On the Lighter Side

By Laurence H. Brenner, MD

A few years ago, I realized that I needed to do something “for myself.” Making a living to support my family, dedicating my off hours to patient challenges and working for a hospital system where creativity has no outlet, I felt that I needed to do something that was all mine. As an aviator for many years and as a person who loves to work with his hands, I decided to build an airplane from scratch (a kit). Involved in Hand Surgery and Plastic Surgery for the last 3 decades gave me experience with various materials, from thin, pliable skin grafts to thick hard bone. I have used all types of tools and devices, and so I assumed that these skills would spill over into the area of inanimate composite construction. Thankfully, I was right.

I researched all the possibilities and came up with a composite, pusher twin engine configuration with a forward canard wing. For me, it would answer all questions in that I could carry 4-5 passengers, have an extra engine that would allow for mountain and water flying, and the composite structure is three times stronger than metal, giving my V-Twin Velocity a better score in the safety realm.

After the test flight at the factory in Sebastien, Florida (I live 2 hours away), I purchased the kit. I figured that the money that I would by not having to go to “Doctor Burnout” therapy would help pay for it. 😉

I rented a Penske truck and went to the factory about 3 months later when the kit was ready. They loaded everything up and, with the help of my younger son, I brought the kit back to Deland. The manual was on online, along with some videos, and I was assured that it was take only 2000 hours as long as I followed the instructions!! Well, I must admit that I felt like an intern doing the first hernia procedure. I looked up for the scrub tech that would surely tell me what to do next hoping to get handed the correct instrument, but I was all alone. The details were lacking (I am a detail person like of the rest of you) to the degree that I feel comfortable. But the factory has excellent support and there is an online forum that will answer any and every question that one may have.

I began my project in August of 2016 and am hoping to have it completed by the end of 2021 if not sooner. I rented a hangar at the local airport, although some builders start in their garages. It is truly something that I am doing for myself but not by myself. My wife and friends have chipped in time and energy and expertise. I have and continue to make trips to the factory (I already have another airplane that I fly) and lean on the Builders Forum from time to time. We also meet at Oshkosh yearly (it’s like the ASSH meeting for builders) so it is also a social outlet.

I look forward to completing this project and scratching it off my “Bucket List.”