Ken Belisle’s Panther LS took it’s maiden flight on Tuesday July 17th. Ken has Panther SN038 and lives in Jacksonville, FL. His Panther is powered by a Lycoming O-320 160HP and a Sensenich propeller. Ken has a great deal of experience building model airplanes, however this was his first home built. Here is a note he sent over, along with some amazing photos.
As a first time builder, there were several things about the Panther that drew me to the project. Having never attempted something like this with no experience in construction, construction techniques, use of specific tools, reading blueprints, understanding the necessary elements to construct a safe aircraft, I would not, for example, have attempted a Van’s kit. However, SPA created an aircraft project specifically designed for people like me. Those factors included:
-A LOGICAL PROGRESSION OF ASSEMBLY
-EASY TO READ BLUEPRINTS
-VIRTUALLY ALL NECESSARY PARTS PROVIDED BY SPA
-PRECUT AND PRE DRILLED PARTS DESIGNED FOR THE FIRST TIME BUILDER
-AN EASY TO FOLLOW CONSTRUCTION MANUAL
-ACCESS TO PARTS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE BUILD PROCESS
-ACCESS TO OTHER BUILDER’S PROGRESS IN CONSTRUCTION
-ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL ASSEMBLIES, NOT INCLUDED IN THE KIT, BUT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE PANTHER
All in all, this was, for the most part, an enjoyable experience with the less enjoyable parts almost exclusively being a result of the builder’s (me) errors.
With the first flight today, I feel that I have an aircraft that I will enjoy flying for years to come. I’ve included a few pictures. If you have any questions of me, please feel free to ask.
Thanks for a great experience,
Ken Belisle – Panther SN038
Congrats Ken! We are very happy for you. Job well done.
-Team SPA
