Dec 29, 2001  0.0 hours pounding rivets... 2.6 hours in the air in a RV-6

My family and I always try to spend the holidays with our family in Alabama.  The four of us now live in Muscatine, Iowa but still think of Alabama as home.  This presented Chris and I an opportunity to visit with the Tennessee Valley RV Builders Group.  On the night of the 28th, I called Bob Butler to see if any builders were going to be around on Saturday.  Our luck was better than we had imagined, part of the group was planning a flight to Fort Payne, Alabama for breakfast and had a couple of extra seats.

The group consisted of (and I hope I get all the names correct) Bob Butler (RV-6A), Sam Buchanan (my ride) RV-6, Jeff Crabb (RV-6A),  Robin Hunt (Chris's ride RV-8) and Mark Spry (RV-4) and his son.  We had a great morning for my first flight in a RV.  The weather was perfect; cool and crisp.  I couldn't believe how great the RV would climb.  

We made the breakfast flight with a tailwind which made the flight much to short for me :-).  We followed the Tennessee river at around1700 feet until getting out from under Huntsville class "C" airspace.  

After breakfast, four of the group decided that the Blue Mountain EFIS needed to be investigated.  It was only another short hop over to Copperhill to visit and see a demo.  What a great looking product.  Greg and group treated this group of RVer's like VIP's.  

Then it was time to leave and head back to DCU.  Sam and I took the lead and the remainder of the group fell into formation.  I wish that I had taken the digital camera.  It would have been some great pictures.  I understand that this group does this breakfast run most every Saturday morning.  

Sam was gracious enough to allow me to take the controls of his 6 for part of the flight and Robin did the same for Chris.  It was great to touch the controls.  The RV really does have a light touch.  The flight back also gave Robin and Jeff the opportunity to demonstrate some rolls.

My writing skills do not allow me to portray an accurate picture of how great this morning was.  This group of RVer's really know how to enjoy themselves and they sure welcomed a couple of strangers in and made them feel like they were part of the group.

Chris and I thank them for the opportunity to spend the morning with them.  We had a great time!  Now we know why we're driving the rivets.  Thanks again guys!!!!!

Here's the link to the TVRVBG : http://home.hiwaay.net/~sbuc/tvrvbg/index.htm