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WHAT'S NEW with Airplanes
Information and photos located within the Flyballoons.net web site were last updated January 26, 2007..
Jack Sparling's RV-10
Receives Airworthiness Certificate
On December 09, 2006, Ted Gauthier flew to Alpena, Michigan with passenger/co-pilot Dave Pohl in Ted's RV-6. Terry Kohler flew his RV-9 with passenger/co-pilot Mike Lord. Flight time to Alpena was one hour and five minutes, departing from Pontiac, Michigan. If you have been around any RV pilots, none of these builders would miss a chance to see a beautiful RV-10 built by Jack Sparling. For two hours, Ted looked over Jack Sparling's craftsmanship and then gave Jack his airworthiness certificate and operation limitations. Ted stated, "what a beautiful airplane, I would love to own this one". Jack should be very proud of this airplane, but I am sure he is more proud of his two girls. They were there throughout the building process and the final inspection. The knowledge of Jack's daughters about the aircraft impressed all the pilots. Congratulations to Jack and his family.
Here are some photos of the important day in Alpena, Michigan.
Ted Gauthier's RV-6
Terry Kohler's RV-9 (Left) - Jack Sparling's RV-10 (Right)
Jack Sparling (Left) - Ted Gauthier (Right)
Surprise Visit!
Do you have a good reason to hang around the airport?
11/04/2006
By: Dave Pohl, RV-7A N422DP
You just never know who you’re going to run into when you’re at the ole’ airport and today was no exception. Ted and I had just finished tucking our airplanes into our new hangars in “RV Row” as the controllers now call it, at Oakland County International Airport, Pontiac, MI (KPTK) late this morning when I looked outside and noticed a silver SUV rapidly decelerating right in front of my hangar. The vehicle was not even stopped as the passenger door popped open and a very distinguished looking gentleman wearing a leather A2 flight jacket and a fancy Base Ball hat jumped out and started toward my airplane. As he approached, he looked at me and asked “What kind of an airplane is that? I proudly responded “it’s a Van’s RV7A” to which he replied. “I know that”. “Humm, I said to myself. If he already knew what kind of airplane it was, why did he ask me? ” Things weren’t adding up. To change the subject, I said, “Ya, I just got back from a 30 minute flight because I felt I had to get the cobwebs out of her. The last time I flew was Monday”. At that, we both laughed and he began looking her over.
There was something suspiciously familiar about this character and as the distance between us closed, it became evident that I was about to shake hands with the EAA’s founder, PAUL POBEREZNY! “This can’t be! Is it really Paul Poberezny? It sure is! It says PAUL POBERENZY on his jacket! Unbelievable! What a surprise!” I said to myself. After a bit of discussion and few more laughs I coaxed him to follow me down the row to Ted’s hangar so Ted could meet him and so Paul could get a better look at Ted’s magnificent RV6. As we approached, I said “Ted, look who’s here! You won’t believe it! It’s Paul Poberezny!” There were huge smiles, a strong handshake, and a warm exchange as we tried to find out about each other.
Among other things, Paul indicated that at 85 years of age, he is still B17 Certified! His jacket has a picture of his P51 and an outline of the EAA Museum painted on it which Paul proudly displayed and talked about. He said the jacket had been painted 20 years ago.
As it turns out, Paul was in the area visiting family and just “happened” to be at the airport with his Grandson, Mike. It was the highlight of my day! All of us who fly experimental aircraft should be proud and grateful for Paul’s vision, leadership and the persistence it took to establish the EAA because without Paul, none of would be building or flying our dream machines.
Speaking of distinguished gentlemen, two summers ago, Ted happened to run into Jack Roush at the airport and had an enjoyable conversation and a photo taken with him and his P51 Mustang.
Additionally, last year, Ted and a few friends were at the airport when the Global Flyer was there for publicity pictures. He took several pictures of the airplane inside and out and called to tell me that the Global Flyer was at the airport. So, I came right over and managed to get a video of her take off.
Now, does anyone have any good reasons why they should not hang out at the
airport?
