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A boys dream come true

When I was about 16 years old (1953) a local farmer’s son landed a small plane in our hayfield. We lived at the end of a dirt road and did not have many visitors, and only went to town on Saturday night and Sunday morning to Church. An airplane in our field was a very big deal to me. He had just stopped to say Hi and offered my dad a ride, which he declined. I was taught that “Children were to be seen but nor heard’ so I didn’t say a thing but I was screaming inside “I will go, Ask me, Let me go, Please let me go” Although I didn’t say a word I never lost the desire to fly. It was simply not something that I could afford. Jim Robinson showed me that a Quad City Challenger was affordable to me by building it myself and registering it experimental means that I can do my own maintenance when I am qualified. Jim assured me that he would be available for advice every step of the way.

I purchased the kit in Dec of 04 and received the tail section in Jan of 05. I started the smaller parts in the basement but as the parts got bigger the construction moved to the garage. By Sept of 05 it was completed, N numbered, FAA certified as Air Worthy, and legal to fly. I started lessons in Dec of 05 in my own airplane, making lessons cost less than $40.00 an hour including fuel. With much patience from my instructor David Lillie I soloed March 10/ 05 and received my license April 21/05 (My 68^th birthday). I have logged nearly 550 hours in 12 states and taken over 60 people rides that don’t normally fly. The credit for my unusual paint job goes to my friend Wally Walker of Galesburg.

There are many good experimental homebuilt kits available but “bang for your buck” the Challenger can’t be beat. The same basic design has been sold for 25 years with thousands flying. The kit is foolproof by following the instructions, as it is over 45% factory assembled when you get it. It handles two 200# people well with a 75 MPH cruse, while burning 3 ½ to 4 GAL of automotive gas pr hr. ‘Ol Baldy” is quite well equipped with heater, necessary instruments, radio, and GPS. I have about $20,000 plus my labor invested. That is not bad compared to a Harley or Gold-Wing and I fly all year. Winter is the best time. TRY IT YOU WILL LIKE IT.

Bob Donley

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