N654P flew for the first time this week on Monday December 19, 2005 piloted by Charlie Kohler. Flew just like advertised. No major issues, just a little fuel adjustment. I am now checked out and have flown several times this week. What a hot rod! Charlie Kohler was excellent – thorough and very detailed as the FAA DAR. He was also super at helping us test and train. He gave us some great insight and tips on operation, piIotage, and maintenance. I recommend him highly.

 

This airplane started out as kit number 46 - initiated 13 years ago by my friend chasing his dream. He worked on it for several years but a growing aviation business took his time and excess cash. The kit had been “sleeping” several years when I hooked up with him. We restarted the project two years ago in earnest and enlisted the help of a great group of guys from Alpha Omega Aircraft builders http://www.aoaircrafters.com/ . This situation is a great testimony of the power and the positive impact of a group of talented individuals with high integrity and a passion for general aviation and experimental aircraft. Several are retired or ex-Rockwell Collins engineers. This plane would not be done or flying if not for their guidance and assistance. What a great education for me to go through the build, spec and test process.

 

The panel was built by lancair avionics with the chelton system. Very capable and very intuitive for me. The engine is the TSIO 550. The prop is a four blade MT. A very powerful and smooth combination.                       

 

The bottom line – I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Hope to post pictures and a video of first flight in a few days.

 

Merry Christmas to all!