Jerry Schneider Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 On October 3rd, 2009, (10 years and twenty three days after completing the first bulkheads), N85TT ( aka: “Web-Slinger” ) took to the sky for it’s maiden flight from Tampa Executive Airport (VDF). It was a dead calm clear morning. Vance Atkinson was at the controls. I asked him to perform the evaluation flight, as I’m a low-time pilot, and felt it would be prudent to have an experienced pilot fly it first. They don’t come much more experienced than Vance. I was considering performing First Flight myself, but on the advice of a good friend, and objectively reviewing my qualifications, I was able to tuck my ego in my pocket and take the conservative course. Vance taxied out to the active runway, made a high-speed pass and lifted the nose to see if it felt right, gave us a “thumbs-up”, then did it for real. (Hole-eee-crap!!!!) It was one of the most enjoyable experience of my life, despite the “Comet Kohoutek” sized lump in my throat. I’ve never fathered a child, (that I know of... but then again, 11 years in the Navy.... buy who knows?). I think I understand a bit more about the feeling. As it turned out, no surprises. (Thank whatever Gods which may exist.). It flew stable and as advertised. There were cooling problems above 115kts at full power (surprise!!), and a slight tendency to roll to the right (a skinny washer should fix it). But, all in all, a great first showing! There are a “butt-load” of people which have been instrumental in helping me complete this quest, but I’m loathe to list them, due to the risk of forgetting to put one of you on and make you feel “left out”, (my memory truly sucks.). Hopefully, you know who you are. On the other hand, I must take this opportunity to thank Debbi, my wife, (aka: Epoxy Lady to the Jimi Hendrix tune). She’s been lock-step with me in this quest, because she likes aviation and travel, but mostly........ because I wanted it. Although skeptical at first, once she saw my conviction, and met the people in this community, and saw the Canard and Main Spar on the tub, it was not a far reach for her to lean over to me on the couch while we’re watching TV, and lovingly whisper in my ear: “Aren’t you going to work on the plane tonight?”. I’ve been privileged to serve in the US Navy Submarine Community for a number of years, (which I hold in great esteem). Great bunch of guys. And I can wholeheartedly say, this group of people of “Canardian-ilk” have been the most interesting, diverse, helpful, and fun bunch of people I’ve come across. I'm am, and have been proud to be a part of them. To those coming behind me: If you like working with your hands, like figuring things out, and don’t mind criticism and trail-blazing, this is the place for you! Decide for yourself... but not too quickly, because this has been a hellacious journey, and looking back.... well worth it. No Regrets. None. I’m getting vaklempt.... At your service..... Quote "I run with scissors." Cozy MKIV N85TT Phase One Testing http://home.earthlink.net/~jerskip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aviator_edb Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Jerry, reading about first flights is the kind of thing that motivated early builders. Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Setzer Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Congrats Jerry Looks like your taking a path of good judgment. A lot of great days ahead. Bob Setzer A-Solution Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Swenson Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Congrats!!! Outstanding!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cozy1200 Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Congrats Jerry. Quote Drew Chaplin (aka the Foam Whisperer) --- www.Cozy1200.com - I'm a builder now! --- Brace for impact... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lifessamsara Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 tremendous news Jerry, congratulations mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longezdave Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Congratulations Jerry! Enjoy your new bird! Quote Dave Adams Long EZ N83DT Race 83 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waiter Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Excellent, Congradulations. Waiter Quote F16 performance on a Piper Cub budget LongEZ, 160hp, MT CS Prop, Downdraft cooling, Full retract visit: www.iflyez.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limo EZ Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Way to go! Congradulations Jerry! Joe Berki Limo EZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilK Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Congratulations Jerry, You're going to get 2 thrills as you progress. The first was watching your bird take flight for the first time. The second is when you're on-board for YOUR first flight in it. Trust me when I tell you, you will never forget these days of personal accomplishment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLKnolla Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Congratulations Jerry, that is fantastic news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Kriley Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Way to go Jerry - looks beautiful up there where she belongs! Quote Phil Kriley Cozy #1460 Chapter 13 - nose Right wing done - working on right winglet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macleodm3 Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Wonderful Jerry! You have been a great part of our building community, and you helped me understand early on that I could do this. Your plane is really cool, it looks different and has a cool name. Andy Quote Andrew Anunson I work underground and I play in the sky... no problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill James Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Congrats Jerry. Really fun and intersting to follow your run here. What do you like best on your plane? Quote Bill James, Fort Worth VariEze Downdraft Plenums Quickcowls There was supposed to be Anhedral??? http://www.ezchronicles.com/blogger.