I just arrived at AirVenture in Oshkosh today with my exprimental aircraft. I noticed in the event program that the USCG Auxiliary has an exhibitor display in one of the hangars. Just courious -- any posters here involved?

I'll try to stop by at some point during the week during my free time, but I will be with the aircraft assisting the designer on the flightline most of the day, as well as conducting the fly-bys on Tuesday & Thursday.

Feel free to stop by if you'd like to climb into the CX4. Homebuilt section, Row 339, Spaces 2&3 -- right next to the Homebuilt Headquarters building.

Have you completed the FAA acceptance process for your aircraft?

Can a home-built aircraft be used in the Aux or must it be commercial production?

Yes, I have a special airworthiness certificate in the Experimental Normal category.

The aircraft has successfully flown off the required 40 hours of Phase I testing within a 25-mile local area. It can now be flown anywhere in the US.

Since the CX4 is a single-seat aircraft, it wouldn't make a very good OPFAC (except maybe as a TOI for the RWAI missions -- as it has the radar signature about the size of a cruise missle).

But, no -- I believe all OPFACs must be certificated (production) aircraft.

quote:

Since the CX4 is a single-seat aircraft, it wouldn't make a very good OPFAC (except maybe as a TOI for the RWAI missions

That's funny. I suppose pilots, especially those who build and fly experimental aircraft, have to have a good sense of humor.

I stopped by the USCG Auxiliary booth in one of the hangars. It was a nicely done set-up with plenty of information about the Auxiliary in general as well as the AUXAIR program. It appeared to be staffed by Auxies flying for CG AIRSTA Elizabeth City.

An MH-60 from the same air station was also on display outside of the "Federal" hangar.

We certainly couldn't have asked for better conditions at AirVenture this week. Rain threatened a couple of times and hail dropped on nearby Appleton, but the grounds and airfield at Oshkosh were spared.

I flew the CX4 as part of the airshow on Tuesday and Thursday -- what a fun experience!









The response to this new aircraft design by the attendees at the show was simply incredible. I guess with the costs today to build/own and operate general aviation aircraft, the grass roots aviators are interested in this new aqffordable opportunity.

Currently, 11 CX4s are completed in the world and 250 sets of plans have been sold by the designer. Two were present at AirVenture and both flew during the show.

The trip home has gone smoothly and the long week was a great way to spend some much needed vacation.

Any more picures? Great job!

Errr... that's picTures. Hands of a sturgeon.