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October 20, 2008 — The world’s first - and only - civilian-owned Harrier jump jet made a flawless debut performance at the 9th annual Culpeper Air Fest in Virginia on October 11. Its next demonstration is October 25 at the Wings and Wheels Warbird Antique and Classic Fly-in at Sussex County Airport in Georgetown, Delaware.
Art Nalls, EAA and Warbirds of America member, acquired the Sea Harrier FA/2 from Britain’s Royal Navy in 2005 and has spent the last three years getting it back into flying shape. His 12-minute demonstration flight closed the air show and included several high-speed passes (one clocked at 537-kts) and the Harrier’s trademark hovering exhibition at about 100 feet AGL.
A retired Marine Lt. Col pilot with more than 1,400 hours flying the Harrier AV8-A and B models, Nalls said the first public flight went as planned.
So what does it feel like to be the only person in the world to own and fly such a magnificent aircraft? Nalls explained that following the handful of flights made in the aircraft prior to the air show had him grinning from ear to ear. After landing at Culpeper, however, that grin turned to laughter.
“Uncontrollable laughter,” he said. “I even woke up in the middle of the night that night laughing. My wife said, ‘Will you quit that laughing and go to sleep!’ And I’m still laughing.” Nalls’ crew, responsible for getting the airplane into flying shape, felt like crying for joy, he said.
He described his airplane as extremely responsive, extremely nimble, and an absolute pleasure to fly. However, it is a gas guzzler, consuming fuel at the rate of a gallon every two seconds while hovering.
Nalls’ Sea Harrier made its first flight on November 10, 2007, but on November 11, 2007, experienced a total hydraulic failure requiring an emergency landing that resulted in a collapsed nose landing gear. After repairs were made, the Harrier next flew on September 21 and on October 4, Nalls received his type-rating check ride. He also became the first person to be issued a Powered Lift pilot certificate.
Now Nalls is actively seeking sponsorships so he can perform at other events, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. “I would love to come to Oshkosh next year,” he said. “We guarantee you zero air speed at 100 feet ... and zero concession sales when the Harrier is flying.”
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Art Nalls makes a pass over Culpeper Regional Airport.
The Sea Harrier hovers at 100 ft AGL.
Art Nalls grins widely following the flight.
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