On Thursday 23 October 2003 Europa Trigear nr. 305 PH-IEN took to the air in
the
capable hands of Ivan Shaw. Our good friend and building mate Rob van Essen
saw his plane flying for the first time.
While Ivan had the actual honour, the party was also witnessed by Keith Wilson.
They arrived in two factory demonstrators, a monowheel and a trigear. After an
impressive low pass they landed in formation. Very spectacular for the public!
All this took place at Stadtlohn (EDLS), a small airport in Germany that - for
an obvious reason - calls itself "the Netherlands biggest sport aviation
field".
It's situated just at the other side of the dutch border, the area where
Rob lives.
We were together there with some 10 Europa builders, prospective builders,
flyers
and friends. On that cold but sunny autumn day it looked a little bit like
a gathering of a dutch Europa Chapiter.
The complete checking procedure was very instructive for us (the future next
first
flight candidates).
Congratulations to Rob who finished the job in about 3,5 years. Ivan's first
words
after the flight: "Absolutely Marvellous!" Any more comments necessary?
Afterwards Rob took place in the right chair for a second ride and made his
personal
maiden flight, rolling out of the plane, after landing, with the traditional
"Europa Grin" (cheek to cheek split) shining from the face. As a conditional
reflex.
Good luck to you Rob and your charming wife Christie. Finally you now are going
to enjoy the real flying excitement. You have a splendid airplane, a marvellous
specimen of the Europa kind, not only because it is brand new, but you built
and finished it so nicely that I really can't remember ever having seen a
more beautiful Europa than yours.
Jack (394)
Date: 23 October 2003
Place: Stadtlohn (EDLH) (Germany)
Pilot: Ivan Shaw
Engine: Rotax 912S
Propeller: Warp fixed pitch
Empty weight 381 kg.
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