I thought it would be fun to do a column this month about a personal
experience. After racing in the Biplane Class for eleven years, I decided to
look into purchasing a potential Sport Class Racer. I’ve always said the perfect
two airplane family would be an “upside down” airplane and a “go places”
airplane. So, Ruby may now be just for “upside down” flying – and we would need
something faster, with some luggage space – to “go places”.
I started in the usual way, perusing ads on Barnstormers and
Trade-a-Plane, etc. I found a few older Glasairs and RVs, etc. And then through
mutual friends, I heard about an RV-6 which I immediately knew was going to be
mine.
This is almost exactly the same experience I had when I was
looking for Ruby. Searching and searching and then – someone you know, just happen
to know someone else, who just happens to have exactly the right airplane for
you. Serendipity, I say.
This road led me to Texas. A friend of mine (and future
co-pilot) was available to do a pre-buy inspection, which ended in about a
two-hour flight. I think he liked it. He sent a dozen or so pictures and gave
me a detailed report. I was smitten – but haven’t seen her yet.
Phone calls were made; remuneration and a long distance
handshake sealed the deal.
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| Dasher and Elsa in Blythe |
Now, to get her home…
Trying to fly a small aircraft from Texas to California in
the middle of winter is not an easy feat. While I only have weekends available
and I wanted her home ASAP – we lucked out and had a break in the weather – and
during a weekend.
I had asked my friend to accompany me – someone to talk
with, share the flying time, discuss flight planning – things like this are
always better shared. The friend I chose just happened to be a long time pilot,
ATP and an IA. So I knew he could fly and if something broke, he could probably
come up with a fix. He also did the pre-buy and knew the previous owner, had a
few hours in the plane, etc. Excellent choice, if I must say so myself. ;-)
Flight planning would take us across Texas, New Mexico,
Arizona and then nearly all of California. Approximately 1800 nautical miles
and my time estimates were close to 9 hours of flight time. This was the plan.
This was not how it went. Headwinds added a few hours to the trip – but nothing
the three of us couldn't handle.
Our launch time was delayed while we ran power to the second
GPS. Redundant Redundancy is my middle name. We had charts, we had VORs, and we
had 2 GPS units - 1 panel and one portable – and my iPad and my Android – both
with navigation software and full charged. We were certainly not going to get
lost.
Midland…
Because of the delay, we only made it to Midland on day one.
Luckily, my long time Crew Chief lives in Midland and took us to his favorite
BBQ place for dinner. A full on “hole in the wall” – with great food and the
type of ambiance you can only find in Texas.
Launching out of Midland on Day 2, we knew we would need an
early start and to get some luck to make it to our final destination before
sunset.
Deming…
Our next start was Deming, NM. Their motto -- "Welcome
to Deming: Home of Pure Water and Fast Ducks". A quick fuel stop, stretch our legs and check
weather. I spent some time looking for fast ducks – didn’t see any, but did get
a chance to sample the water. We also noticed pictures on the wall of planes
and pilots we’ve known. It seems Howard Pardue had been to every airport
between TX and CA.
Launching out of Deming and continuing our westward
adventure, we passed over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the Boneyard. Not as
impressive from 8500 feet, but still massive. We continued west and to our first
stop in California – Blythe.
Landing at Blythe we noticed a few aircraft in the transient
area. One was an Apache with Geronimo tail modification – which my co-pilot
remarked may be the exact plane he earned his multi- in many years before. Aviation
is a small world – for planes and for people.
One of the other transient aircraft just happened to be flown
by a lovely couple who were taking a quick break while waiting for a ride to
town. We started talking and they mentioned they have gone to the Air Races
with their friend and Biplane Racer, Aaron Burhoe. Aaron purchased their Pitts
several years ago and invited them to join him on his crew while he raced it. I’m
sad to say I don’t have their names – I gave them my card, but they didn’t give
me one… SORRY!
Before leaving Blythe, we noticed Howard Pardue was on the
wall at again. We almost felt he was watching over our flight. If so, thanks,
Howard!
Final Leg – and Home
The final leg was about to begin… just under 450 nautical
and one more landing. This leg was over familiar ground – I’d flown most of
these miles before so I was happily looking at recognizable landmarks.
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| West Coast Ravens - RV Formation Team |
We landed just a few minutes before sunset and were happy to
push the new girl into her new hangar. Cash Copeland, my previous Crew Chief
and an RV-6 owner himself, was there to greet us. A few more airport friends
came by to check out the new metal. A quick look around and congratulatory
remarks and we were done for the day.
Next Steps
Within 48 hours, I
was signed up for the West Coast Ravens. The West Coast Ravens are a group of
pilots who fly their RV airplanes in formation at air shows and various other
aviation events.
Next up for us will be formation flying clinics and IFR
training. It’s time to extend the circle of places I can make within one day of
flying to see where I can visit for long weekends.
If the Air Races happen in September, maybe we will be there
in the Biplane Class or the Sport Class – options are open at this time. But
for now, I’m happily learning new skills and am thrilled with the new member of
the Dasher Air Force.
Until next time…
…
