My natural habitat
My Family
My other hobby
In the beginning...
I have loved airplanes since a teenager. I built and flew R/C gliders, airplanes, and helicopters for over 15 years. I always wanted to fly and finally had the chance in 2005 when I earned my private license.
With my 20 year Air Force career as a helicopter mechanic, (A&P) coming to an end, it was inevitable that I would want to combine my love for aviation and maintenance background to take on such a project. This summer (2007) I researched the different kits and engines and finally decided on the Corvair powered 601. I came across this partially built 601 HDS kit for sale in Jacksonville, FL. I drove the five hours across Florida one weekend to look at the kit and, well, here I am...
With my 20 year Air Force career as a helicopter mechanic, (A&P) coming to an end, it was inevitable that I would want to combine my love for aviation and maintenance background to take on such a project. This summer (2007) I researched the different kits and engines and finally decided on the Corvair powered 601. I came across this partially built 601 HDS kit for sale in Jacksonville, FL. I drove the five hours across Florida one weekend to look at the kit and, well, here I am...
Corvair Car Show
Corvair Car Show
About a month ago, (Jan 2011) my friend Mike mentioned it would be cool if I could show the plane and Corvair engine at a Corvair Car show that was today. Sounded great except the plane was not even on wheels yet. I set a goal to have it ready and after many long days and nights had it ready to go.
This morning, we loaded it on Mike's car trailer and off to Pensacola Beach for the car show. I followed in Mikes Corvair. The plane got a lot of attention and I was invited to a few more Covair shows. LOL It was a lot of fun.
BTW, Mikes 65' Corvair convertible won Best of Show!
About a month ago, (Jan 2011) my friend Mike mentioned it would be cool if I could show the plane and Corvair engine at a Corvair Car show that was today. Sounded great except the plane was not even on wheels yet. I set a goal to have it ready and after many long days and nights had it ready to go.
This morning, we loaded it on Mike's car trailer and off to Pensacola Beach for the car show. I followed in Mikes Corvair. The plane got a lot of attention and I was invited to a few more Covair shows. LOL It was a lot of fun.
BTW, Mikes 65' Corvair convertible won Best of Show!
Testing it out...
Couldn't resist... engine sounds optional : )
Happy Holidays
I've been building a 601HDS over the last 4 years(Jan 2013). Wow, looking back at my log amazes me how far the plane has came this year. I started 2012 working on the engine cowling and nosebowl and now it is close to being ready for the airworthiness inspection.
As for the panel, I went with the new MGL iEFIS, MGL V6 Comm, and Sandia remote transponder.
It finally outgrew the garage in Oct and I moved it to Peter Prince 2R4. The wings are now on and a few weeks ago I ran the engine for the first time since CC17 in Orlando.
I also started flying again and completed my BFR last week.
2012 has been a very productive year and I hope to have it ready for the DAR soon.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Steve Sims
Navarre, FL
http://websites.expercraft.com/zenoah
N601A
601HDS
Two-tone primer
Corvair 2700
As for the panel, I went with the new MGL iEFIS, MGL V6 Comm, and Sandia remote transponder.
It finally outgrew the garage in Oct and I moved it to Peter Prince 2R4. The wings are now on and a few weeks ago I ran the engine for the first time since CC17 in Orlando.
I also started flying again and completed my BFR last week.
2012 has been a very productive year and I hope to have it ready for the DAR soon.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Steve Sims
Navarre, FL
http://websites.expercraft.com/zenoah
N601A
601HDS
Two-tone primer
Corvair 2700