Oshkosh 2012
Tenth time the VariEze has swept me in to Oshkosh. First time to have a 20+ mph tailwind both ways
Congrats to James and Sandy Redmon in RACE 13 for the Lindy award. Well earned and deserved.
Over the years, on each flight lofting up through the beautiful green-patched heartland, I experience a renewed realization of the fantastic freedom and gift of flight; especially when cruising in a spectacular machine where contrary to the phrase of the week, “I did do it.”
That moment of euphoria is triggered by something as simple as looking out at the great expanse drifting steadily and quietly below, refocusing on the weave of the panel, the curve of the canard tip, a quick memory of stippling in a corner tape, never quite being able to take it all in. Especially how all these molecules in and around me and out there all hold together so well.
Highlight of the trip would be the huge benefit that the autopilot affords. It is light, smart, and dependable.
As for specific items of interest at the show, we didn’t find the expected mass gathering of electric airplanes. We did see the 200 mph electric LongEZ on display, with an empty wt of 1062 lbs, noticing that the belt driven motor installation was pretty straight forward.
Good visits but not enough time with all the buddies. The trip mainly served as an incentive for getting ready for Rough River.
So the main wish-list gizmo that we checked out was the 6.3 lb Skytech LSA starter and talk of a very light battery. Now where can i find 6.3 lbs to shave off...
