Mike Couts after the first high flight! Sept 30, 2001

Our story follows:

Sept 30, 2001. We worked all day to complete the glider on Saturday then brought it to the airport where we did the weight and balance. And sure enough after the calculations it was decided that it really did fly backwards... in theory until Mat realized he had goofed up the calculations and infact it was just about right with 8 lbs in the nose!

	On the scales! Mike and Mat checking measurements.

September 22, 2001. WE had a great day...all 12-14 hours of it working finishing the Pioneer.

	Gee Mike I think you sit facing the other way! Yes, this one of the problems of a new plane without a tail : deciding which way it actually flies! Thank God Jim came around and straightened us out!
	Jim Marske and Pat Edwards supervise Mike putting the rudder back on.
	Pat checks out the interior. Note the rebuilt elevators
	Mike Couts, Jim Marske and Pat Edwards looking over the glider.
	Mike trying out the controls... we finally got the front and back figure out.
	Checking out the aileron differential!

September 18, 2001. OK we have fitted everything back in, new bolts with castle nuts, new pushrods, greased it and need one final fitting of the wings. Then go fly!

	Mike has done an excellent job on the panel!
	OK who took this picture?
	When I grow up I'm going to fly my own Pioneer! Note the rebuilt release.
	You know this is my idea of a two seater... much better on grandpa's lap... and what a feeling of security!
	Comeon guys I want to fly this thing!
	Yup this is it for me!

September 14, 2001. Well the Pioneer is going back together.

	The control stick is remounted!. Note that Jam nuts are required on all rod ends!
	Mike hard at work..... yup just two more weeks!

September 9, 2001. The elevators are painted ready for installation.

	ready for paint
	note new trailing edges made from carbon.

September 3, 2001. Mike spent some of the week preparing for his first contest, but work progressed! The elevators are now fully reconstructed and one has the fabric applied.We redid the trailing edges, smoothed out the ribs, redid the fabric and replaced the loose hinges..

August 22, 2001. Well we are making progress, the rear spar attach fistures are ready for mounting! Mat has the elevators rebuilt..... well ready for paint too.

	Mike welding in the rear carry through plug.... Mike loves those sparks!
	Mike welding the release arm
	OK who took this picture???

August 10, 2001.

	Hmmm... the fusleage looks clean! Mike has spent many hours cleaning and fitting everything to his perfection.
	Mikes house and the nice lawn to work on...one good reason to cut the lawn Mike!
	The wings actually attach. We are working on fitting everything better! We have just made more work for ourselves.... just two more weeks?

August 4, 2001.

	Mat repairing the fabric on the wings after installing new linear bearings. Note the wonderful grassed area of Mikes house....the shady trees too.
	The hole in the wing... note the new linear bearing just installed.
	Robin just checking our progress......Mike has her sanding parts!!!! Now that getting them started early!

July 29, 2001. With the Pioneer at Mikes house we have been working on the wings and working on the fuselage.

	The garage commandeered for the fuselage! Mikes wife wonders just how long this is for?
	Nice to have grass to lay the wing on when its not on the saw horses.....and then there's supper cooked by Liz, Mikes wife!!!That's worth coming over for!

July 27, 2001. Our Monarch Club is pushing ahead with the renovation and elimination of excess weight. Mike has spent quite a few evenings cleaning out the cockpit area. We have cut holes in the fabric of the wings and enlarged the holes in the ribs to put in linear bearings. The wings where well made and this coming winter we intend to extend them.We are discussing different ways to attach the rear spar.

The taking apart and inspection of our prize!
July 17, 2001

	The trailer is in Marion..... now what's in the box? We arrived back Monday night about 9:30 p.m. yes 2 1/2 days to Dallas and Back to Marion Ohio... just over 2200 miles!!
	First we had to get rid of the Texas dust!
	The proud new co-owner! Mike Couts
	The Mouse Inspector!
	Mike's Wife being a part of the excitement.....those boys and their toys! We where little concerned that she might want a touch of pink in the paint scheme but low and behold she made good suggestions for the interior!... but unfortunately we declined the hairdryer outlet!
	Yup that will do! Now to our revamping of a few parts to suit our needs!

Texas HO!
July 14-July 16 th

	OK we load the Monarchs in exchange for the Pioneer. We left Saturday Morning at 6 am and arrived in Dallas about 7 am Sunday Morning.
	Great stuff that expanding foam!
	Crossing the Mississippi!
	And our New Pioneer, outside Lloyds place near Dallas, ready for the trip back to Marion!

Designer:
Jim Marske

Phone :(740)-223-3550
Marske Flying Wings
c/o Marion Industrial Center
3007 Harding Higway East
Marion ,OH, 43302