Motivation

Let's face it, no matter how motivated you are, there are times when you can get tired of being alone in your workshop, filthy, goggled, earmuffed and sanding. A little motivation is in order. The annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh has always been great for us. Since we are building the second Velocity, I will also dig out the photo album and videos to check out all the great trips we made. I LOVED that plane. Here are a few shots to remind you what awaits down the road after you finish your kit. Just seeing it in its beautiful new paint job after years of grubby dust and multicolored filler is a very gratifying experience. It only gets better from there. Enjoy.
Getting used to your own plane as a living thing. Sounds crazy, but after those years sitting mute in the workshop, it's startling when the engine first starts up. It's nerve wracking doing the first taxi, the first high speed taxi, more baby steps until you finally firewall it and you're airborne!
It's great gradually ranging out further and further to all those quiet little airports you've always wanted to visit, dropping in on friends, giving rides to other builders.
Sun 'n Fun. Sitting next to your plane answering questions, hanging out with the other Velocity builders, just being in Florida with your own airplane. Nice.
The big dream fulfilled, flying in to the show at Oshkosh. Pass Fisk, rock the wings, follow the Cessna.... I was so wound up and happy my wife was making fun of me.
There it is at last, in the pattern for OSH 2000. All those hours alone in the workshop were absolutely worth it. Nothing compares to doing this in your own Velocity. All those years of flying to Chicago, driving to Oshkosh, walking in from the parking lot. Now you suddenly go from your home field to - bang- show center at Oshkosh. It makes your head spin.
The WWII style peel off and dive makes for some great video! Flying in a loose formation is just more fun. We stayed like this all the way from Pennsylvania to Key West.

It's the only way to get these really cool air to air close ups of your plane. Yes, this is the only time anyone will see your plane with the gear up, but it looks great!

Now go back to the workshop and sand something! Next up, the gear doors.