get to the fly-in, The clouds were low, dark, and scary looking. That put flying down the drain for sure. As the car rolled into Slobovia, I noticed different tasks that I had done, The overgrown trees were trimmed back, the previously cluttered hangar was tidy. The smell of food hit my hungry nose like a tidal wave, Cajun pork, chips, cookies. With a quick glance to the 10-15 other attendees, I quickly loaded my plate full of the origin of the smells.
I profusely thanked the head chef of the fly in for all of the excellent food, then chowed down. When I had finished with my first and second plate, I determined it was finally time to go see the planes or more specifically, their engines.
I had a Basic understanding of how a rotary engine worked, I had seen one before, but that didn't prepare me for the myriad of setups. As rotary engines are not the standard engine for many experimental planes, It forced each builder to find a unique solution to the same problems. It was fascinating. It was Intriguing. It was An FAA safety examiner's worst nightmare.
One by one, after the milling around proved too tiring in the Mississippi summer heat, the pilots wandered into the cooler hanger. Thus began the first presentation, A impressive collection of data over the past 2 years about the effectiveness of different cooling methods on the pilot's RV6A. The Presentation detailed his journey from holes in the cowl to the development of a P-51 style scoop radiator.
It seemed that no one else was ready for their presentation so after checking with the organizer of the fly-in, I began setting up the projector to show pictures from my Ipod. I began my presentation on the adventure that began at a McDonald's in Oshkosh, and had brought me so far as to be building an airplane of my own.
After my presentation many of the builders there asked more questions to me. Among the questions asked was "What kind of engine are you planning on putting in there?" I replied with telling them that unfortunately I wouldn't put a rotary engine in but rather an Aerovee (VW conversion) Or a Jabiru 3300 (If I could find a good deal). This prompted one pilot to tell me that he had a contact who has a brand new Aerovee just gathering dust in his hanger. I Viciously pursued this lead, This could be it! As of now, I am still waiting for a response from this generous Pilot. I am already approximately 1/5 of the way to my target $ for an engine, but this other offer could put me closer to or even past my target $ amount!
All in all I learned even more the importance of networking. And how valuable it can be to give presentations, nerve racking as they may be, they are an excellent method of communication if done correctly.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me get far enough to be concerned about what engine I will need!
Mr John
Paul Shadwick
Stan Whitfield
Ron Sipple
Ralph and Joyce Shultz
Paul and Beth Duff
Paul Hockin
Nicholette Shultz
Gordon Fern
Anon Anon
Jeannette Shultz
Mike David
Jonathan and Julia Wolfe
Jon Palmstrom
Laurie Burns
Donna Mickel
Dana Baker
Mrs Nadine
Eric Johnson
Tammy Reap Hayes
Jeff Shultz
Brandon Lenart
WP Maesh
Michael Couillard
Mr Anonymous
Joe And Judy Green
Mrs Brenda
Mrs Cathy
Paul and Vickie Laberge
Judy and Roger Kemmerle
The purpose of this blog is to document and share my experience of building and later flying an airplane. In the first portion, I will thank all the wonderful people who donated to me. Then in the second section I will post a building update, hopefully every 3-4 days ,explaining what I have done in detail and with pictures. Finally in the third and last section, I will post my flying adventures, and any maintenance I do. Thank you or your support and interest, I am pumped to be executing this project.