SLICK Aviation: Night Shift

Airventure 2011 - Heaven on Earth

2011-08-07T05:47:00.001-05:00

I apologize again to anyone following this blog. This year has proven to be incredibly busy and subsequently has forced me to make less and less updates. But...I wanted to stop back in to tell you that the Airventure 2011 music video is complete!

After a total of 22 hours of flying in our 1949 Piper Clipper, my father and I successfully completed another adventure up to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for "Airventure". Airventure 2011, the 59th year of the convention, was the honorary place for celebrating major aviation milestones, events, innovations, aircraft and people. Themes such as the Centennial of Naval Aviation and Air Mail, Tribute to aviation legends Burt Rutan and Bob Hoover, 75th Anniversary of Lockheed 12s, Salute to Quicksilvers, Gathering of Zeniths, Electric Aircraft, Flying Cars and much more. All of these themes, all of the aircraft, and most importantly all of the people take one week out of the year and literally turn Oshkosh, Wisconsin into Heaven on Earth.

Airventure 2011 - Heaven on Earth

Thanks for watching!

SLICK

Summer Break is Here...

2011-05-15T20:18:00.006-05:00

...and it's time for some updates! As you know I've been very busy with school, but now that I've gotten that out of the way I'm pleased to present the first aviation music video of the 2011 season!

Centennial of Naval Aviation Shows

This video is a mash-up of my footage from both the South Texas Shootout at NAS Corpus Christi, and the Air Power Expo at NASJRB Ft. Worth. Both shows were very difficult to film due to the incredibly high winds! In fact, Corpus had the most difficult wind conditions I've ever filmed in. None-the-less the video is up!

Also, this summer I'm pleased to announce a new and different project. It's a fairly large undertaking, but I've decided to volunteer our experiences with home-building in order to repair and make race ready the Texas A&M Crew Team's boats for the fall race season. I've been rowing with A&M for one semester, and so far it's clear that some work needs to be done on our equipment. Well, now that we are in the off season it's time to get crackin!

We have two boats to fix over the summer. One of them is an eight man, 60ft fiberglass shell, while the second is a 40ft, four man shell with a wood structure (our forte!)

This is going to prove to be a very busy a rewarding summer! We've got boats to fix, another cruise with the Navy, Pitts wings to build, and of course we will finish everything off with our annual trip up to Oshkosh!

Until next time!

SLICK

2011 Show Season Begins!

2011-04-15T21:01:00.003-05:00

Over the past three month hiatus (busy at school), it's time to begin the 2011 airshow/aviation video season! Having only made it to April in this year's video season and I've already attended three aviation events, with the fourth coming up this weekend. So far I've taken video and pictures from my trip to St. Maarten, the Taylor 150 Air Race, and the 2011 South Texas Shootout in Corpus Christi. This coming weekend I travel up to Ft. Worth for the 2011 Air Power Expo at NAS JRB Fort Worth.

For this interested, here is a link to one of the videos uploaded so far this year: St. Maarten

Also, a few pictures from the three events so far:

Over the break I've received a lot of good comments, critiques and suggestions for this year's videos. Be sure to keep up with the youtube channel for future videos. I'm hoping to have the first music video of 2011 put together over Easter weekend!

SLICK

Fi.156

2011-01-11T17:15:00.001-06:00

Not much to update, but the Storch is complete. Just click the picture and it will take you to more pics of the completed build.

SLICK

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T20:59:00.008-06:00

First post of 2011!

With the new year brings the completion of some older projects.

A few days ago my father and I knuckled down and finished the Hogbipe model that we started a while back. It hasn't flown yet but the finished product looks very promising. It's fairly large for a biplane too!

Now that the Hog is finished we will be able to clear room on the roll around tables in order to continue with the largest project, the Raven Wings. Soon we will have the rest of the material to complete the lower wings for the Pitts. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

Also, I mentioned the new display case. Well here is a picture of the case with a lot of free space for future models. May need another one in the not so distant future.

Also, here is a nice look at the stash. Since this picture was taken a 55th model has been added...the 1/48 Kinetic EA-6B Prowler with aftermarket goodies.

For those interested in reviewing and keeping up with the Storch and Hawkeye builds just click on their respective names and it will take you to the build log pages.

Thanks for looking!

SLICK

Blog Restart

2010-12-29T21:00:00.006-06:00

I apologize for how long it's been since the last blog update. I've been incredibly busy at school, but I have been making videos and keeping up with numerous aviation related projects. There are way too many videos to talk about and post links for, but if you care to check out what has been uploaded since the Airventure 2010 review video you can go to my channel here.

