Dave Hyde wrote:

I (finally) made the first flight of my RV-4 today.
12 years of building, 0.3 hours of flight time g
Everything was pretty much as expected. After
quite a bit of thought I decided to make it short
and circle a few times over the field just under the
STL class B floor. The temptation to leave the pattern
and actually do something was strong, but I stuck to
the plan :-)


Honors are due.

You finally finished the damned thing!
That, in itself, is exceptional.
And a sucessful first flight to boot.

I think your "first" first flight sticks with you like your
first solo does. You will remember it forever.
The bold excitement of it, the holy terror of it.
The humble/giddy/amazing mix of feelings.
Heady stuff, huh!

I'm impressed with your discipline in staying in the pattern.
Especially early on, and most especially in high performance
machines, that self discipline will keep you safe and warm.
I mention this, not to spoil the mood, but to remind everyone
that this is no place for complacency or carelessness.

Plan the flight.
Fly the plan.

Congradulations, Dave.
Ya done real good.

And - ta da -
You are now a full fledged experimental test pilot.
How about that!

Richard Lamb