My story starts far from Calgary across the ocean in small country then known as Yugoslavia. I remember when I was 5 years old i use to say to my aunt “When I grow up I want to be a pilot.” and 42 years later I finally soloed in my scratch build V-max, on October 28, 2017.

Back home there was no easy access to building material, insurance and fuel is double the cost compared to Canada so there is very small amount of privately owned airplanes unless you are rich. We really have to appreciate what we have here.

Once a while we would get model kits coming to stores and boy was I ever happy when I purchased one of glider model kit. I put it together and launched it from the hill that was behind my house. It was my testing ground.

When I turned 16, I joined a skydiving training course which was much different than here. To get your first jump you had to go through 2 months of rigorous mental, medical, and fiscal training. Twenty of us joined the course only five made it through. I got the best scores. Because I was under 18, I had to get my parents signature for my first jump which I never got from my dad. I totally understood that but at the same time I was totally disappointed.

When I finished my high school, I joined Air force which was mandatory 1 year service at that time. I don’t regret even a single moment of it. I completely enjoyed it. After basic training and being awarded to corporal we got transferred to biggest Air force base in country close to Belgrade. That was dream.

There we had everything from Gazelle helicopters to domestic fighter jets to Russian Migs. I worked on Mig 21 s and Mig 29 s. as an instrument technician. I enjoyed it so much I learned quite a bit. Mig 29 was an excellent fighter that only chosen ones were able to fly.

Then of course crazy war happened there so I left the Country in 1991. Having my Canadian citizenship since 1977 because I used to live with my parents here in Calgary in 70’s. I didn’t have problem coming back here.

I joined the skydiving club in Baiseker did my 1-day course and jumped the same day. Oh boy was I very happy that day. I sent my dad a picture of my 2 seconds free fall I can imagine the impression on his face when he saw the picture. lol. Up to date I have 32 jumps, and I am proud of every single one of them.

Then of course P L A N E S.

In 1993 I signed with West Point Aviation that was located at Calgary international executive Centre with Jan Agrey as chief pilot and owner of school. I did 12 hours dual training on Cessna 172 and being young and a wild sport car, motorcycles and traveling got me away from flying so I never completed my PPL. Big mistake.

Somehow, I heard about Indus airport met old Jim who flew a Hyperlight at that time (not with us anymore) and he introduced me to our flying club. In 2002 I got close to Fred Wright who lived not far away from me. He hooked me into building, I bought plans and some wood from him and decided to build my V-max. Having him build few Mini Maxes he was my main inspector during the building process, and I learned quite a bit from him and club members.

I decided to build my plane with my standards of craftsmanship, so I put all my time and love into this plane. I enjoyed every single moment of building it even when I had to build the same peace 3 times to get that 120% perfection lol.

I remember very well being excited after regular work when buying raw stock material bringing it to my garage and using it to fabricate an airplane piece. Of course, all that pleasure took time and money.

The project kept dragging because of course there was a Happy Divorce, moving few times, and changing jobs. I started my first rib in 2002 and registered plane in 2016.

Every piece on my V-max was done by the book with accuracy to my satisfaction. There was no cheating on material or short cuts anywhere. All wood was Sitka Spruce, Aviation Plywood from Finland, 2.7-ounce Dacron fabric with 2-inch rib stitching. I used Epoxy Structan glue from Belgium trough whole construction. Cockpit from inside is all covered with fire resistant paint. Engine mount was designed by and Chrome-molly tubing was professionally welded. I paid good price for that one lol. Ballistic parachute is installed behind the seat, canister type.

My panel is pretty packet with all bells and whistles from GPS to VSI panel Led lights, and a digital MGL EMS. All my wires are Tefzel with automatic circuit breakers. My fuel lines are all aluminum where possible with AH fittings. I used memory foam for my seat so it’s nice and comfortable. I made template for my canopy that i sent to the guy in Florida, Tod’s Canopy and I got beautiful, tinted canopy with lots of room for my helmet and 360-degree view. Opening and latching mechanism on my removable canopy I designed from scratch, and it works pretty well. Every single gusset on airplane is routed in so my fabric doesn’t have any bumps on fuselage and wings.

Led strobe and navigation lights look very cool on slick wings. Roll over bar was a must because of low wings and roll over protection. I even have small luggage compartment behind my helmet. I used 12-inch wheels which are much safer than little one especially on grass strips. Lots of beefed-up area from stronger sandwiched wing cross member joints to upsize AN hardware and brackets.

After experimenting with Continental 4A084 Hercules engine that was little underpowered for our elevation I decided to go with Rotax 582 blue head that is swinging two blade Medium Ivo prop. I have lots of power for my little plane. I tried 3 blades at first, but it was way too much torque’s as well as high CHT. By removing one blade raising carburetor needle higher one notch opening the bottom cowling more and installing trim tabs on my tail and aileron all issues where solved .

After 6 times test flying with Sergey and Peter Teblanche adjustments and investing close to 40.000 dollars my bird was ready for me.

I started dual training with Bashar and completed Ground School held by Bashar and Stu Simpson who did a great job. I logged 12 hours with Bashar lazy year flew 7 hours with Peter T. and after two hours of dual training with Wayne Winters I was ready for my maiden flight with 20 hours of total time over year and half period.

On October 28, 2017, at approx. 9 AM, I took my bird up onto the skies and soloed for the first time in my scratch build V-max. Boy was I HAPPY CAMPER. I even managed to take a short video clip after first two minutes of flying solo lol.

I was amazed with performances of my aircraft. It flew like the dream. First attempt to land was a little scary but I fixed that by switching runway and having perfect three-point landing. Wayne was there of course with radio Charlie Chris with camera and Tim as crowd. I had little briefing with Wayne and jumped in for second flight and did 3 landing and taking off.

My V-max flies’ hands off and with my Ray allen servo trim in elevator I can trim my VSI to be dead on 0.It cruses at 90 mph with 58-5900 RPM.I tried full power and achieved close to 100 mph with 6400 RPM. It climbs 700-1000 fpm.

No air leaks no vibrations no huge two stroke noise very smooth and sensitive controls and 360-degree visibility it is pleasure to fly. Because of mid wing design it feels like a little fighter bird because I felt like I was wearing the plane thanks to centre three access position of seat. I am more than happy with my V-max and can’t wait to do my second solo flight. I guess i have to wait for better weather. With a few more adjustments like heating improvements and wing strut fairing installation I think it will be even more a pleasure to fly.

Considering the time and money I put into it, believe me when I say this: IT WAS WORTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY AND SECOND PUT INTO IT -)

Hope to see you in the sky soon. There will be an article in COPA Magazine put by Wayne Winters about my V-max soon.

BLUE SKY AND SAFE FLYING MY FRIENDS!