However, my latest video will have it's own link. This is my first video with the GoPro Motorsports Hero HD. Unusual Attitudes

I've been busy flying the Pitts, Clipper and MiniMax recently. I've also got a few new models on the table and finished a couple more since the last update. Currently on the "bench" is a 1/48 Tamiya Fieseler Fi.156 Storch in the paint shop, and I just started my Kinetic 1/48 E-2C Hawkeye 2000 in the VAW-120 50th Anniversary scheme. I have also upgraded the display shelf to a display case! Fancy stuff! Now the dust collectors wont collect so much dust!

I'll be sure to keep everyone updated more often.

SLICK

Long Overdue!

2010-08-19T21:39:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been another long hiatus since the last update...and this one is long overdue! Three weeks overdue!

Since we've returned from our 8th trip up to the annual gathering in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for Airventure I have put together many videos from this year...and there are still a lot to come. Anyway, I figure my words probably don't do as much justice for this year's event as video. So, without further adieu, here are some of the highlights...in video...from this year; beginning with the traditional Airventure music video.

Music Video

Also check out the "Ten minutes of Airventure 2010", "Vietnam and Classic Jets" on my channel, and my videos from the flight with the "Trojan Horsemen Demonstration Team".

Thanks for looking!

SLICK

2010-07-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

T-minus 4 days remaining until we start our ten day journey back to Airventure! My goal for this year is to one up my video from last year...and of course have a really horrible time!

Keep up with the goings on during Airventure here: http://twitter.com/slick_hutto

Also, be sure to look for updates when we return!

SLICK

Government Funded Vacation

2010-06-28T21:30:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been gone a month, but I'm finally back from Navy Summer Camp...err. uhm. CORTRAMID.

Over the past month I've spent my time with each community of the United States Navy while they've tried to sell me their respective MOS's in order to get me to join...however, I'm still going Aviation. Nice try Subs, Surface and Marines. Anyway, on to some pics from the adventure!

As you may know, Airventure is just around the corner and I am having a very hard time standing still waiting the remaining 27 days! I'm eagerly preparing all the equipment (aircraft and camera) in order to make this another outstanding trip. Be sure to keep a look out when it's all over for this year's video. I plan on doing even better than last year!!

SLICK

A lot going on!

2010-05-23T23:39:00.002-05:00

Well, school has ended, summing up a very successful freshmen year of college and the Corps of Cadets. No longer am I a "fish". Starting next semester I will be a "pisshead" bringing down the hammer on my new freshmen!

Now that summer is beginning there is A LOT in store!!! Not only have I finished the bottom wing ribs for the new Raven wings, the top wing rib kit is currently in production and should be shipped soon.

Also, starting on Thursday I begin a month long journey in Norfolk, Virginia for CORTRAMID East! "Summer Cruise" as it's commonly refereed to, is a four week rotating experience where I will spend a week on subs, surface ships, the Marines and a squadron. It should be a BLAST!!

As far as dust collectors are concerned, I am in the process of painting my 1/48 Hasegawa Harrier. It shouldn't be long before this VMA-513 color bird is finished.

After summer cruise the arrival of Keagan should be next! As my first nephew, I'm really excited to see the new addition to the family.

...and finally to sum up this summer's adventures...AIRVENTURE 2010!! This year should prove to be another exciting 10 days of aviation and a chance to try to "one up" my previous Airventure Music Video.

Keep a look out for updates on all of this and more!

One more thing...SMOKE '14!!

SLICK

SPRING BREAK UPDATE!

2010-03-20T22:27:00.009-05:00

Well, it's been another long hiatus since my last update, but it's spring break so I thought I'd post some progress on the myriad of projects we have going right now.

-The Raven wing project is still in full swing...well, moving at a reasonable pace considering I only get to work on the wings when I come home from A&M on the weekends. Anyway, so far I was able to complete six ribs this spring break; bringing the total to thirteen!
-I also decided to start another model to complement the recently completed CH-53E. It's the 1/48 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus from VMA-513 Nightmares. The build progress can be found here.

-This spring break was also productive as far as practicing aerobatics. I was able to get a couple runs through the 2010 Intermediate sequence as well as do some film work and airshow routines.

-Some other projects...the Hog Bipe is in a steady state of very close to finished, but not quite, the Clipper has glue drying after repairing a broken stringer, a new engine is being machined, more videos are being planned, etc...

Until next time! And remember...only 127 days to get ready for Oshkosh!

SLICK

Beginning and End

2010-01-13T00:06:00.006-06:00

Well, the past couple of days have been pretty exciting! After seven months of work I have finally completed my 1/48 scale CH-53E from HMT-302. The model has received a lot of attention and In my opinion it is my best model to date.

