I was up early this morning dragging the Archer out of the hangar (it was cold). A recently completed RV-8 flown by builder/pilot Brent Owens was flying from Columbus to Grimes Field in Urbana for breakfast and I have been looking forward to seeing this airplane for the last couple of years. Had some trouble getting my Archer started but it eventually came alive so off we went. The RV-8 is finished in a WWII scheme similar to what I have in mind for mine. It is a nice looking RV-8. Brent did a great job.
After meeting Brent for the first time and admiring his aircraft we had some breakfast and then I spent some more time looking at his little warbird wannabee. Brent was nice enough to let me climb in the front cockpit, move the stick around, and make airplane noises. I watched Brent depart and the aircraft was airborne in about 300 ft and climbing at an incredible deck angle and rate (single pilot with 200+ horsepower). Next it was off to Batavia, OH to visit Sporty's Pilot Shop. I am including a picture of a nice Cherokee Six on the ramp at Batavia (pretty airplane). Landed back at Dayton Intl at about 1430 hrs. Really nice day for for flying and visiting with friends..
