Thanks for all the good observations and suggestions, everyone. Based on the input I plan to build another Venture 60. Like Lee Majors, "I can make it faster, stronger....better!" (Well, maybe not faster).

Below I have pasted an email exchange with Bruce Tharpe just for your interest. I couldn't have asked for better support and service.

I have also attached a photo of the decedent.

> Hi Bruce,
>
> I called you yesterday with my sad story of losing my Venture 60 to >elevator flutter.
>
> Although I'm still grieving the loss, I'm sure Venture 60 #1 would like me
> to go on with life, so please let me know when you have more kits available.
> I will take you up on you generous offer to sell me one half off.
>
> Ironically, the only surviving part of the airplane was the empanage. I
> still have it in my garage. I cannot bring myself to throw it away...
>
> George Hands
>
> PS My wife thinks I'm too emotionally involved with this thing. You don't
> think so. Do you?


Hi George,

I know you're half joking, but still, just ask your wife, "If there wasn't any emotional attachment, what would be the point?" I'm honestly flattered that you were so proud of your V60 and understand completely the grief that comes with losing it. We've all been there for one reason or another.

As I tried to explain on the phone, flutter can be a cruel and indiscriminate enemy. I've seen beautiful planes built by experts fall victim to it and pieces of junk that look like they're ready to flutter just sitting there do screaming passes all day without a hint of it. It doesn't seem fair. Flutter requires excess airspeed and/or sloppiness in the system. That can include the linkage, the servo, the hinges, and the structure. It's hard to gain excess speed with a V60, and over the phone your setup sounded okay, that's why it's so tough to determine the cause.

I'll sure let you know when kits are ready and we'll get you going again.

Regards,

Bruce Tharpe