The in progress thread on ARC is located here.
Pictures of the completed model are located here.

Another major milestone tonight was the running of my father's Hit and Miss engine. It was exciting to see the engine turn from a box of metal on the front porch into a working machine!

A video of one of the first engine runs here.

Now, for the beginning! We've started work on my new Raven wings! So far we've made the boards for the lower wing rib jigs and we will soon be assembling the lower ribs!

SLICK

Aviation Warrior Song

2009-12-16T22:53:00.002-06:00

Well, after a very long break from videos I have finally finished the next one. The Aviation Warrior Song is a tribute to all the men and women fighting in the armed forces both past and present. There is more information in the video description as well as the meaning of the song used. Hopefully it inspires more people to purchase the song for the good cause!

Aviation Warrior Song

SLICK

Half Million and Counting!

2009-10-31T08:46:00.002-05:00

Well, at 0541 this morning, the Airventure 2009 video had 503, 050 views! Another big milestone passed! Who would have thought that just another one of my airshow music videos would have become so popular? I never expected more than maybe 200 views originally...if it were even good enough. Then all of a sudden someone found the video, and spread it around...then it got spread around even more...kind of like that movie "Pay It Forward". The views just took off! It won #77 most viewed on youtube the second week after posting, and #86 most viewed during the month of August. Another interesting fact is that between 2300 last night and 0500 it had been viewed 500 times. Thanks for everyone who has watched the video! If you've missed it, or want to see it again, here is a link:

Airventure video

SLICK

Home for 24 hours...

2009-09-12T22:33:00.002-05:00

Back home from school for about 24 hours. Just a little bit of an update. Currently my desktop is in the dorm without any sort of video editing software or camera hook ups...not that I would have any time right now anyway, but video editing is on somewhat of a hiatus. However, on the weekends when I am able to come home, I would be able to edit video if the desktop were here...so...I should be getting a laptop for school soon and the desktop will be back and videos will once again start showing up on youtube. I'll let everyone know when the next video comes out! Keep checking!

SLICK

Not goodbye, but until next time.

2009-08-22T22:23:00.002-05:00

This weekend is rather sad or bittersweet, because not only do I leave for college, but our very good friends and neighbors Cassie, Mark, and Clair Harrison unfortunately moved away today. I'll be back with more video, picture and blog updates in the future...and we plan on seeing the Harrison's again as well. It's all for the better. So, this isn't goodbye from updates, but rather.."Until next time!"

SLICK

Few and Far Between

2009-08-18T22:47:00.003-05:00

With college coming up the posts on here will become few and far between....as if they weren't already pretty sparse. Anyway, just a bit of an update on the Airventure stuff. The Airventure 2009 video is still doing very well. It currently has 141,803 views...I guess that's pretty good. Because of the video's success the other videos on the channel have been doing very well.

Youtube Channel Link

Also, I have just finished my EAA Airventure 2009 Pictorial Review. The entire review as well as comments can be found here.

Thanks all for looking. I'll try to keep up with this as much as possible...but I can't make promises until I know what to expect.

SLICK

Video...only a tad more popular than I thought...

2009-08-11T22:43:00.003-05:00

***UPDATE***At the time of writing this I have just received a youtube honor...something that's fairly close to impossible unless it was shown on TV, someone gets hurt, or it's a music video. This week, thanks to everyone viewing the new Airventure video, it ranked #83 of the top 100 viewed videos for youtube. That mean, out of every video viewed on youtube, the new Airventure video is #83. Thanks again for everyone who watched!

It's been five days since I've uploaded the Airventure 2009 review video, and the view count...ratings...and comments are off the charts. It has exceeded expectations twenty fold! At the time of writing it has 21,633 views. THAT IS INSANE! I was not expecting anything more than maybe 1,200 views...maybe. To quote my father, "It just keeps feeding itself."

The video's fame has also brought the attention of some veteran videographers, XCOR (creators of the "Rocket Racing League"), and AVweb, which plan on hosting the video on their website Thursday.

Thanks again to all those who have taken the five minutes out of their lives to watch the video!

Also, I've been writing a photo essay for each day of the Airventure trip. You can check that out here.

SLICK

EAA Airventure Video and Picture Review

2009-08-07T22:50:00.002-05:00

Well, tis year's music video is finally completed! I guess I could talk all about the video but I'll just post some of the comments others have left me:

"Slick, you make tears come to the eyes with this video! Great editing, music, everything is awesome!

-Jim"

"Slick,

You're getting REALLY good at your videography !

Well shot and edited !

Great subject too ...

Thanks and I'm happy you had such a wonderful time ...

