Today was one of the best days I have had this year. I had gotten in touch with a local Skybolt owner, Chip Cotton, and had arranged to meet him at the local Taylor [t-74] fly-in. I was armed with my camera and VERY ready and able to take a multitude of reference piccys for my own build. I was there early, and had the pleasure of watching him land the plane. After he had parked up, I went over and introduced myself. I think as soon as I opened my mouth, he knew who I was [must be the Brit accent that gives me away!]. I spent a good 30 minutes or so chatting small talk and taking many pictures - everything from hinges close-ups to 'pose' pictures with me in the cockpit.

Later, the day got even better when Chip offered to take me for a ride. What a blast.... he let me have the controls for a while during the short flight, but I really didn't know what I was allowed to do with this big toy that wasn't mine, so I just gingerely played with the controls makng small adjustments, and eventually did a shallow right turn, during which I noted that the aileron response was much more sensitive than the Cessna 150 I train in. Chip took control after about 5 minutes, and performed a lovely slip to landing on 17. He told me afterwards he had no problem with me throwing the plane around the sky more than I had been [as the aformentioned states, I didn't do anything!]....maybe next time...

Chip turned out to be a very nice chap, and hopefully will be a mine of information and much needed expert input during this project. Thanks Chip!