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Jims RV-8
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Date: 8-30-2016
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Number of Hours: 0.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Inspirational flying, RV-6 style
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A few weeks ago, over lunch, I got an invitation to go fly with Doug, the de facto leader of the RV nation. The legroom is not as good in the RV-6, like the RV-7A that I flew in previously. But, Doug suggested that we take out the seat cushions to give me some more room – which helped a bunch.
Ahead of us in the run-up area, was a yellow RV-8 flown by Doug’s friend Gary, an ex-Navy fighter pilot, with his buddy in the back seat. I watched as they blasted out of Northwest regional while Doug lined us up on the runway centerline. After a brief departure announcement, we were blasting down the runway too… although Doug commented on how “heavy” we were as he usually flies solo. About the time I was marveling how smooth the air was, and how fast the RV moves, Gary asked where we were over the radio… Doug, knowing more about Gary, than I, replied with, “Where are you guys?” and then said to me, “I expect he will be joining up on us…” and about that time I turned to look over my right shoulder to see the -8, up close and personal :)
We did a bit of formation with Gary which allowed me to get some good photos and videos and then Gary and Bill were gone in typical break fashion. Doug then let me fly the airplane and I was amazed at how sensitive the controls were – with just the thumb and forefinger, it would go right where you put it, right WHEN you did it. It is very responsive! Doug had me fly an instrument approach into Decatur (KLUD) not quite down to minimums, but just long enough to get a good look at the Cessna taking off in the opposite direction. All in all it was a blast to fly and be flown and the hour seemed to go by too fast. We flew formation and assisted in the airspeed calibration, Doug showed me around to his favorite places – the waving lady on the porch was my favorite, and then we did some more formation and a Navy fan break to return to 52F. A lot of firsts today! Time to get back to the 8 in the garage!!
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post - flight smile - sitting low in the cushionless seat
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first formation! Hey Gary, I think you have some celery in your teeth
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