Gregg"

"Slick,

WOW! Fantastic video and exactly what I need and will need to get thru the POD (Post Oshkosh Depression)...great memories of what is always the best week of the YEAR! "

Now, without further ado, here is the 2009 EAA Airventure music video.

Also, I have started a pictoral review of the entire 10 day trip which can be found on the model site at this link....LINK

Let me know what you think!

SLICK

10 Days gone, 356 to go!

2009-08-03T22:13:00.005-05:00

To say that this year's Airventure trip was a success is a massive understatement! I don't like picking favorites, but it was one of the best! Throughout our ten day adventure plans changed, surprises were to be had, new friends were made and old ones were reacquainted. Over ten days I took nearly 1400 pictures and shot just short of 6 hours of HD video...nearly 11 gigs worth per tape!

After only a nine hour flight we were tied down at Oshkosh by 1330 on Friday July 24, 2009! Because of some weather we had to skip Brodhead this year...maybe next time. Later that day, through the typical airplane talk, we met our camping neighbor Richard Epton. We also caught up with Larry and Jim, whom we met at Airventure 2008. All week we had an excellent time causing trouble with the "Burn Line Nazis", eating at the Vintage Grill, and enjoying an outstanding week at one of the best places in the world! And with only 51 weeks left until next year (can you believe it's that close?) we're already planning our trip!

I'm going to try to have the pictures and vids up as soon as possible. 6 hours of HD video is a bit difficult to work with so bear with me. For now, here are some teaser pictures!

SLICK

1 Day Remaining!

2009-07-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

There is only one day remaining until our Airventure 2009 trip. The excitement is becoming too much, especially since we've added one extra stop on our journey this year; the Brodhead Pietenpol and Hatz fly-in. Two fly-ins during the 10 day trip makes for an excellent end of summer vacation! I can not wait!

I'll try to post some updates during Airventure!

SLICK

GoPro Montage

2009-07-17T23:42:00.002-05:00

I just recently completed my newest "GoPro Motorsports Hero Wide Angle Pitts Montage"...say that five times fast. I used five different on board camera angles, three of which are new. Check it out!

Pitts Montage

Also, the Pitts annual is complete...hopefully there will be some excellent flights this weekend. It looks like we're going to get some rain, so maybe I'll get some VAPOR!

SLICK

First Annual

2009-07-07T23:11:00.003-05:00

The Pitts is currently undergoing its first annual condition inspection. The inspection started out fine until we found some tubing that was put in to reinforce the grove gear had broken the weld at the top end. This will need to be fixed before we put the plane back together. When it's all finished, there will be a new weld at the top and a brace attached to the piece.

Some pics of the annual and problem areas...

SLICK

Super Stallion!

2009-06-25T22:44:00.003-05:00

I've been working on this for a little over three weeks now, but I suppose I can finally add the link to my latest model build...the Academy 1/48 CH-53E Super Stallion done up in the markings of HMT-302 "Phoenix" courtesy of MAW Decals, along with after market interior and exterior photo etch sets by Eduard. Basically, I'm going all out on one of the last builds I will be doing for a while. Just to give you an idea of the size of this monster...

A link to the build on ARC is located here:
http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=186177&st=60&gopid=1751711&#entry1751711

I've been getting a ton of help from the awesome people who are part of ARC. So far the build has been a blast!

Also, as a side note, keep watching for updates with video and pictures from the 2009 Old Kingsbury Aerodrome Air Fair.

SLICK

1st Anniversary

2009-06-13T23:46:00.003-05:00

Today (with two minutes to spare...one minute on the computer clock) marks the 1st Anniversary of flying the Pitts. After a two year restoration, on Friday June 13, 2008 (Friday the 13th!) Pitts N599JW flew again. If anyone is interested, here is "The Pitts Story" video I put together last year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ1p0SFGIF8...re=channel_page

I took the plane out for a quick 30 minute routine this morning. It was a blast..and a year has gone by really fast!

SLICK

LIGHTNING!!!

2009-06-11T23:21:00.003-05:00

Tonight we had another awesome storm that spit out some awesome lightning. Of course, the only response to that is to try and capture it on film...digits..? Anyway, here are nine of my best shots from tonight.

SLICK

Graduation Weekend Review

2009-06-04T22:59:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was pretty exiting! Graduation brought in relatives and a lot of fun times. I was able to fly the Pitts four times in the past six days and finally show relatives and neighbors my airshow routine at the graduation party. It was a blast! I also flew some other airshow routines for Aunt Mikey, Aunt Angie, Uncle Todd, Grandma Gail, and Janine. Thanks everyone for coming out. I had a great time and I hope it's not too long before we all get together as a family again.

Just as a side note, I added some new maneuvers to these routines that, for the time being, will be kept a secret here at SLICK Aviation.

