ORIGINAL: Gray Beard
I see most people say never. I used to have my advanced instructor do all my maidens for me so when I got the plane it was all trimmed out for me. After he had a stroke I looked around and decided there weren't any pilots that I trusted better then I trusted myself. After my first maiden flight I did myself I lost all the shakes and sweats and just don't get the jeebees any more.
I'm thinking maybe it's an attitude problem on my part?? I don't worry about it, the planes don't do anything I can't control and if I do something stupid then OH WELL. I'll just build another one.
I don't like to maiden other peoples planes, it isn't nerves, it's because I can never be sure what they have done or how the plane is set up. If it's something I have built or set up for them I have no problem with it.
I really do miss the shakes though, it added that element to flying that kept me on my toes. I have a bad case of the HO HUMS when flying, maybe that's why I like building better then flying??
Say Gray Beard.......come on over here and help me if you want to get nervous. Maidened my kit built Giant Aeromaster today-my first gasser. She's been hanging on the wall for 3 years. Flew beautifully but the guys said they could hear the old knees knocking from 50 yards away. Like you, I probably enjoy building more than flying but I do enjoy the rush of a first flite. Let's see, 300 hours in construction, 8 minute first flite. Yeah, that's about right
