ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

I was cleaning out some stuff on my computer and found the old video file. YouTube wasn't around then, so I burned it to DVD to pass around to a few friends. Now it's available to all for a chuckle or maybe some motivation.

Whew! Check out the haircut and the flight duds! Surprised I didn't have oxygen and a Martin-Baker seat installed. The flight suit was actually one given to me from my grandfather who flew everything from P-47s to F4 Phantoms. Doesn't explain the haircut...

If you've built a plane and had a first flight, you'll have an appreciation for all the stuff the video doesn't show. It was certainly more significant to me than just another lap around the pattern. Good times!

Here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GOUS6Pdx7I&feature=channel_video_title

Thanks,
Ian

Great first flight video Ian, nice memories packed into those six minutes.  The haircut probably takes up the extra space between your skull  and  the helmet liner.  It is also good for insulation during  winter flying.  The haircut is out of the '70's but  the plane  is much newer, perhaps  you and  your plane  are out  of phase?

Paul Fiebich

I'm sure I'm out of phase with a lot more than just the plane. Just ask my wife.

Yeah, aren't we all!

Paul Fiebich

Cool video, thanks for sharing.

Man! that was fun........thanks for the video

Great video Ian. Does the Airbike still look as good.

No, it's not quite as sharp these days. After I moved to Texas, I started having trouble with light rust under the paint on the steel tubing. I tore the plane down and blasted the steel, covered with new fabric and re-painted. I went with an L-bird paint scheme of OD green and invasion stripes on the wings. It turned out well, but not quite as flashy as the yellow and blue.

The Airbike is disassembled in the hangar right now waiting for me to replace the seals in the Hirth or install the 1/2 VW I really want. It hasn't flown since I got the Pitts. When I'm done with the current work on the Pitts, I'll get the Airbike back up to snuff and in the air. You can see the details at the link in my signature.

I've talked my dad into building a Double Eagle with me. I need to get the Airbike flying so that we can fly sorties together. He's wanted to fly the Airbike for years, so all the right motivation is coming together to get it all done.

Ian

Haircut looks cool man !!! thats coming from an old grey haired guy who can barely remember the `60's. Plane looked extra sharp thanks for
showing it to us. OOW