On the last night that Janine was here, we had some pretty gnarly storms pass through Central Texas. So what better than sit outside from 10:30PM until 1:00AM attempting to take pictures of lightning. I never got a perfect shot, but here are some of my better pictures.

Today I was able to start up work again on the Hog Bibe. I neglected to take any pictures, but tomorrow I will post some of the major progress that was made today.

SLICK

AVENGER!

2009-05-27T22:04:00.002-05:00

Today marks the end of the TBF-1C Avenger build. The third completed model of 2009. I ran out of light for taking pictures, so this will have to do until I can upload more tomorrow.

I did have enough light to take this twilight hangar shot though.

SLICK

Ranger Fly-in and Airshow

2009-05-25T22:23:00.002-05:00

On May 23, 2009 Dave, Mark, Randy, and my father and I flew up to the Ranger Fly-in and Airshow for our first X-wing Flyout of 2009. The flight was a blast! The relatively poor weather on the way up caused us to make a quick stop in Hamilton, only to be pleasantly surprised with a few restoration projects of some antique aircraft - Travel Air 5000, American Eagle, Curtiss Junior.

The Ranger Fly-in and Airshow had an excellent set up and an equally excellent turn out. The event was really successful with a large number of aircraft arriving even though the weather threatened storms all day. The airshow was great, with performers such as Spanky Gallaway, Jason Newburg, David Martin, and the Texas Twisters formation team all flying out of the grass strip. I have put together a quick promotional music video of the Ranger Fly=in and Airshow that can be found at this link:

Ranger Fly-in and Airshow

SLICK

3 Airshows in a month...

2009-05-02T23:36:00.003-05:00

...and still more to come. Today we attended the 2009 Central Texas Airshow in Temple, Texas. This as the third year in a row that I have attended this airshow and the fifth time overall. This year Temple went all out with some performers. They were about to get the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team as well as Matt Younkin flying the twin beech. Not only were these out of state civilian performers flying in this years small town show, the A-10 West Coast Demonstration Team also put on another awesome display. Temple was even able to get flybys by the B-2 and B-52.

We were originally scheduled to fly up to the airshow tomorrow, but things changed and we were able to attend today's show. Good thing to! Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be pretty bad, so we lucked out!

The next airshow will be the Ranger Fly-in and Airshow in Ranger, Texas. This airshow is on May 23rd, and we will be attending for the first time this year. It's going to be an awesome little airshow, and my first airshow from a grass strip. This means great performances by Mike Gallaway, David Martin, and others all close to the crowd. It's going to be great!

SLICK

UHU! (Eagle Owl) Tamiya 1/48 Heinkel He219

2009-04-29T22:53:00.003-05:00

While I'm waiting for a trip to the hobby store to get paint for my Avenger, I figured I would start another build. I've been waiting to build this one for a while because the subject is interesting and seldom seen. I saw the last remaining He219 at the National Air and Space Museum a few years ago and really liked the look of the aircraft.

I haven't completed very much yet, but here is the first update.

SLICK

NAS Corpus Airshow Music Video

2009-04-28T23:01:00.002-05:00

Just completed the 2009 South Texas Shootout music video two nights ago. Check it out:

Music Video

SLICK

2009 South Texas Shootout

2009-04-26T22:50:00.007-05:00

***UPDATE 4-29-09 - The Horsemen will fly the Bearcat routine one more time for the Planes of Fame Air Show in Chino, California. The POF theme this year is "Salute to Grumman Aircraft"...so it seems only fitting. Looks like the Bearcats are turning out to be as popular as the Mustangs...maybe even more popular.***

The 2009 South Texas Shootout at NAS Corpus Christi (April 18-19, 2009), the 5th airshow for the Blue Angels this season, was very special. The airshow was unique in that the "Horsemen" formation team flew a three ship Bearcat routine. This was the first time an F8F Bearcat had been used in a formation aerobatic team of this magnitude (Corky Fornoff and his son flew a two ship routine in the 60's) since the Blue Angels during the 1946-1949 timeline. The routine was incredible and very rare. This was the only time the Horsemen team flew/will be flying the Bearcat routine this year. It was a very special treat! Below is a link to the Horsemen video I filmed at Sunday's airshow:

Horsemen Sunday Demo

This airshow was also the second to last show for the F-15C Demo Team. Their final airshow was this weekend in Langley, Virginia. The team is now retired from service. This airshow season is also the 50th Anniversary of the Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Demonstration Team.

