"FNG" from USA

[Buz]

Hi Everyone,

 

I just joined your group at the recommendation of an Aussie Lightning builder, so that makes me a new guy. It looks like you have a great site with lots of interest in sport aviation. Super! I am not new to aviation, having flown fighters in our Air Force for 28 years (including two combat tours in SEA) and been involved in sport aviation all of my life. All total, I have flown well over 100 aircraft, from jets to J3s, have build three experimental aircraft (Pitts S1, Vm-1 Esqual, and Zodiac 601XL), have restored three vintage aircraft (Ceaana 170B, Beech M-35 Bonanza, and 1940 Piper J3 Cub Sport), and have made the initial flight on seven different experimentals. My next build project will probably be an Arion Lightning, similar to the Esqual, but an updated design. As you can see, I love everything about sport aviation and the wonderful people you meet that share your interest. Thanks for letting me be a part of your group.

 

Blue Skies,

 

Buz Rich

 

Williamsburg, VA, USA

 

 

[geoffreywh]

Welcome...my instructor at Latrobe Valley has just finished his Lightning (fitted with Jabiru 6)and is in the process of flight testing.Looks bloody lovely!

 

 

[Guest Caithness]

Hi Buz and welcome to Oz,

 

I've been following the Lightning forum for months and have enjoyed all your newsletters. Funny how you can bump into each other all round the world! I've seen Dennis Borchardt's Lightning last March at the RAAus National fly-in at Narromine NSW and it was a real thrill to finally see one in the flesh and up close. I'm an Instructor in Jabirus, Skyfox Gazelles and Fly Synthesis Texans at a place called Murray Bridge in South Australia and would hope that one day I'll be able to build the Lightning. Would have enjoyed a ride, but there were insurance issues apparently. Looking forward to watching the evolvement of the Lightning and more of your newsletters.

 

Cheers, Paul Smith

 

 

[Buz]

Thanks, Geoff,

 

Send me a photo of your instructor's Lightning and I will put it in the Lightning newsletter.

 

Blue Skies,

 

Buz

 

 

[Buz]

Hi Paul,

 

Yes it is a small world. I hope to see some of you guys at Oshkosh next year. I have now flown 6 different Lightnings and it ia a great airplane. I will likely build one in the future.

 

Blue Skies,

 

Buz

 

 

[Deskpilot]

Buz, if you want to fly a Lightning, you might as well fly the best, and fastest. Trouble is, you have to go to South Africa to do it. I hear there's one on the US but it's not airworthy as yet.

 

It's a long time since I last sat in that cockpit.

 

 

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Definitly sounds like you don't mind a fly now and then, and hey, we will even chat with jet jockys over here !!

 

 

[Buz]

Doug,

 

Yep,

 

 

[Deskpilot]

BTW, I was only ground crew. Never had the chance to fly in a trainer due to tightening of RAF rules. Bummer!! Was with 19(front aircraft in photo), 23 and 74 Sqdns.