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Jims RV-8
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Date: 4-9-2013
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Number of Hours: 0.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Sun n Fun 2013
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Had a great time with my buddy Skyking Bob (and his lovely wife!!) at Sun-n-Fun 2013 in Lakeland Florida. I would have liked to have been there longer but I wanted to save as many vacation days as possible for building! It was a great time, lots of walking, lots of vendor information was gathered and lots of pictures were taken. I met “The Man” himself, Richard VanGrunsven, Van as he is known to all. That was really cool! I shook his hand and told him I was building an 8, and we talked a little bit about life, airplanes, etc.
I also got to sit in the RV-14 that was at the Van’s tent…I was pilot, and Skyking was co-pilot (haha). Now, we are not petite little boys, and we both fit in that plane with room to spare! Looks like another good design from Van’s… Maybe after the 8 is flying… :)
Like I said, I met lots of great people and was able to meet people in person, that I have gotten to know from the Van’s forum (or as Teresa calls it, “Match.com for airplane people”). A funny way to put it, but yea, she is right! My buddy Mike (Nemo), built an 8A and graciously volunteered to show me his plane. I was particularly interested in his wing tip lighting as it is the same manufacturer as the ones I am interested in. We met up with Mike in the hangers and walked back out to see his beautiful airplane. He gave us a tour and even turned the lights on for us…yep – they were bright – even in the daylight! Thanks again Mike!
In the afternoon we took the tram over to the home built parking area. Since it was Day 1 of the event there were not too many people in the parking/camping area, but I did meet some more great people. Mary Jane welcomed us in for a hamburger dinner with chips and drink, for just a donation. I also met Mannan Thomason, and sat in his gorgeous RV-8 that is painted with respect for our Russian allies from WWII. A really neat guy that just opened up his plane and said, check it out! The paint is unique – just like Mannan :) See the picture of me below with Mannan looking on.
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Me and the Man - Van
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Clear Prop....Me and the Man - Bob in the RV-14
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Me and the Man - Mannan
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