[Hoverbug]

First Private Harrier Takes Flight

What is likely the first civilian Harrier jump jet reportedly had its first flight in private hands at St. Mary’s County Airport in Maryland on Saturday. Owner Art Nalls reportedly decided not to shatter any neighbors’ nerves (not to mention their windows) and made his first takeoff and landing in the ex-Royal Navy Harrier FA2 short field, rather than vertical. Just what he plans to do with the notoriously (some say gloriously) loud VTOL aircraft isn’t clear but there’s not much doubt he’s comfortable in the cockpit. Nalls is a former Marine test pilot who spent most of his career on the American version of the aircraft, the AV-8A and AV-8B. In addition to his hundreds of hours in relatively normal flight, Nalls was also the test pilot for an in-flight engine restart program during which he amassed six hours of gliding experience in an aircraft not known for its glide ratio.

[From Avweb]

[skydriver]

Heck, I just wish I had the money for a Cessna 172.

[flyXwire]

Wow, that's a cool toy! Does he give lessons?

[SKUNKY]

As I sat there watching the slide show, I couldn't help but think to myself "Yes, but I'll bet this doesn't leave much money left over for Mr. Nall's diecast collection", and then I felt much better....