Bill "A FANTASTIC FARMER FRIEND":

Twenty some years ago I was searching for information on homebuilt aircraft.
I did some investigation of the "KR2", the company with the plans directed me to a
few people in my area. This then led to interest in an other plane, a homebuilt
called a "Cygnet". I met a teacher who was building one. Following that I met a farmer
who was interested in that same plane. Both of us made trips to the Peterborough, Ontario
area to look at two Cygnets being built. At the end of the day Bill my farmer freind decided
to build a different plane, a "Pegusair".

I would continue my quest to find a venue for flying within my economic means and dreams.
During this period of the late 1980's and early 90's I took ground school at a general
aviation school , along with some flights.

Bill and another fellow invited me to attend their Experimental Aviation Assn. meetings.
This passion continued and one way of keeping it fueled was to visit Bill at his dairy farm
and look at the progress of his Pegusair in construction. It was both encouraging and danting
to look at the skill sets Bill had for building, he had been involved in building other planes,
one being a Pietenpol.

Eventually, between the rigorous timeouts to farm, repair machinery and build buildings
Bill finished his plane. And what a beauty it was, painted in red and yellow, similar to
a barnstorming plane he saw as a kid. GRIN.

Also in the course of time Bill built a fabulous large multi plane hanger and it was my
priviledge to park a plane in it when it came time for me to follow a mentor.

Last year Bill sold his plane, but he has not given up his passion for flying.
A few weeks ago I was in his area and dropped in to visit, he had just been for a flight
with a good friend. I hope to fly into that strip again.

One great memory is of Bill standing in the doorway, waiting for this newbie pilot to
return at dusk from one of my early solo circuits in my single seater.
I had actually been having a tense time with the cross winds and the haze at dusk. My radio
had gone NORDO and my flying partner had returned to another nearby airport. I did not want
follow him to that airport NORDO to get run over by a bigger plane. Whew, I got down,
and there was Bill waiting in the doorway swatting mosquitos.
Me: "Gosh Bill that is great of you to be waiting!"
Bill: " I never leave until the last man is down!"

I am sure you can guess there is a lot more to this story and pehaps I will add more.

Thanks Bill and safe flying to all the flying farmers.