Also, here are a few Bearcat formation team pictures from over the years (none of these pictures are mine). The first is a picture of the Blue Angels flying the Bearcat (notice the numbering system. #5 lead, #3 left wing, #4 right wing, #2 slot):

This next picture is of the Fornoff's flying their Bearcats in formation with Blue Angels 5 and 6 in F-4 Phantom II's:

This final picture is from the 2009 South Texas Shootout with the Horsemen team flying with Blue Angels 5 and 6 in F/A-18A Hornets.

Here are a few pictures from the show on Sunday:

SLICK

Steamer...

2009-04-12T23:36:00.002-05:00

I started assembling the Avenger today, but as I was doing that my father assembled his first steam engine...and I must say it's a very cool little thing! With the new mill and lathe he plans on machining his own style of dust collector.

SLICK

Only Airshow in the U.S.

2009-04-11T23:21:00.004-05:00

Today my father and I flew into the 2009 Blue Bonnet Airshow in Burnet, TX...supposedly the only U.S. Airshow this weekend. The weather could have been better...fairly low overcast forcing everyone to fly a low show, but the rain held off. All the acts flew and there were even a couple surprises in the form of a P-40 we had never seen before (the pilot put on an amazing display), and the A-10 West Coast Demonstration Team put on a really rockin' display despite the weather...they even included pyro this time.

If you would like to see pics and video clips just check out the link below:

Airshowbuzz

SLICK

AVENGER!

2009-04-09T22:23:00.003-05:00

I recently signed up for the WWII Carrier Aircraft Group Build on ARC, and to start things off I will be building George H. W. Bush's TBM-1C Avenger. I haven't done any work yet, but here are some crappy box shots.

SLICK

Aerobatic critique...

2009-04-05T15:02:00.004-05:00

...not quite, but the little event still ended up being pretty fun. Joel and Cathy Utz (spelling?) were the only people from the IAC chapter to fly in yesterday. We also had quite a few neighbors over to watch the flying as well as some friends from school. I flew the Pitts twice - one 30 minute flight consisting of the intermediate known and free, and then once more on a 20 minute airshow style routine that is oriented more towards those who don't know how competition aerobatics work. My father took some friends flying in the Clipper and then I took Abbie and Marc for a ride, followed by Rhys and Marc once more.
Although the event didn't turn out anything like last time (pictures from last time here: http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=162563&hl=aerobatic ) we all still had a great time.

Thanks to Joel and Cathy for coming out.

Some pics from yesterday:

SLICK

Saturday Flights

2009-03-21T23:57:00.009-05:00

Started the day off with my father flying the Pitts for the first time in quite a few months.

After he flew I took the Pitts up to practice some sequences. However, I brought the plane back early because of more canopy issues. We took the canopy off and tried a new fix. Tomorrow we will see if it works.

Throughout the day there were various flights by a few of the neighbors. We even had two new visitors (Husky and Cessna 152) and one who hasn't been here in a while (Red Tail Glasstar).

SLICK

Spring Break Aviation

2009-03-19T20:24:00.007-05:00

The past few days have been beautiful, and some of us in the neighborhood have been taking full advantage of the weather. I flew the Pitts both Tuesday and Wednesday. I practiced the known and free sequences. I really enjoy my free sequence. The maneuvers are fairly simple, but the layout makes for a fun and interesting challenge! Chris and Mike have been flying hang gliders lately off the makeshift runway on Chris's lot. There have also been various other flights throughout the week.

Here are the pictures from the tomcat surgery.

SLICK

Tomcat Surgery Part 2

2009-03-17T09:44:00.001-05:00

Everything went well and at 0945 this morning the Tomcat was moved back inside with a properly aligned canopy structure. Pictures to follow.

SLICK

Tomcat Surgery Part 1

2009-03-16T19:11:00.003-05:00

At about 18:58 today I began the corrective canopy surgery on Dave's F-14A Tomcat. The canopy, which has caused more problems with this model than anything, was a bit crooked and needed to be straightened out. So far everything is going well...

SLICK

Dust Collector Milestones!

2009-03-15T21:35:00.003-05:00

This past week I've been a little too busy to update the blog, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working in the hangar. I was able to finish two models, both the F/A-18 and the F-14A. I don't much care for the photo inserting insert program on here, so I have added the links from ARC to the pictures of both models completed:

F/A-18:
http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=179854

F-14A:
http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=180285

Two days into spring break and the runway is still a bit wet. Hopefully tomorrow I can begin practicing in the Pitts!

SLICK

Busy Sunday

2009-03-01T22:34:00.006-06:00

All day Saturday I was at a track meet, which left me with a lot of play time I needed to make up on Sunday. Today I painted all but the final color on the hornet. The model is getting close. I also prep'd the Tomcat canopy in order to spray the first color soon.

