Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
A Texas A&M College of Architecture former student arrived in style at a July 2009 air show in Wisconsin — flying an airplane he built himself using an illustrated build manual.
Mike Taylor, who earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Texas A&M in 1985, has been a regular at the AirVenture Oshkosh air show since 1999. He built the plane, which he named TaylorCUB, for recreation and to assist the company he owns, Connect Communications, with marketing the aircraft.
“Although I’ve been to the show several times, I only recently entertained the idea of building my own airplane,” said Taylor, whose plane was one of the aircraft on exhibit at the show.
He built the plane in the factory of one of his clients, American Legend Aircraft Company.
“Working at the factory was a tremendous benefit,” he said. “I can’t imagine how long it would have taken had I done this at home, in my spare time. Even while away from the factory I was always thinking about my airplane,” he said.
Taylor built American Legend’s Texas Sport, an aircraft kit in four major sections, each of which can be purchased separately. The sections include:
“Though the weeks spent at American Legend and the build were quite intense; time passed quickly,” said Taylor. “Time away was spent studying and shopping. There were so many choices among powerplant, instruments, avionics, accessories, and other equipment. The experience was overwhelming, yet fun. I am very, very pleased with the finished aircraft.”
- Posted: Sept. 22, 2009-
