Ron's RV7 Aircraft Factory


Welcome to my personal blog. This site was created as an informal description of my build progress in the construction of a Van's RV7 aircraft. A place where family/friends/builders/curiosity seekers can follow along. It is not intended to be a detailed description of every step in the building process as that would be much too time consuming. There are plenty of sites that do a great job in that arena, that is not my intention with this site. My intention is for this to be a philisophical/motivational/inspirational account of the emotional ups and downs of the life changing journey...and it will change your life. I hope this will give you an idea, through my eyes, of what its like to make this transformation. A note to other builders, I am not an expert so do not put your safety at risk by attempting anything you see on this site until you have done your own research, or send me an email so we can discuss it. Any deviations from the plans are not approved, nor endorsed by Van's Aircraft or myself. Thanks for visiting.



Friday, August 28, 2015

Mackinac Island & Oshkosh 2015


Its been quite a while since my last post, not for lack of activity with the RV. I hope you are all progressing well with your builds. Here is a little inspiration for you as you slave away. On our way out to Oshkosh this year, we decided to leave town a little early and head up to Mackinac (pronounced Mack-in-aw) Island in Northern Michigan. This was recommended to me as a nice day trip from OSH, when you need a break during the show. It was quite an amazing place to visit. It is a small island that does not allow motorized vehicles outside of emergency vehicles. In addition, it is like being transported back in time to the year 1875. The old houses and buildings are immaculate, as is the landscaping. Put this destination on your aviation bucket list. We are hoping to go back for a longer stay and get a room at the Grand Hotel that was built in 1879.


On our way out, we joined the 200kts GS club again...clipping along at 208kts. Its not every day that you get a 56kts direct tailwind at 11,500 ft but I'll take it every time!




Without motorized vehicles, horse drawn carriages and bicycles are the norm.


Although we were unable to secure lodging on the island, we did land and take a look around. Great little airport. As you can see, lots of Cirrus on the ramp. This is somewhat of a high dollar destination I believe.


A picture of the runway inside the FBO. You can either take the short walk into town or have a horse drawn carriage pick you up right at the airport. 



The runway is paved, but this area of the ramp for transient aircraft, is turf. 



The views from the fort are awe inspiring...


A shoreline selfie...the weather was perfect for our visit.



Views of the Grand Hotel...this place is all original from the outward appearances. We didn't get a chance to go inside as they have a dress code in the evenings and we were not dressed for it.


The one token London phone booth on the island...Sheryl just had to get a picture. :) Not sure who she was talking to?




As mentioned, the landscaping is immaculate.


Grabbing a waterfront drink before taking the ferry back to our hotel at St. Ignace. We had a wonderful day walking around the island.


From there, it was a short trip southwest to Oshkosh. Obligatory selfie at the Arch.



I really enjoy just sitting under the shade of my wing, having a cold beer and watching the airshow. The weather at OSH this year was the best in all the 7 trips I have made so far.


This little bugger sure comes in handy to keep cellphones and iPad's charged while camping with the plane. 


My acro flight instructor flew her S2C out for the Pitts 70th anniversary. Here it is parked with the big boys. This is the plane I learned acro in.




The A350 was a sight to behold parked on the ramp.



Scenic views of the seaplane base...


Our camping spot for the show...I am still trying to learn to pack lighter. We may ship some supplies next time we go to keep our weight down and our CG forward.


Attending an RV party in Schoeller after we arrived.


Watching the free concert...Dirks Bentley


On our way back home after a wonderful week, we grabbed some cheap gas in Wayne, Nebraska. Great little FBO with free sandwiches for Oshkosh week. It was a great trip flying around the country in the little airplane I built in my garage. 

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