The former Mr. Ed was the first 150hp 150 I'd ever been invited so generously to fly. It was 2006, Clinton Iowa. Bill asked if I'd like to fly it with him. I was very excited as I had just got my PPL 10 days earlier, and had made my way from NY to the confab in the corn, in my 100hp 150.
Me sitting right seat, Bill taxied out for runway 03 at Clinton. As we waited for landing traffic, we were #2 for takeoff, and Bill went through his run-up procedures. Because he wasn't using a checklist, I remember asking him if he had checked the mags. He assured me that he did.
Out to the runway, full power, and that bird just soared out of there! I was amazed the power that 0-320 kicked out. Made my 0-200 seem feeble, and weak.
We climbed to about 700 AGL, and Bill asked if I'd like to fly it? "Sure!
", "My Airplane", "Your plane"
Wahooo!
I remember shoving the throttle to the firewall(with my left hand of course), a couple short clearing turns, then pulling back on the yolk, a little right aileron and rudder, and the plane just took off in a climbing right turn. The power was amazing, the sensation was exhilirating, and I was feeling surprisingly comfortable putting Mr. Ed through the paces. Right then and there I knew I'd always desire 150hp up front.
I have a picture of myself infront of Mr. Ed immediately after this flight. My smile was ear to ear. Still to this day when I think of that flight, it warms my aviation spirit.
Thanks Bill!