Paul Poberezny - Dave Pohl
Ted Gauthier - Paul Poberezny
Paul Poberezny - Guy Gauthier (Balloon Repairs of East Texas/Owner)
Paul Poberezny and his wife of 62 years, Audrey
Paul Poberezny, Audrey and Mike Lord
Paul Poberezny's Jacket painted 20 years ago
Paul Poberezny, Audrey and Dave Pohl
Paul Poberezny, Audrey and Alex Becker
Ted has modified his Instrument Panel in his homebuilt RV-6. This time the upgrade if a Full IFR panel with a glass cockpit EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System). Take a look at his new cockpit. Click on this link "Instruments".
Check our "Our Friends", Terry Lutz has made his first flight in the RV-8 that he started building more than 9 years ago in the basement of home.
After 7 years of building, Terry Lutz has completed his airplane. Terry took his time building this RV-8 and he should be proud. This is one of the nicest homebuilt airplanes you will ever see. On top of that the workmanship is first class, top rate and if you ever get the chance to see this plane you will just be amazed.
Congratulations, Terry. All of your hard work and effort has paid off. I can't wait to be your wing man.
Ted Gauthier (FAA/Dar) - Terry Lutz recieves his airworthiness certificate
Click on this link to see more of Terrys RV-8
The link below will take you to our airplane friends
Our Friends and there airplanes
Also look at: Our Friends
Operation Good Cheer
December 3, 2005
Ted Gauthier had the opportunity to use his RV-6 to deliver Christmas Gifts. Operation Good Cheer is an organization that collect gifts and then dozens of airplanes around Michigan volunteer to fly into the Oakland Pontiac International Airport to load up and deliver these gifts all across Michigan. Ted loaded the airplane that he built in his basement and flew a few of the gifts to need children in Saginaw, Michigan.
(Click on the photo to see more pictures)
Note: If you can not view this photoshow, you may need to download Macromedia Flash player. Download Flash Player Here !
New Photo's added to Web site.
Modifications made to Ted's RV-6, New Propeller
posted: 9-20-2005
Steve Poland has been published in KITPLANES September 2005 issue.
posted: 8-1-2005
Click on the above link to view photo's in flight to Oshkosh, Wi.
Ted makes modifications to his RV-6 instrument panel (again). This time he flush mounts his hand held GPS. Look at some of Ted's modifications.
posted: 7-29-2005
SeaRey Float Plane Receives an "Airworthiness Certificate".
N 357SG
Ted Gauthier, Federal Aviation Administration is a (DAR) Designated Airworthiness Representative, flew his RV-6 to the Midland/Bay City area of Michigan and inspected a SeaRey Float Plane built by Steve Gromak of Auburn, Michigan. Steve's workmanship shows in his beautiful airplane. Pictured below is Steve and his airplane. Steve really does have something wonderful to smile about. Congratulations to Steve Gromak, this is one of the nicest SeaRey float planes out there. Nice work.
posted: 7-21-2005
Dave Pohl Flys his own airplane !!!
Dave Pohl took to the air, by himself (SOLO) for the first time since 1979. What a pleasure to fly the plane that you built yourself. A dream come true. Congratulations Dave. You have a beautiful airplane. Take a look for yourself.
Traveling to the Florida Keys
Photo's are now posted for our Spring Travel Vacation to the Florida Keys. It was Lynn and Ted's 30th wedding anniversary. They traveled to Florida in their homebuilt airplane and stayed in a bed and breakfast. They meet up with 7 other airplanes and traveled to Sarasota, Fort Myers, and along the way, visited with friends and relatives. They shopped till they dropped, saw the Kennedy Space Center and stopped by the Sun n Fun fly-in. What a great time. Take a peak at a few of their pictures. http://www.flyballoons.net/keywest2005.htm
Roy Thelan and his RV-8
Bob Parker and his RV-8
It's Official, Dave Pohl received his airworthiness certificate on March 19, 2005 for the his RV-7A - N442DP
Click on this link to see some photos of Dave's airplane.
Winter Flight updateMarch
05 , 2005
I was able to get my RV-6 out of the hanger and take it for a ride today. http://www.flyballoons.net/winterflight.htm
Our Friends updateMarch 03 , 2005
Roger Bentlage has received his quick built kit for his RV-7 http://www.flyballoons.net/OurFriends.htm