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An Idea is Born
It's the start of a new century and my thoughts turn skyward. I want to get flying again (having let my ultra-light licence expire) but in Holland that is expensive and boring. I would like to fly to exotic places but unless you have your own plane that is not realistic. I'm a programme manager at Fokker building business jet tails but can't even touch my own product since I'm not qualified. Karma is not with me.
Then I chance on Mark Evans and his series on Discovery Channel. THIS IS IT! I can do all those things and Mark shows that you can finish it in fifteen episodes. I'm off!
The whole series can be found at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD6_pZ4vsyQBbhKaiFQHjzYzG-HsCVGRb
Date: 01/14/2010
Views: 808
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November 2003 Test Flying
I am not the only ijit who thinks this might be an acceptable way of spending time and money. The Netherlands rep for Europa, Rob van Essen, arranges for a few of us daydreamers to have a test flight. For this purpose, two aircraft come over from the UK to Stadtlohn, just over the German border (don't mention the war).
Date: 01/25/2010
Views: 850
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Test Flying
And climbing out of the plane- the big man himself! Ivan Shaw, the designer of the Europa.
Date: 01/25/2010
Views: 949
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Test Flying
With Ivan is Keith Wilson, the bossman of the Europa Company. Some time ago he bought it from Shaw in a management buyout. In the red jacket Wouter, aspiring monowheel driver, who will make regular guest apearances in the rest of the log.
Date: 01/25/2010
Views: 2063
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Test Flying
I go for a flight with Keith in the trigear, while Ivan takes up the monowheel enthusiasts.
Date: 01/25/2010
Views: 1035
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Test Flying
Keith helps me out of the plane. What I do not know then is that he is also busy helping people out of the money for complete kits, knowing the company is going south and he can never deliver. This joker was running a Ponzi scheme before anyone had even heard of Bernie Madoff.
More by luck than design I decide to wait just a bit more before taking the plunge. A few months later Europa is bankrupt, KW and the money are gone. A lucky escape, but what now?
Date: 01/25/2010
Views: 1940
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2005 - A new start
Once the bug has bitten though, it won't let go. Europa is relaunched in 2004 in slimmed form by a number of existing staff. By the beginning of 2005 I am confident enough that they will survive and I get back in touch.
Meanwhile, Jack Heijboer is kind enough to give me a flight in his Europa at Seppe, and the kids as well for good measure.
Date: 09/03/2009
Views: 1048
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Maurits goes for a spin
Will soon need a high top mod for him as well
Date: 09/03/2009
Views: 1108
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Maurits as co-pilot
Maurits as co-pilot
Date: 09/03/2009
Views: 1055
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Dominique
The Europa smile, and she hasn't even built one!
Date: 09/03/2009
Views: 1045
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Ready for take off.
Date: 09/03/2009
Views: 1125
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The BIG DECISION!
Enough thinking. It's one hell of a big step and an enormous commitment, but you can analyse things to death for ever. If you really want it, go for it!
I ORDER KIT #1.
Date: 01/26/2010
Views: 730
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The First Spike
Lex Hassig comes to help me get started with converting the Garage into a Hangar. With a well aimed hit he hammers in the very first nail, kicking of the whole project.
Date: 12/29/2013
Views: 1002
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Making a Workshop
Once I get the hang of it I continue by myself. Here I am installing glass and plasterboard insulation. The garage is now the most comfortable area of the whole house! The manual is right- every effort you put into making the workplace comfortable is amply paid back.
Date: 09/02/2009
Views: 1083
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imm020_21A
The great thing is that it keeps me busy for months, doesn't cost much, but I still have the idea I am already working towards the plane.
Date: 09/02/2009
Views: 1002
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imm005_6A
Some help with painting from Maurits
Date: 09/02/2009
Views: 966
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imm016_17A
..and from Dominique
Soo cute..
Date: 09/02/2009
Views: 1159
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