Tough subject ...

Post by **Spike** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:21 am

What a great diverse set of opinions and perspectives. This is definitely a cool group.

One thing that I do know is that we aren't making this decision for a while, probably late spring and we aren't stopping work on the project in the mean time. I still have lots of stuff I can do on the kit before dropping major coin. Really, it comes down to letting life settle a bit and see what it looks like on the other side of baby's arrival, etc. Oh, and maybe getting some stick time in other aircraft.

As for the Trinny Chad, Thanx for reminding me of that. Though my current group fits much better with the 177RG. I am also not sure your client would have liked my offer

And let me add that Patti is a fox, and the most supportive woman I could of found. Thanx for the love babe.

Spike

jimpappas · Post by **jimpappas** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:26 am

You ARE a lucky boy!

I was going to say good luck but it appears you don't need it;)!

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:44 pm

Spike the most important thing on your agenda is the birth of your daughter! Everything else can wait! I was going to get my pilot's license right after I completed college in 1961 and had a job. Instead, I met my wife and we got married and promplty preganat there after. Three children all together, which other than my wife were the best blessing. My wife told me we could afford pilot lessons when the third child graduated from college 5/24/92. Started flyiing lessons on 6/4/92. Started building N784TB on 12/15/98 and got it certified on 12/18/2008. Lost my medical in 2004 but a friend flys my airplane and I ride along. Our three children, their spouses, and eight grand children my wife and I all relatively healthy so what if I can't fly may airplane! Do what is best for you and your family May God Bless the three of you!

painless · Post by **painless** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 7:24 pm

Spike:

You have received some great insight here. Speaks volumes for the class group of folks that frequent this forum. I am happy to say I have had the pleasure of meeting many of them.

From what I can read into your posts, it seems to me you have more of a passion for flying than for building first, then flying. Throw into the mix the need for another seat to complete your mission profile, it then appears that your decision is already made.

There is one thing that I would like to stress here, and I assume the other members of the forum would agree. The last thing you need to concern yourself with regarding your ultimate decision is how you will be viewed by this forum. Any pressure or obligation to take your project to completion is definitely not coming from this group. We stand firmly behind you, as does Patti, in whatever you decide.

You guys are gonna love being parents. Having gone through all the diapers, first days of school, etc etc etc, today I continued to reap the rewards of being a father. Oldest daughter called me at the end of a long day at work just to talk to her Dad.

Pretty cool.

Congrats a bit early Patti and Spike!

PS: With a name like "Spike", I doubt you will ever have any trouble with your daughter's future boy friends.

Post by **Spike** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:01 am

I thought I would give an update and let you all know that there was resolution to this. As you probably figured out by my bill of sale posting the other day my RV was purchased by a semi-local builder.

He and a friend came out Thursday, looked at it for about 10 minutes and then handed me a check. This guy has built 6 airplanes and having him decide so quickly was a compliment to me. The good news is that after having spent hours with them packing it into the truck and getting to know them I am sure I will be crossing paths with my .. er his beloved 9A.

Yes, it was tough, yes I shed a tear, and yes it was the correct decision. I am even more confident of that now than I was before.

Bye Bye Girl, you have taught me tons.

And for those of you that haven't seen the latest pictures of my new project:

Spike

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 2:14 pm

Congrats on the sale Spike! It is bittersweet...I know exactly how you feel, and know that making the right decision is what matters.

The new project (and family) is looking great!!

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 4:06 pm

Congrats on the sale!!

Have fun with that little gal--It seems like mine looked like that just a year ago--but she started fourth grade a couple weeks ago--

Time goes by fast!!

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 4:16 pm

congrats......or not depending on the mood you're in at the moment.

but we undertsand, family is always first. Your new project seems to be progressing quickly.

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 5:47 pm

The family portait says it all! That is what is most important and the building of an airplane can happen another day. Maybe you need a four seater? There are always airplanes for sale but not families

We hope you continue to provide valuable insight to others in the building process.

Again good luck on a good start to your new project!

bruceh · Post by **bruceh** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 5:50 pm

The time goes quick. My little one is a Sr. in HS this year.

dons · Post by **dons** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 11:33 am

That short 10 minute inspection by someone who has built that many planes really DOES say a lot about how much care you had put into your building. You will never lose the pride, experience, determination or memories of how it made you feel while you learned new things and conquered them. I will always remember what one of my profs told me so many years ago, it isn't what we teach you, it is the process of how to learn and overcome problems that really count. You will have lots of opportunities to put all your building/learning experience to good use as your daughter grows up

:, maybe someday she will want to help build another one before she too leaves home.

Post by **Spike** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 12:13 pm

Yeah. I about giggled the other day when 'Mommy' suggested that Carrie might be good at rib stitching

Spike

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 2:13 pm

Rib stitching! Now you're talking!

Condolences and congratulations! The RV is a great airplane and so are a lot of other airplanes!

jimpappas · Post by **jimpappas** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 2:32 pm

Wait until you blink and she's 16 and says "Dad you mean you had a plane I could have solo'd in!?"

Just kidding, just echoing the idea that if you blink your youngest is suddenly a 25yr old Captain in the Army when just last week she was your riveting buddy!

Someday, things will shake out and you will decide if you want back into an RV or not.

Today, tomorrow and for a long time into the future, enjoy the munchkin AND DON"T BLINK!!

RivetBangers.com

Tough subject ...

Spike & Patti

decision