The flying season is here in full swing, and I feel like the kid kicking the rock down the lane saying wish I could do that. The Avid was picked up the May long weekend and the Buzzard is not quite ready to go so here I sit, once again, grounded. For a guy that loves the freedom of the air the way I do I am thinking I am doing way too much building and not nearly enough flying. Also, for those that haven’t heard once the Buzzard is flying, I have another project to go as I picked up a KitFox model IV that is in need of restoration. Things are moving along nicely on the Buzzard, and I may be lucky enough to be back in the air shortly. I am not entirely happy with the finish because the space is just too crowded in my small garage to spray the paint the way I would like. Still the way the fabric was peeling off and the couple of tubes that were broken in the tail it was time for a redo and I am confident that this will be a good safe and solid airframe that I am taking to the sky. That is certainly one of the advantages of redoing an aircraft: when you are done you know exactly what you have. It is interesting that as you go along there are compromises you accept because the air is calling. While I am not overjoyed with some of the finish, I also realize this is a flyer, not an award winner and what I am learning I will transfer to the KitFox as I complete that project.

One of the things you do when you are working on a project like this is the assemblage of parts and pieces such as stripping, lettering, parts for panels, etc. I had decided that I wanted a new panel as the existing one had been reworked a couple of times in the life of the Buzzard. Metal supermarkets came up in an internet search and I was on my way to find some aluminum for the panel. Sometimes things just fall into place. I walked into the front door looking for a 12” by 48” piece and there it was waiting for me in the cut-off bin. It went home with me and I was only $20 lighter. I have taken the panel to a laser cutter and will soon have a new instrument cluster. There is still a lot of work to do but with any luck I soon be joining you in the air shortly.

Don’t forget this month’s meeting is at Chestermere/Kirkby Field (CFX8). Bob was kind enough to offer his hanger for our first annual “Kickoff to the Summer Flying Season Barbeque”. Your executive is hosting this and there is no charge for the burgers and colas. If you wish to bring a donation, all proceeds will go to the COPA freedom to fly fund. This event is meant to be a social that we can bring our spouses along and just have a nice relaxing evening. Fly In or Drive In, burgers will be served from 6 pm until 8 pm. That is this coming Wednesday, June 12th. The event goes rain or shine and if you would like to bring your folding lawn chair that would be great as we may not have enough picnic tables to go around. Hope to see you all Wednesday.

Till next time, Good Lies and Smooth Skies.