“Local Resident Aims High”

FROM THE GEAUGA COUNTY MAPLE LEAF
c. 2006 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(7-06)




School age children are often encouraged to ‘Aim High’ in their personal outlook. Retired Hambden resident Bob Curtis took such advice literally. Though he is a former tradesman with thirty-nine years service in the IBEW, another passion filled his life. From the age of eight, he was determined to soar toward new horizons. “I grew up around a small country airport in The Carolinas,” he remembers. “I got my license in 1967, at the old Chagrin Falls Airport. It was once used to train people from the Kent State R.O.T.C. program.”
This love of going airborne prompted Curtis to join the EAA (Expiremental Aircraft Association) and participate in events like their ‘AirVenture’ in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Touted as ‘The world’s greatest aviation celebration,’ this festival of flight regularly attracts many thousands of visitors. Workshops, vintage planes, celebrities, air shows, and related exhibits provide a thrilling diversion from everyday fare.
But simply experiencing the miracle of flight was not enough for Bob Curtis. Persistent was the dream to build an aircraft for himself. However, he approached the task with a determination to enjoy giving his creation life. “I wanted to have fun. Not look at it as a program of work!” He fully realized this vision by completing a Van’s Aircraft RV-8. Richard VanGrunsven of Aurora, Oregon owns the company responsible for providing everything in kit form. His reputation with aviators has been impeccable, since the early 1970’s. Powered by a hefty Lycoming 390 motor, the vehicle is stunningly beautiful to behold. With a cloak of polished metal, the two-seater plane exudes an undeniable sensation of speed, even while at rest. It carries forty-two gallons of fuel, and can travel approximately eight hundred miles at 75% horsepower. Capable of cruising at 212 mph, the ‘8’ carries a full compliment of instruments and communication gear. Even a transponder is on board, to make locating the aircraft easy for those who control our airways. As he lovingly observes, “The plane is set up just like the big guys!”
Curtis says flying has helped him meet others with varied personal backgrounds. “It is a close-knit community. There is no class division here.” Dentists, attorneys, and business executives from across the area share an interest in flying. As an example, Ralph Wilson from The Classic Auto Group is a frequent guest at local events. This pursuit may be less obvious than building ‘Hot Rods’, or custom ‘Choppers.’ Yet it is present throughout the county. “You never know what you’ll find in a man’s barn in Geauga County,” he observes with enthusiasm. “You don’t have to be a mechanical whiz to build a plane!”
If you spot N341RC in the air, don’t hesitate to give ‘One Romeo Charlie’ two thumbs-up, for a job well done!

RDI
7-25-06