Visit of Denny Smith's RV-12 in Carthage, NC

Kent Misegade, our EAA 1114 chapter president, kindly introduced me to the owner of the first flying RV-12 in the Raleigh region. Denny Smith and partner George Neal built Kit # 120352 in about 9 months, probably a record. They had their first flight December 10 at their field, Gilliam Mc Connell in Carthage, NC. They reported both being thrilled how well the airplane performs and handles. Kent and I had an interesting and rather thorough discussion with Denny, our host about the challenges (there are few) and satisfactions (there are many and more to come) brought by this project. I liked the finish of the interior with carpet, side panels and arm rests that look very professionally made. Denny gave me a couple of useful hints about working on the fuselage: delay riveting the back window to allow access in the baggage compartment which also holds the (should I say infamous?) gas tank. He actually had no problem building the tank but deems the sight glass window (the source of most leaks) not that usable. He also delayed riveting the tailcone to the fuselage until he had to adjust the connections to the empennage, allowing better access to the rear of the fuselage until all work on the fuselage was completed. Here are a few pictures taken by Kent:

 N33SN fresh from its maiden flight:

 Denny Smith, happy builder:

JP, envious builder:

Trying to make airplane noise :

A neat interior:

Denny and Kent trying to stay warm: