EAA 732 The Northwest Arkansas Chapter

Where to start? I've loved all things that fly since I was a small child. I remember running outside every time I heard a sonic boom, which was often in those days, and I could usually spot the jet overhead. Sky King was one of my favorite shows back then. Many years later, I reached the point where I could make the attempt to realize the dream of flying, and passed my Private Pilot checkride in 1994. The high wing Cessnas (152s and 172s) gave way to a Piper Archer PA-28-181 (N9362K) that I rented every chance I got (actually, every time that I could afford). My grandkids still remember me giving them rides, and I enjoyed that as much as any accomplishment I've ever achieved before or since. In 1997, I believed I'd done what I set out to do, and just couldn't justify the rental costs anymore. But I never lost my love of flight, and in 2005 (after spending 2 1/2 years building a flying model of a 1930 Fleet biplane), I decided that maybe I could build a full size two seater. Maybe I could! So I began thinking over hard what I wanted, what I missed most about flying. I decided that - for me - it is not about reaching the destination, its about the 'getting there', it's about what I see and do and experience along the way. Low and slow seems to fit me fine, and so I began researching the options for an experimental two-seater that I could build and feel safe in, one that had a low stall speed and a good load hauling capability. I've been a member of AOPA for a while (got my 10 year pin), but decided to join the EAA to learn what I could about any low and slow home-builts that a guy like me could actually afford. After much research of performance claims, NTSB and TC accident reports, I finally wound up buying a 51% approved kit that I think I will be happy with.(N412LZ) EAA Chapter 732 seems to be an extremely knowledgeable group, and I joined this chapter with hopes to learn what I can about building a tube and fabric airplane, the right way.