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First flight of a Amphibious, Battery powered ultra light aircraft Photos of Lazair with Recip engines at Tech info One of Dale's posts on rcgroups. As a first report I will summarize what I think I achieved by going to Oshkosh with the worlds first electric seaplane. First, I know that I have inspired a lot of people as I think that I have shown an electric aircraft is practical now, with today's technology. In flying a total of 10 flights, totaling 4.5 hours in the air at Oshkosh, I believe that I flew over ten times longer than any other electric aircraft at Oshkosh this year. Even though I never flew in front of the main crowds, I was still swamped after my flights by the relatively few people that made their way down to the ultralight runway early in the morning or just before dark when I had my time to fly in the ultralight area. Each of my 1/2 hr flights was in the same time-slot as the powered parachutes. I chose these slots because the powered parachutes had a tight flyby circuit. Had I flown in the regular ultralight slot, I would not have been seen but once every ten minutes due to the size of the circuit they were required to fly. As it was, I was able to fly down the ultralight runway every 2 minutes or so at between 100 and 300 feet high. I really must say thanks again to the parachute guys for letting me join them. In each of my 1/2 hr flights I was able to show both gliding and single engine performance of the amphib Lazair by flying down the ultralight runway with the motors on 'idle' (read that as 'off'), then with one engine off and the other at full power and vice versa for another pass. Carmen and I spent most of each day sitting at the airplane answering questions and we enjoyed every minute of it. Untold numbers of Lazair owners came by and swapped their stories with us. Secondly I believe that there will be a number of people that will take action and build that electric aircraft project they have had in their minds eye. In fact, I have come up with a new t-shirt motto that I think is appropriate for myself and all those who choose to follow in my footsteps --- We dream it.... then we do it! And lastly I believe that the publicity of my Oshkosh flying will keep inspiring future dreamers to join the club. More soon, Dale P.S. The video referenced in Post #298 above is now 3rd on the list of the Top Ten Airventure Videos of this year, just behind George Lucas's Red Tails Trailer and ahead of Bob Hoover-Rockstar .... WOW
