August, 2007: N908BL made it's first flight on February 27, 2007, with me (Bob Kelly) at the controls. The flight went as it should; a total non event. She came in at 1054 lb painted and with a borrowed interior. We still don't have the interior done. Sorry to have been out of touch with my website. I had flying to do. Now that the 40 hours are flown off and Oshkosh is over, thaat will change. I will post pictures soon, along with details on the ship. She made the trip to OSH effortlessly!
March, 2008: With over 100 hours on her, N908BL has proven herself to be a great plane! We now have all the interior done, as well as having the first annual condition inspection.
Contact me for decals (EXPERIMENTAL, tail numbers, NO STEP, etc) or if you need vinyl stripes for your plane. Will be adding a page about this soon.
While my regular work is about 90% mental (I produce videos for and about missionaries,) I really enjoy working with my hands. I am fairly good at it, too. I am a fair welder, live in a home my wife and I built ourselves, do hobby machining and used to make jewelry. I have been a pilot since the early 70's and recently got current after about a ten year layoff (hey, you don't make enough money to fly working for missionaries!) You can go to our ministry website here.
Somehow, the time seemed right. If I was ever to build my own plane, I had to start soon. On November 13, 2003, I ordered a Van's RV-9A empennage (tail) kit. As projects go, this one should keep me busy for some time. I will show details of the progress here.
If you are interested in Van's Aircraft, check their website. Specific RV-9A information can be found here. Another site full of information is Van's Air Force.
A note about the tail number N908BL. This number was registered as of Dec 24, 2004. There is a story behind it. My father had the dubious honor of probably having destroyed more aircraft than anyone, ever. He was in charge of scrapping the aircraft left in England after WWII. He scrapped 3200 of the finest planes ever to put air beneath their wings. I think he kind of hated that. Later, he helped build quite a number of Aeronca's, but he never got to 3200. This one will bring it one closer. He was TSgt. Myron Kelly, military ID number 35370908. He used those last four digits to identify all his things. Since N numbers can't begin with a "0," I choose the last three digits. The BL is just for my partner and I, Bob and Larry.
After a particularily tough day during about the 13th month of building, I thought on how building a plane is as much mental as physical. Gazing on this beautiful hunk of aluminum, "Metal Exercise" came to mind. A play on words, that name really sums up what this airplane-to-be continues to be.
A word to prospective builders: If you are contemplating building, DO IT! The satisfaction quotient is very high and the challenge level is just about right, at least to me and the Van's kit. I believe almost anyone can complete an RV-9A with a little determination. The "RV grin" is famous. While I haven't completed one and flown it, it is hard not to smile just looking at what has been accomplished so far. This is fun!
UPDATE. It is early October and I am about ten months into the project. Nothing has changed. It is still fun, and believe it or not, I am actually ahead of where I thought I would be at this time. I will soon be rolling over the "Canoe" and I couldn't be happier. It is costing a little more than I figured, but not much. The satisfaction level still is very high.
I have noticed one thing that I seldom see mentioned: I really am not building the same plane I started to build. I had this vision of how it would look and what equipment it would have. That changes as I go. Finding a great deal on lighted instruments eliminated some cockpit lighting. Super deal on leather and seatbelts changed the colors of the interior. I have decided against car gas and now want a 160 instead of a 150 hp Lyc. These things I see as fun; some might find frustrating. Attitude is important (even while on the ground!)
LATER UPDATE. January 2005. The fuselage is on the main gear, part of the interior is done, and the engine will be mounted shortly. Weather has slowed progress, but not resolve.
FALL 2005 UPDATE. We lost perhaps 4 months of construction time
due to the illness and death of my mother. At age 91, and with
many health problems, it was time. Nonetheless, I miss her.
There are few things left to do. It is really looking like an
airplane now, with almost all the systems installed. I had often
wondered why someone would go ahead and fly an unpainted airplane
without wheel pants, etc. I think I know. Finishing the
fiberglass is a pain. Even knowing that, we are going ahead and
finishing everything, except perhaps the interior.
I still enjoy working on the plane. It just doesn't get old, and
that is good or it might never get done. It looks like I will
skip one part that truely scares me; painting. The idea of
having done such a good job and then screwing up the thing people
notice most is a problem. Also, the idea of having to sand off
$200 per gallon paint isn't my cup of tea. The wings and tail
are off to the paint shop next week, with the fuse to follow
ASAP. If you are thinking of building an aircraft, don't put it
off. Even with the occasional problem area, it is a blast.
Feb 2006 UPDATE. We are adding the feature that truely makes our plane unique, at least for the time being. The Carbon Fiber Canopy System really is nice! Now, for a warm day to install it. The paint job is very nice, and we are going with vinyl for second- and third-color. I have a computerized vinyl cutter and am making decals available to the RV community. My "EXPERIMENTAL" decals look SO much better than Van's. I can do your tail numbers (3") for 15$ in a number of styles and colors. That will include shipping!
If this site has inspired you to order an RV, you will recieve a note from Van's asking who inspired you. If you were to submit my name, I would get a small cash reward. I like that! My builder number is 90854.
Bob Kelly
P.S. I have put a few pictures on the "Tips" and "Progress" pages. If you are interested in some really depressing pics of the destruction of great WWII aircraft, let me know and I will post them. My father took them and they are probably the only record of this.
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