My father did quite a bit of work on the Hog Bipe as well. The bottom wings panels have been joined together and the leading edge sheeting sanded.

I took the Pitts out for a flight only to have it cut short by annoying canopy issues. Once I landed we immediately began work to fix these problems. The right side has been sliding open recently due to part of the rail moving farther forward than it's supposed to. The left side has always slid open just slightly, but I was tired of this happening. The fixes are in place now, and hopefully I will be able to test the canopy tomorrow...as well as show off the new camera location.

Although I didn't fly the Pitts a second time, my father and I did take the Clipper around the patch for a little more than half an hour. The weather today was excellent, and the forecast shows the same for most of the week.

DIRTY SIDE UP!

SLICK

Blast from the past!

2009-02-22T22:37:00.007-06:00

The Ringmaster flies! Today my father and I flew the ringmaster for the first time. It was a blast! We shared a few good laughs over the nostalgia of such an old time RC type of modeling.

Today I was able to spray the second, darker blue color on the hornet. I'm a little disappointed in the color because it turned out a bit too grey. I post-shaded the color and that helped a bit. I'll post shade the lighter blue tomorrow to see if I can't make the colors a little more accurate.

SLICK

Spanish is finished...time for an update

2009-02-22T00:51:00.008-06:00

Just finished some spanish homework, so I thought I would post another hangar update. Today I was able to mask the black, then spray the light grey. After that I masked the plane yet again and sprayed the lighter blue for the aggressor colors.

My father covered and sprayed the white on the Ringmaster. It's gonna be a blast to fly!

My father also mounted a new variable pitch prop onto the Slowdicator. Hopefully the weather will be as nice as forcast tomorrow so we can do a lot of flying; both models and full scale.

SLICK

INTENSE!!!

2009-02-20T23:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I completed my latest aviation music video. The video showcases EAA Airventure 2008 through fairly intense editing and fast pacing. A link to the youtube video can be found here (Don't forget to watch in high quality):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZc6bqTX83A&feature=channel_page

Tonight I worked in the hangar with my father. He completed some more work on the Ringmaster while I finished masking and sprayed the second color on the hornet.

SLICK

Redo!

2009-02-17T21:00:00.006-06:00

Obviously the pictures show exactly what I mean by "redo". The previous paint combination (the norm...painting lightest to darkest) didn't work out very well because for some reason the anodized aluminum color didn't stick. So I started over with the zinc yellow, then I'll paint black...then the aggressor colors and finish the entire model with the metallic paints.

Above is a picture of the Tomcat canopy in its current state. The next step is to mask and then spray the inner and outer colors again. That's it for tonight.

SLICK

A Change of Pace

2009-02-15T22:36:00.006-06:00

Today was a change of pace (literally) as far as flying is concerned. My father and I pulled out the Clipper and flew around the patch for about an hour. We went over Lake Granger, did a low approach at Taylor, and landed at Bird's Nest. We also replaced the Pitts fuel indicator tubing.

We also worked on the Hog Bide, and I was able to paint a little more on the Hornet. I also took a few pics of the Ringmaster in its current state.

This weekend I was also able to upload to youtube some arrival and warbird videos that I finallygot around to putting together.

SLICK

A Productive VD

2009-02-14T23:42:00.004-06:00

Another productive day in the airplane factory. I was finally able to start work on the new canopy for Dave's tomcat. So far so good...knock on wood. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to start repainting. After going to the hobby shop this morning I was able to start the paint work on the hornet while my father continued work on the Ringmaster. The weather wasn't the best today...it was cold...hopefully tomorrow it'll warm up a bit to make aerobatics just that much more enjoyable!

SLICK

Friday the 13th update

2009-02-13T23:24:00.006-06:00

Although today was very busy at school, major tests and all, I was still able to do a lot of work in the hangar as well as fly the Pitts for the third time in a row. The weather has been beautiful this week. No wind, and clear skies! Lately I've been flying a pretty fun and laid back airshow style routine. Although, today I jumped back into the intermediate competition routine and it's a lot slower paced and more precise than the airshow routine...but it is in no way boring! My father had the day off and was able to knock out a large portion of the "Ringmaster" u-control model. There have been a lot of new projects in the airplane factory lately.

SLICK

Saved by....the Canadians?

2009-02-09T22:12:00.004-06:00

Well the canopy...or rather, the kit that happens to include the much needed tomcat canopy, arrived from Canada today. I will now be able to finish the massive project I call "Dave's Tomcat" and get it out of the way. Three years of work on a dust collector is way too long.

I also did some work on the air data probe of the hornet. Painting should begin soon.

