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![NEXTAIRSHOWFLYER[1]](images/NEXTAIRSHOWFLYER[1].png "NEXTAIRSHOWFLYER[1]")
The fuselage has been shrink-wrapped and is off to the ship. Tailplane will follow in a few days, but it's right at the shipping size limits, as well.
Note the rudder control rod in the photo. That's 13'11" and the limit is 14'. We've got to re-route and possibly re-load the fuselage when it arrives in the US due to that rod. The rod will come off very easily, however, it's supposedly a 2-day job to re-install due to a/c ducting, etc. So we'll drive it all over the eastern seaboard to get it to Delaware with escorts and permits.
I spoke with LGen Blot today on this and another issue. He was aware that I had a Harrier and cautioned about the fuel control sensitivity to civilian fuels. I said we're aware and think we can handle it, and he seemed to be generally OK with the overall idea of us flying a Harrier. He didn't ask for my stereo, so I took that as a good sign.
I also spoke with a RN Sea Harrier pilot, who's stationed on an exchange tour in the US flying AV-8B's and F-18's. I asked if he would be interested in the first flight PMCF, since he's more current than any of us and he may be interested, but there may be some FAA / insurance / legal issues. We'll see how it goes as we get closer to that time. I expect we'll have plenty of cockpit and ground run time before it's ready to get airborne and we should be comfortable. We'll at least pick his brain before getting airborne.
Thanks,
Art Nalls, Jr.
artnalls@earthlink.net
202-582-6300
Note the rudder control rod in the photo. That's 13'11" and the limit is 14'. We've got to re-route and possibly re-load the fuselage when it arrives in the US due to that rod. The rod will come off very easily, however, it's supposedly a 2-day job to re-install due to a/c ducting, etc. So we'll drive it all over the eastern seaboard to get it to Delaware with escorts and permits.
I spoke with LGen Blot today on this and another issue. He was aware that I had a Harrier and cautioned about the fuel control sensitivity to civilian fuels. I said we're aware and think we can handle it, and he seemed to be generally OK with the overall idea of us flying a Harrier. He didn't ask for my stereo, so I took that as a good sign.
I also spoke with a RN Sea Harrier pilot, who's stationed on an exchange tour in the US flying AV-8B's and F-18's. I asked if he would be interested in the first flight PMCF, since he's more current than any of us and he may be interested, but there may be some FAA / insurance / legal issues. We'll see how it goes as we get closer to that time. I expect we'll have plenty of cockpit and ground run time before it's ready to get airborne and we should be comfortable. We'll at least pick his brain before getting airborne.
Thanks,
Art Nalls, Jr.
artnalls@earthlink.net
202-582-6300