Well after 7 years of off and on building, five moves (logging over 1,000
miles on the ground) and getting married a year into the build process
N28ET took to the skies on Jan 15th, 2003 at the capable hands of Bob
Lindsay. I am pleased to report the plane flew quite well with no major
squawks.
What a first flight!!! I was fortunate to have Kim Prout assist with the
final inspection and ready the plane for its maiden voyage. With the
plane ready to go I taxied in N28ET with Bob and we performed the final
preflight checks I then got out and climbed into N111EU with Kim at the
controls. We departed first for a quick circuit in the pattern and on
final approach the go ahead was given to Bob and N28ET took to the skies.
Kim and I joined up with Bob in formation for a quick 40 minute flight.
I must say I was pretty emotional at this point as so many years of work
had come to fruition. What a first flight!!!!
Upon landing Bob beckoned my lovely wife Misti to hop in the plane and
taxi back to the ramp. Bob worked the rudder and Misti the throttle and
brake. What a team. We celebrated and broke for lunch. After lunch I
became the first flying passenger in N28ET. I still have that Europa
grin on my face.
I now have 8.5 hours on the plane and with Bob at my side logged almost 4
hours. The fun is just beginning.
Thanks to my wife for her assistance and support over the years, Gary
Young and Ed Gieseking who started the project with me so long ago, Lynn
Eslner and especially Kim Prout and Bob Lindsay who helped N28ET make its
first and most memorable flight. Thank you all.
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