Tom on flying
This page is about my Citabria and other flying experiences. First, though, a little background on my aviation history. I started flying back in the summer of 1995 after I got the "flying bug" from one of my best friends, Jared Kennedy. Jared had been flying practically his whole life, following a strong family tradition of bush aviation. It only took one trip in his Citabria 7GCBC for me to realize that flying is something that I wanted to do. Even though I had always been afraid of heights (Jared is too, as a matter of fact), I still wanted to learn. Being a serious outdoorsman, I instantly recognized the general utility that small planes had; besides that there was the continuous rush that ensued from being at the controls of your very own puddle jumper.
I have always been interested in aviation in some form or another- from reading about the Black Sheep squadron in grade school and flying R/C models in my early teens, to getting my pilot's license when I was 17 and now pursuing a master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics. Although I am still not sure what I ultimately want to do with my life, as far as aviation is concerned, I do know that I love to fly. Flying is one of a few things that allow me to be truly free. When I fly, I do not think of work. When I fly, I am not concerned with bills or worldly responsibilities. Flying is very spiritual for me, as it allows me to have a truly clear mind, a breath of fresh air for my soul, so to speak. Any chance I have to go flying, I take it. If someone wants to go with me, I jump at the chance to share the experience. Regardless of what anyone says, I feel that flying is ultimate freedom and nothing else compares. But enough of this philosophical drabble.
The Citabria
My aircraft started a very humble life as a Champion Citabria 7ECA. It was manufactured in 1972 and when I got it, it had a little over 2000 hours on it. When I bought it, this aircraft had been wrecked and poorly maintained. Although the logs were straight, this poor Champ had seen a lot of neglect over the years. This is where having friends and family in aviation comes in handy. My best buddy's dad, Terry, was a local A&P and IA for the region. He had made a deal with me prior to the summer of '95 when I went for my pilot's license. The deal was, if I earned my private pilot license, he would help me rebuild a small aircraft if I bought the salvage and the parts and put in time. How could I refuse? Terry Kennedy is my second father. I have yet to see a man as unselfish and caring to the degree as Terry is. He continues to surprise me to this day. Anyways, we picked N68522 up in Fairbanks for a tidy chunk of change and drove it down to Cordova. Two years, much frustration, and even more work later, 522 flew for the first time in June of 1997 under the skilled hands of Jared. I finally had my own plane and my life would never be the same.
Over the last few years, I have done some simple and serious modifications to the aircraft. Since it has been flying, it has been fitted with a new plastic interior, custom seats, and most recently (and most expensive) the firewall forward has been replaced. In the summer of 2000 N68522 had its original O-235 Lycoming replaced with a more powerful O-290D Lycoming engine. With this came the upgrading to the new ACA-style cowling, exhaust, and air-filter systems. Definitely a wise investment, this new set-up increased cruise performance by 15 knots. For details to the restoration and modification of 522, be sure to check out the specifications page. There is a reason that we refer to this Citabria as a "Super 7ECA", and the modifications do it justice.
The Future of 522
As usual, there are always plans in store for my "toys". My airplane is no different and it is a project that is not yet complete. As it is right now, the prop is over-pitched, the electrical system needs overhauled, and I still need a set of floats. This summer the first two issues will be dealt with. The float situation is something that I will continue to pursue, as money and time become available. My kingdom for a set of PK1800s (with Citabria rigging, of course)! I also would like to get some different bush tires for it. Currently is sits on 8.50x6 McCrearys. I would eventually like to go up to 26" Goodyears so that I can do a little beach running. I'm also thinking about a Scott tailwheel and eventually a seaplane door will find its way on the plane, too. There is too much to do, with not enough time and money, as things always are.