How Many Planes Does a Guy Need?

The only thing that is constant… is change. Just when you think you have a complete plan, something comes along that you just can’t resist. So it was, as I thought about my new garage and what I hoped to build in it. Along came an idea.

Why not have another plane that does everything the other one can’t?

We saw that Ken Beanlands had the engine removed from his recently purchased Wittman Tailwind project and had listed the rest of the airframe for sale in the Skywriter. I looked at the project and just how far along it was, and it made perfect financial sense. The wings are complete, and the fuselage is covered, and with a few fixes, it will be ready for paint.

There are a number of new features on this fifty-year-old design, such as the fold-down passenger rudder pedals. It also has a trim setup that is thumb adjustable.

The flaps and ailerons use concentric torque tubes with a sleeve so that space and controls are maximized. There are a couple of grief points, such as the torque tube connection points; they are built too short and are conflicting with the longerons. It is all fixable, and I still think that I have a great project on my hands. The legal side means that I need more training and bookwork, but that is the price of flying. On the other hand, until I find a motor I can continue to work on the GK-2; a high-wing single place that will have a Continental up front. I am working on the shop now and look forward to seeing the project waiting each time I open the door with the clicker.

The blue trailer has had many jobs this last little while. It hauled the Wittman and Colin Cleland’s new project. Also, Roy’s Challenger was recovered after an engine out by the Cheadle interchange. Finally, the Merlin was towed from up north. I want to let everyone know that the trailer is available to whoever wishes to use it. It’s a single axle with a four-pin light setup and a two-inch trailer ball.

Make yourself available to attend many of the events scheduled for the summer. This is one of the busiest summers we’ve seen in a while. Thanks to Ted and Dave for helping out at the meetings.

Wishing you a great summer.