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Schneider Posted October 9, 2009 Author Share Posted October 9, 2009 What do you like best on your plane? It's ability to fly! :ROTFLMAO: Seriously, if I had to pick one item, it would be the forward hinged canopy. EZ loading. Less likely to pop open in flight. #2 would be the Cozy Girrrl Strakes. The elbow room is nice. Quote "I run with scissors." Cozy MKIV N85TT Phase One Testing http://home.earthlink.net/~jerskip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longezdave Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 You're supposed to say "bug guts". Quote Dave Adams Long EZ N83DT Race 83 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Schneider Posted October 9, 2009 Author Share Posted October 9, 2009 Easy for you. Hard for me. I am quick like tree. Smart like rock. Quote "I run with scissors." Cozy MKIV N85TT Phase One Testing http://home.earthlink.net/~jerskip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airwrench Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Many congrats!! Now come the just rewards...........the opportunity to grin unconvincingly at the TSA agents knowing that they are no longer the bitter anticipation, but the memory. Blue skies slinger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjdslk Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Jerry, I know you're having a ball with Web Slinger, but how about ending the anticipation and update your web page with some pics and a more in depth report!?!!? Anxiously waiting! Jon Dembs Cozy 973 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Schneider Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 I know you're having a ball with Web Slinger, but how about ending the anticipation and update your web page with some pics and a more in depth report!?!!?I plan to. As luck would have it, the day after everyone went home from First Flight, I came down with something which nearly put me in the hospital. (It couldn't have been the Swine Flu. Nothing tasted like pork. ) Took the week of work. Fever broke yesterday. I'll spare the details, but I never want to get that sick again without dying. Stay tuned........ Quote "I run with scissors." Cozy MKIV N85TT Phase One Testing http://home.earthlink.net/~jerskip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longezdave Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 The first flight is exciting to say the least. Even though it's happy times, it is stressful. Could've been just enough to wear you down and keep you from being able to fight off the bug. That's over and it's about time to have some fun! Quote Dave Adams Long EZ N83DT Race 83 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge 513 Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I plan to. As luck would have it, the day after everyone went home from First Flight, I came down with something which nearly put me in the hospital. (It couldn't have been the Swine Flu. Nothing tasted like pork. ) Took the week of work. Fever broke yesterday. I'll spare the details, but I never want to get that sick again without dying. Stay tuned........ Fever, chills, veins popping out...I think that was that recent radioactive spider bite. Geeesh! Didnt you look for that? Don't worry your spider sense will start coming to you. Quote Self confessed Wingnut. Now think about it...wouldn't you rather LIVE your life, rather than watch someone else's, on Reality T.V.? Get up off that couch!!! =) Progress; Fuselage on all three, with outside and inside nearly complete. 8 inch extended nose. FHC done. Canard finished. ERacer wings done with blended winglets. IO540 starting rebuild. Mounting Spar. Starting strake ribs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Seems like just yesterday you were running through the yard with your newly completed canard.. congratulations... it give people like me back in the earlier stages hope Stuart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Schneider Posted November 10, 2009 Author Share Posted November 10, 2009 Seems like just yesterday you were running through the yard with your newly completed canard.. congratulations... it give people like me back in the earlier stages hope Stuart It sure does!The way I kept motivated, was to do my best to have fun building each piece, and then congratulate myself after each step. Tried not to think too much about flying the plane. As I've said: Eat the elephant one bite at at time. Eventually, it's time for dessert. I also never read too far ahead in the Plans. These 2 methods helped keep me from getting discouraged. Building a Cozy is a real challenge, but very do-able. It will be an accomplishment you'll be proud of the rest of your Life. Quote "I run with scissors." Cozy MKIV N85TT Phase One Testing http://home.earthlink.net/~jerskip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HatSwitch Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Simply Awesome . . . Congratulations Jerry And finally, now you'll have time to build that Open-Ez Looking forward to seeing your bird up close and personal one of these days.. Hat Quote Airspeed is Life - - Having lots of it is Better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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