First Flight - Doug Weiler, Hudson, WI

June 15, 2003

N722DW - started January 1991 - first flight June 15, 2003

As much as I hate to admit it, I started construction of my RV-4 in January of 1991.  Finally...only 12 1/2 years later, N722DW took to the skies on June 15, 2003.

Briefly, 22DW is equipped with an Aerosport 180 hp engine driving a Hartzell constant speed prop.  It has the tall landing gear and I did modify the cockpit by moving the instrument panel forward one inch.  The rear seat also has footwells which greatly improve the rear seat leg room.  Equipment includes a GX-55 GPS/comm, King KT-76A transponder, full gyro panel, electric flaps and trim, strobes, and landing lights

First engine start - early June 2003

I

First engine start - early June 2003

John Roscoe from Albert Lea, MN was my FAA inspector.  John arrived in the early afternoon of June 15.  The majority of the inspection is really a briefing on the limitations of operating an amateur built aircraft.  John reviewed all the paperwork and spent about 30 minutes inspecting the airplane with emphasis on the engine installation.    Everything was to his satisfaction, the papers were signed and I was legal to fly!!

Getting ready for the first flight

The ground crew was Tom Irlbeck handling the hand-held radio, Al Meyer taking photos and video, and my wife and two sons providing moral support.

My son Craig was 7 years old when I started the airplane.  Time marches on...

Let's see.... what have I forgot??

Alex Peterson flew chase in his RV-6A.  We followed a rather complete checklist to be sure I didn't do anything exceedingly stupid.

Yes!!!!!!!!!   We are airborne!!!!!!

The thrill as 22DW lifted off was unbelievable.  Yes, I knew it would fly, but 12 years of work have now boiled down to just a few seconds as we climbed rapidly away from Lake Elmo airport.  The rudder trim was off as expected and the right wing a little heavy, but all systems were normal.  I flew for 30 minutes with Alex off my side comparing instrument readings.

It was a perfect evening and my wife Jean was there when I landed.  All those years of airplane parts under the bed, metal shavings in the carpet, and an absentee husband living out in the shop have all come together.  What a great day!!!

Update: September 2004: New Paint
After 4 1/2 months at the paint shop, I finally have 22DW back and flying. The paint is PPG's Deltron basecoat/clearcoat process and the clear polyurethane has been polished. Next project is the addition of a TruTrak Digiflight II autopilot.