Excellent! Congrats!

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY7Tx9MGyrQ&feature=email>

Gents:

On Wednesday the 16th (two days ago), the skies over Bend, Oregon erupted in blue splendor, and N413AJ, “BlueBird II” took flight for the first time, with fearless test pilot, Len Fox, at the controls.

It was the culmination of 20 months of pretty serious work, and lots of help from Kerry Dowling and the Mike Custard team.  Paint by Tom Connors.  Electric Flaps and heated wing by Mark Mahnke.  Thanks to the Lancair Technical Support Team for answering countless calls and patiently, kindly guiding an amateur up a vertical learning curve.  Thanks to Lancair “parts lady” Michelle Gagermeier who saved me on numerous occasions.  Thanks to Joe Bartels and Tim Ong for answering countless questions from “what do you think I should have in a panel?” to “why do I have to sand this stuff so much?”

Thanks to you gents on the mailing list for answering questions and providing moral support.  Remember, “It always gets darkest, just before it goes totally black.”  SERIOUSLY, I could not have done this project without constant assistance from you guys on the list.  You are amazing.  Thank you!  Thanks to Bryan Burr to told me about the LML and gave my wife and me a ride in his beautiful ES — where the really got the bug.

Thanks to the Woodhouse team at U77, Spanish Fork, Utah, who allowed me free access to their FBO to rummage around after hours for some spare nut or bolt or lead or the odd valve stem or something else that I urgently needed.

Special thanks to my father, John Hafen Sr., Fighter Pilot extraordinaire, who turned 76 the day BlueBird flew.  He rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly on the plane, and provided much support based on a lifetime of aviation experience, and the two kits he had previously built.

A very special thanks to my wife and co-pilot, Amy, who provided kitchen clearance, patience, understanding, and near runaway funding for the project.  

FEEL the rush!

John Hafen
N413AJ