Lots of updates lately...SLICK

A hangar type of weekend

2009-02-08T22:33:00.007-06:00

With the less than desirable weather this weekend (high winds both days, low ceilings today...storms moving in) it gave my father and I a good chance to get some work done in the hangar. We were able to complete a few more major portions of the upper wing on the Hog-bipe. Hopefully the construction of the bottom wing can be started later on this week.

My father was able to finish covering the fuselage of the Howard DGA this weekend. The model looks even larger with the fabric on! It's hard to believe it only has a nine and a half foot wingspan.

During some breaks in the building of the Hog I was able to make a bit of progress on the hornet. I masked the inside and outside of the canopy and finished the cockpit and add the flight data probe to the nose.

SLICK

2009 X-Wing Flyout Calendar (Tentative)

2009-02-06T23:49:00.003-06:00

Here is a link to the 2009 X-Wing Flyout Calendar. Of course we won't be able to make every event, but it's just a quick reference list of some fly-ins and airshows in the Central Texas area that may be of interest to our flyout group.

http://slick.grizzlyworks.com/2009xwing.htm

SLICK

A very busy week

2009-02-06T22:22:00.015-06:00

With the start of track season this week I have been very busy and unable to update the blog as much as I would like. The night shift has become much shorter. However, that doesn't mean I haven't been able to do some amount of work in the hangar. To start off I'll post some pictures from the application of my aileron gap seals:

I've also been working on another dust collector just to relieve some stress from the almost completed tomcat build. It's a Hasegawa F/A-18A Hornet. The model fits together remarkably well and will be completed...eventually...in a surprise scheme.

As if enough projects weren't already underway, I have also started the Sig Hog Bipe that I received for Christmas. My father and I have been building the upper wing, and so far it's been a very nice kit..and looks to stay that way for the remainder of the build.

As far as the Pitts is concerned we did a little maintenance this past weekend. We removed the top of the cowling and the right forward boot cowl in order to add brake fluid, trim up some of the edges and do a general inspection and little clean up of the aircraft. I also flew the Pitts over the weekend, and completed one of my longest aerobatic sessions so far: 40 minutes. I was able to fly two complete 2009 Intermediate Known routines as well as practice some individual maneuvers before taking the box for a mini airshow-type routine. It was a blast and I'm hoping the weather holds out this weekend in order to try my new intermediate free sequence.

SLICK

Aileron Seals

2009-01-25T22:17:00.002-06:00

Today my father and I finally put the 3M Book Binding Tape seals into the aileron cove. It was easier and faster to complete than expected, and I was able to get in a test flight afterward. The roll rate has increased a lot! It is probably around 300 degrees a second roll rate. Much faster than before. I am able to perform crisper rolls at lower speeds, which is a big help in competition. It is much easier to make sharp points in the rolls. I am now able (after one test with a pretty good energy loosing pull into the vertical) to complete one and a quarter vertical rolls before hammering it over the top. Very fun! Pictures of the process soon!

SLICK

The Break is Over

2009-01-05T22:33:00.005-06:00

Well, it's the night of January 5th and school starts back up again tomorrow. However, I'm not at all disappointed in the break. I was able to accomplish many aviation related things. Workout on some ongoing projects and relived some old times.

I had plenty of time to work on a current three year project. I've been building Dave's 1/32 Tamiya F-14A Tomcat from VF-213 Black Lions. While working around vacation and other daytime activities I was able to finish painting, clear coat, make and apply decals, and prepare it for the second to last clear coat. All that's remaining is weathering and a final flat coat. I hope to finish this week in order to work on....The Hog.

For Christmas I received a Sig Hog Bipe RC kit which I plan on bashing into a sort of Fleet Bi-plane type of aircraft. I'll keep you posted on that as time goes on.

While we're on the subject of bi-planes, I also completed a new Pitts flying video which can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5O8JxrgFSs&feature=channel_page
You can also check out other videos on my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/slickhutto

Combat! Not only did we start flying RC models on a weekly basis again, we also broke out the combat models for some old time entertainment, and quite possibly hazardous, flying. (I'll have to grag some pictures from Dave.)

To top it all off, I flew up to Stephenville (KSEP) with my father and we had lunch at the "Hard Eight" Barbeque with some friends we met at Oshkosh in 2008. (The picture below was taken at Oshkosh.)

SLICK

Official - Unofficial Website

2009-01-05T13:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome to SLICK Aviation: Night Shift. As some of you may have found out, the old website is down and may stay that way for some time. Until then, here is the new official - unofficial website. I will be updating the blog with 07TS happenings, X-Wing Fly outs, the occasional RC and dust collector modeling, aviation in general, and of course the Pitts.

Thanks again for taking a look. Welcome to the site!

SLICK