Bernie
Weiss, St. Paul, MN
RV-7A, N527DB, October 18, 2008
The Story of SPII
(-
Doug Weiler, from the December 2008 issue of the RVAtor's
Log)
As of today this writing, Van’s website counts 5951 RVs that
have been completed and logged their first flight. And undoubtedly
each one has its own unique story. First flights are the
culmination of years of sacrifice of time, money, relationships and
other interests that are relegated to “second” place.
Bernie Weiss’ RV-7A took to the air for the first time on
September 21 with yours truly assigned as Joe the Test Pilot. When
Bernie started his RV, I can recall a lot of doubts as to whether
he could really succeed with this seemingly monumental task. I
think most first time builders are equally intimidated. Even a
so-called “quick-build” appears overwhelming at
first.
It wasn’t too long before Bernie formed a strong friendship with several Minnesota Wing members including Pete Howell, Alex Peterson, Tom Berge, and Peter Fruehling. With their help and encouragement, the project began to take shape. For the last year, Tom Berge and Bernie have worked to iron out all the myriad tasks of engine, avionics and related systems. Bernie’s day job leaves little time during the week so nearly all of their work was done on Saturdays.
N527DB is powered by an American Engines IO-360 with dual
Lightspeed electronic ignition. The plan all along was to build a
capable IFR cross-country RV so the end result sports a dual
Chelton EFIS system, Garmin avionics, a Tru Trak three-axis
autopilot, XM satellite weather and a luxurious Aero Classic
leather interior. Super-painter Dan White applied the pearl
metallic paint with blue and gray trim. It is nice!!
So I know you
are waiting for the back-story to “Sky Pig II” (aka
SP2). Bernie also owns an E33 Beech Bonanza and for the past
several years he has been tagging along with us to our various
pancake-seeking excursions. I think it was Alex Peterson who first
coined the nickname “Sky Pig” for Bernie’s
Bonanza. We were all just envious us of that smooth, quiet
Beechcraft with room for 4 in stretch-out comfort. But at 15
gallons per hour to feed the 300 hp Continental, it was a little
big of a gas “hog”.
As the final
touches were being put on the RV-7A, we were placing bets as to the
final empty weight. The airplane was loaded with LOTS of goodies so
it might be a little on the “meaty” side. I think I
guessed 1175 and Tom, Alex, Peter, and Pete all wagered somewhere
in the upper 1100’s. Well the final tally was 1218 so Pete
didn’t waste any time in christening it “Sky Pig
II” and whipped up the rather cool logo. Fortunately Bernie
has a great sense of humor and is still speaking to us.!!
Louvers were in
Spring of 2009 in hopes of lowering the oil temperature. It did
help somewhat.
Bernie and son
Stephen.