Volume 8, July 5th, 2000
Where are we? As of June 2000 we have a fuselage on the gear. Our empennage is complete and attached. One wing is finished and one is half covered. Our engine mount is attached, our struts are completed, and our controls are fabricated.
What have we yet to do ? We still must finish three of four slats, three of four flaperons, install the controls, mount the engine, install instruments, install the fuel system, paint and finish all the little details.
How long will it take? The goal is December. It will be difficult as we will be starting our second aircraft, a Zenith CH-601 at the same time. Our goals for the program, though, are to provide the most education and experience we can to our students, and our beginning students need the experience and satisfaction of fabricating parts from scratch. Many lessons are learned as one goes from a sheet of plans to a sheet of aluminum to a piece in work to a finished componant.
Our returning students and mentors will work on the nearly-completed 701 with an aim to finishing by the winter break. Our project needs completion and success, and it is within our grasp.
What cool things have happened lately? First, we have found partners within the aviation community. David Clark, inc. donated an intercom system for use in the plane. Oregon Aero took three students, taught them how to design and build supremely comfortable aircraft seats and turned them loose in the factory. The kids came away with the two most comfortable (and stylin') seats ever to grace a CH-701. BRS, Inc. shipped us a parachute for installation. Second, we have started to raise money for the program. The local teacher's union granted us funds to purchase a transponder. The Linder Foundation, a local educational organization that funds programs in Kitsap County schools granted us funds to purchase a propeller. The Central Kitsap Rotary has granted funds to purchase tools and materials so that we may continue to build, educate, and inspire. And it seems as though we may just have scratched the surface.
What happens next?Exciting things in many directions and areas, most of which we never would have imagined when we started the project three years ago.
In the short term: We will finish the 701 and start the 601. We will begin a test flight program for the 701 and ensure it is safe, reliable, and meets all requirements.
In the mid-term: During the summer of 2001 Mr. Steed will fly the 701 around the country, touching down in every state, and attempt to land in Oshkosh, Wisconsin during the Experimental Aircraft Association convention in early August. He will take a laptop, a digital camera, a cell phone, and document the trip, day-by-day and state-by-state as he flies.
In the long term: We have big plans. As schools are being built without shops and traditional metal and wood shops are being pushed and phased out of curriculums, students are unable to receive technical training of that sort. We plan to raise funds and build a hangar, workshop, office, and classroom complex at the local airpark. This complex will be used as a community aviation education resource in conjunction with local school districts, aviation organizations, and other community groups.
What do we need now? Partners. We are seeking donors for an engine, instruments, a GPS, a laptop, a digital camera, navigation software, and materials to start our second aircraft. We can offer donors a tax deduction (the IRS has recognized our non-profit status under section 501(c)3), as much publicity as we can generate, their name emblazoned on our aircraft, the knowledge that they are supporting students actively investigating aviation and learning lifelong lessons in the progress, and our undying thanks.
If you have made it this far and would like to contact us, please send an email to Mr. Steed or Mr. Smith. We would love to hear from you.