Earth Base Zero

Quickie Q1

The completed airplane on the Norridgewock ramp.

I purchased a Quickie kit in September 1979 while living in Howland. I didn’t get far on it before moving back to Smithfield.

1981 Laying up the fuselage in our only living space.
1981 Laying up the fuselage in our only living space.
1982 Readying a wing core for fiberglass.
1982 Readying a wing core for fiberglass.
Loading the completed and primed airframe on a custom trailer for the trip to the Norridgewock Airport.
Loading the completed and primed airframe on a custom trailer for the trip to the Norridgewock Airport.
Loading the completed and primed airframe on a custom trailer for the trip to the Norridgewock Airport.
Loading the completed and primed airframe on a custom trailer for the trip to the Norridgewock Airport.
1982 Applying the final paint in the AeroServe hanger.
1982 – 1982 Applying the final paint in the AeroServe hanger.
1983 View of the cockpit.
1983 View of the cockpit.
Runway view from the cockpit.
Runway view from the cockpit.
Results of an ill-advised runway hop, deposited back at home.
Results of an ill-advised runway hop, deposited back at home.

Lessons learned:

1.  Don’t even untie it if everything isn’t right. I had been having valve trouble, but I was anxious to fast taxi it anyway.

2.  Don’t even do taxi tests in windy conditions. I attempted a runway hop, but a wind gust wafted me up to tree-top height with insufficient runway to get back down. As soon as the runway disappeared behind me, the engine started losing power. Rather than impact hardwood trees, I did a 180 back to airport. With more experience in type, I might actually have gotten back on the runway. Instead, I landed amongst stumps beside the runway. When the engine tore lose, the throttle cable took my left foot off.

The FAA hadn’t yet issued an airworthiness certificate. As a result, I received a letter of reprimand, “We will expect your future compliance with the regulations.”

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