Free to Move About the Country…
Sam Kite and Larry Murphy Pose by their respective S-7’s
Free to Move About the Country…
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Sam Kite and Larry Murphy Pose by their respective S-7’s |
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As I was taxing out in the S-19 Wednesday afternoon a couple of S-7 Couriers entered the pattern. Now if you design and build kit planes it is always a thrill to see unfamiliar RANS planes in the sky over Hays. I suddenly remembered Larry Murphy and Sam Kite were due in today, and was delighted to see they made great time coming from Telford and Johnson City Tennessee. I radioed them both as they taxied by, explaining I would finish up a demo and be back in 30 minutes. The planes rolled by close enough to see their big smiles and waves. My passenger was impressed with the fact our planes were being used for such flights, and obvious joy the pilots were having. |
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Back at the hanger we shared hello’s introducing the two pilots who flew in form Wisconsin in a Diamond four place to sample the Courier and S-19. We discussed details about their planes and the flight. Larry had picked a quick build kit from a pilot who had to bail on the project, and Sam found an expertly crafted Courier with low time. Both planes looked well crafted, and I had to keep telling Larry I was impressed with his workmanship. Sam had been busy too, adding tweaks and appointments to his ready-made courier. The sense of pride in ownership was strongly apparent.
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| The two were out flying about this great country and to add to the spirit of adventure, they had no idea where they were going next or when they would leave Hays. They only knew when they had to be back in Tennessee. All the while this conversation about where to go and when was making us other pilots in the hanger very anxious to jump in our planes and head for points afar. | ||||||
| The next morning the pilots from Wisconsin departed and Sam and I proceeded to get know the S-19LS. The day was typical Kansas in March, a bit rough down low, lots of wind, and of course a crosswind. We took off and showed a brisk climb rate and found smooth air above 3500’. As always the S-19LS impressed both Sam, and me as it showed its speed, climb and stability profile. One interesting note, the pilot who came in with the Diamond commented on how comfy the S-19’s seats were compared to the Diamond. I later found this to be true as I flew the Diamond around the patch. | ||||||
After a few landings, all in the stiff crosswind, we decided it was time for lunch, and Larry, Sam and I headed to town. We recapped the demo flight, and discussed details of the S-19LS we are building for Sam. And of course where to fly to next! They decided on New Mexico. |
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Back at the airport they topped off and headed out after a brief photo session. It was a beautiful day for departing parts afar, and as their planes faded to dots on the horizon, I thought about the great privileged it is to own and pilot your own plane. That freedom to move about the country has come at a price, and not without a constant fight. It is a privilege we access with a much greater ease and lower cost than most other countries and for me personally is the ultimate symbol of American freedom. I hope we all will respect this freedom and fly responsibly. |
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