My aviation story began and most likely will end in Alabama, but a lot has transpired along the way. My Alabama story started with a J3 Cub ride with my father when I was just a kid. Like so many before and after me, I was smitten with the thrill of aviation and I knew at that moment that I needed to do this. Fortunately for me, the U.S. Air Force in 1965 needed pilots and I needed the Air Force. After graduating from Auburn University and after pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas, I was assigned to F4 (Phantom) training at Davis Montham AFB, AZ and subsequently to Bitburg, Germany. After my tour in the USAF, I was hired by Delta as a pilot and progressed through the ranks as second officer, co-pilot, and eventually flew as Captain, on everything that Delta operated. A good ole Alabama boy along with my wife Judy, also a licensed pilot, got to see the world through the travels of an airline pilot. It has been a good ride and I retired in 2002.
Judy and Mike Ballard
But now to the heart of this story, my current aviation life here in Alabama. Now retired from Delta, I am left to my own devices for my aviation fun. With the constantly escalating price of fuel, one has to be reasonable about the expense side of this fun vs. the money equation, so after much research I decided that the economical, experimental category of aircraft was the choice for me. " Experimental" in aviation terms means several well defined things, but in general terms it dictates that the Federal Aviation Regulations will allow me to build my own aircraft if I build at least more than half: the so called" 51 per cent rule". After the FAA inspects the aircraft, I could then fly it over this great land of ours, which is exactly what we have done.
The aircraft I chose to build for this mission was the RV8. No, not a recreational vehicle but an aluminum kit airplane designed by Richard Vangrunsven, based in Oregon, thus the RV prefix. The 8 designation comes from the model I built which is a tandem seat, 2 place, tail dragger. Lots of info there, but this little airplane takes "J3" and me anywhere we want to go at around 200mph. J3 comes from the name of the plane which is "Judy Judy Judy" consequently; "J3". My call sign is "Fossil" and was given to me since I am one of the older fighter pilots of the group in which I fly.
Mike and Judy's completed RV8
The construction process took about 2 years of spare time and the end result was well worth the effort. The first question that usually arises concerning this airplane is, "Is it safe?" In that regard it is only as safe as the construction and to a greater degree, the qualifications and sense of responsibility of the pilot. I try to be very safe! At last count there are over 10,000 of these kits being built with 4,118 actually flying all over the world. In my particular case, our airplane was inspected by two FAA representatives from Birmingham and was awarded the coveted airworthiness certificate which means I could then go fly it for the first time in a test area around my home airport of Lanett, Alabama. You talk about an adrenaline rush! That inaugural flight was uneventful which is exactly the way you want it, but the feeling that goes with it is unforgettable. When you realize that you are airborne with nothing but the plane you built in the basement supporting you, and you are zipping along at speeds approaching 200mph, you get the idea I'm sure.
Advance the calendar forward. Now with lots of hours logged in the little plane, a new adventure has emerged. It seems that people who build and fly these kitplanes have an overwhelming desire to get together not only on the ground at fly-ins, but also when airborne in formation flights. Judy and I have attended many of these fly-ins where everyone gathers to talk construction, new products, and of course, flying experiences. The largest of these fly-ins is the annual Oshkosh event in July and the Sun- N- Fun event in Lakeland, Florida in April, but there are also many more of these types of events we have attended. The smallest of these events is the so called "100 dollar hamburger," where a flight of one or more flies to a public or private airport for a burger that cost the price of the aviation fuel to make the trip, just an excuse to have fun of course.
The Las Cruces, New Mexico fly-in was a highlight event for us. We traveled with 2 other RV8's to East Texas where our friend had arranged for us to be met upon arrival by the local newspaper and photographer and much to our surprise, we made the headlines of the local paper the following day. That's big stuff for a local Alabama aviator. After a RON (remain overnight) in Sulphur Springs, we joined up in formation with another RV flight over West Texas to arrive at Las Cruces with a large group. With perfect weather enroute we got to see a most of the southern half of the US including an unforgettable sight of Guadalupe Peak, the tallest point in Texas, with a flight of RV's in the foreground. After our mass arrival formation pass at LasCruces, we were joined on the ground by more than 200 of these planes. Perfect weather, great friends, delicious Mexican food, and with the Organ mountains in the background, it made for an unforgettable event. With the fly-in over, we traveled back to Alabama in about 7 hours of flying time. I told you these planes were fast.
Mike's friend at the Las Cruces, New Mexico Fly In
I must also tell you of the 2004 Sun-N-Fun fly-in. "Smokey Ray" has already told this particular story from one view as chronicled in the February 2005 issue of EAA's Sport Pilot Magazine. His photo along with some of the other Alabama National Guard pilots and their planes including me are on the cover of that issue. Since that story is well documented by Smokey I will summarize by saying that these guys go to war in F16 fighters but come home to Alabama to play and enjoy aviation in their RV's. That, alone, should tell you about the appeal of these planes.
Mike foreground in RV Formation
Before I stray too far with this adventure I should tell you that formation flying is regulated by the FAR's (Federal Aviation Regulations) and in particular, flying in airshows is even more tightly controlled in protected airspace. Formation flying also requires training and practice to keep these skills sharp. Military pilots get this intense training in flight school and there are other avenues for those who are not trained by the military. As they say "don't try this at home" without the proper training. Enough said on that.
In summary, I can only say that this hobby has been rewarding and invigorating for this retired airline pilot. The most rewarding part of this experience is the newfound camaraderie that is evident in this dedicated group of builders and aviators. As a footnote to this story, I have begun construction on my second RV8 project. Van's Aircraft Company refers to these multiple builders as (tic) "repeat offenders". We hope to see you at an air show soon.
Mike "Fossil" Ballard
You can see the construction of this plane at our builder's web site at: http://www.knology.net/~mballard/
