By Ian Brown, Editor, Bits and Pieces, EAA 657159
By email interview with Dale, we put together the following article. Dale lives near Smiths Falls, Ontario. This is the first in a series of articles about amazing people who have built several aircraft. If you or someone you know has built multiple aircraft, we’d love to hear about it. Contact us and let us know.
Dale, how long have you been building aircraft?
My first project was started in 1971. That was a Wittman Tailwind W-8.
In 1969, I was taking the private pilot ground school at the old hangar in Goderich, Ontario. There was a Tailwind there that caught my eye. The instructor raved about its performance and history of the type and its designer. Not long after that, the whole building burned to the ground, including the parrot that lived in the pilot lounge area.
What made you become an amateur builder?
The usual, I wanted a plane but didn’t have the money. I figured it was cheaper to build than to buy a flying craft. Wrong conclusion, of course. (Me too. — Ed.!) Now I know that the challenge of building was the real reason, but at the time it seemed like a good plan.
That project first flew in 1975 at the Centralia airport. Soon after, I moved it to the Sexsmith grass strip at Exeter. Some folks might remember Leonard Greb, the owner of the property. He encouraged me to build a hangar there, becoming part of the group of pilots. It was an absolutely wonderful place, full of fond memories.
How many aircraft have you built?
I’m finishing the last details of the fifth project I have owned. Sometimes there would be a few years between builds; some were started very soon after completing a previous one.
What models have you built and in what order?
First a Wittman Tailwind W-8, Pober Pixie P-9, Christavia Mk 1, Van’s RV-6A, and finally I’m finishing another Tailwind W-10.
Why did you make those specific choices?
In 1971, there were not as many choices of designs to build. The Wittman had great performance and was simple to build. That was reinforced by a visit I was lucky to have with Steve Wittman himself. While I was in Oshkosh (not during the show), I went to his home, hoping to speak to him. A cool reception at his door soon warmed when I said, “But I’m building a Tailwind!”
He gave me a good history lesson, a tour of his workshop, and proof that you don’t need a lot of fancy tools to build a plane. On one wall of the building, was a collection of broken propellers. Each one had a story.
The Pober Pixie was a simple, cute design, lots of open-cockpit fun. Popular at the time, designed by Paul Poberezny.
The Christavia project was a locally designed (Ron Mason) project that was strongly built.
Next I built an RV-6A, one of the most popular aircraft in history. I was impressed with the quality of the kit parts and performance. During the 1994 SUN ’n FUN show, I went for a demo flight with a Van’s pilot. That proved that there’s no such thing as a free ride.
Lastly, another Tailwind. I liked the first one so much I wanted to have another. This one has some mods created by other builders that have improved the type greatly, with better features and well proven. I’m just waiting for warmer weather before taking it to the hangar.
What did you learn from your building experiences?
Lots. The obvious things like welding, fabric work, painting, wiring, etc.
Estimated times required to build can usually be doubled or tripled, and costs tripled or more.
Most importantly though, there are a lot of good people in the hobby. I’ve met some great folks that have influenced me in untold ways.
Where did your completed projects go?
The Tailwind was sold and it moved to Brockville for many years. Now on its third owner but has disappeared from the database.
The Pixie has had nine owners. I’m not sure where it is now.
The Christavia went to a Quebec owner.
The RV-6A is on its second owner and is living in Manitoba.
Do you have any specific special talents or models you like to build?
I have learned a lot about the building processes used in the average airplane. I enjoy making fiberglass pieces like cowlings and fairings. I’ve learned that you should practice before committing to a structural part.
Is there a particular aircraft that was your favourite to build?
The RV was likely the most satisfying build. I flew more hours in it than anything else, with several long trips to faraway places. There’s a reason more than 10,000 RV kits have been completed.
What are you flying today?
After selling the RV, I was able to fly a friend’s RV-7. The new Tailwind will be next.