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I had the opportunity to visit with Gary Mcnally and photograph
his project, an RV-4. Gary is one of the nicest people you'll
ever want to meet. His workmanship is nothing short of outstanding.
With the help of his father, Hamp, he is completing one of the
highest quality projects I've seen. I hope the photographs I've
taken will give you a sense of Gary's attention to detail. Here's
to hoping you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed taking
them.
Mark LaBoyteaux
EAA 10 Web Developer
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 One
of the first things you'll notice about Gary's RV-4 is the
sheetmetal work. It's totally smooth and ripple free. The
interior is painted with Imron, from the firewall to the aft
bulkhead. Now, this isn't uncommon, but Gary painted everything
before final assembly. And you'll have to work at it
to find a scratch. I know, I looked.
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Mark:
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"Ok Gary, when did you begin building your RV-4?"
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Gary:
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"10 years ago. I picked up the tail kit from a gentleman
in Miami, Oklahoma. After getting it home, I couldn't wait to
take the completed pieces to an EAA meeting and show 'em off."
"After discussing it with several local builders, I eventually
rebuilt most of the pieces that were completed."
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Mark:
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"What got you interested in building an RV-4 in the first
place?"
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Gary:
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"Well, I started taking flying lessons, and I was one
long cross country short of finishing my private. My flight
instructor asked me if I'd be interested in going for a ride
in a Citabria. So I said 'Sure!' After that flight I spent every
penny I had on aerobatics in that plane."
"I never finished my private. I wanted something that would
fly aerobatics like that, so I decided the RV-4 was for me."
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Mark:
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"Had you worked on planes or anything prior to deciding
you could build your own plane?"
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Gary:
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"Well, I'd built and flown lots of Remote Controlled models!
So this seemed like a natural progression."
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Mark:
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"Ten years is a long time to stick with a project..."
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Gary:
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"Well, yeah. I used to drive a truck transporting theatrical
and concert equipment. I'd be on the road for three or four
months, make some money, and then home for a couple months.
Like most builders I've gotten good at scrounging things! (chuckle)
Heck, Patti Label paid for my wing kit!... heh heh..."
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Mark:
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"Hey, the front skirt on your canopy is aluminum! Nice
job. How many tries did it take to get it right?"...
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continued on the Airframe
Photos page...
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Contents of the EAA Chapter
10 newsletter and these web pages are the viewpoints of the
authors. No claim is made and no liability is assumed, expressed
or implied as to the technical accuracy or safety of the material
presented. The viewpoints expressed are not necessarily those
of Chapter 10 or the Experimental Aircraft Association.
URL: http://www.eaa10.org/McNally/index.htm
Revised:
Tuesday, November 20, 2001
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