Experimental plane soars

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The experimental Thatcher CX5, a two-seat plane designed by Pensacola's Dave Thatcher, made its initial flight in December at Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores, Ala. Flown by test pilot Glen Bradley, the plane is powered by a modified Volkswagen engine. Once test flights are finished, the Thatcher CX5 will return to Pensacola International Airport, where the plane was built in a private hangar. Thatcher plans to sell plans for the CX5 after tests are finished for about $475. Thatcher sold 574 plans for his CX4, a single-seat plane he designed. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 01/08/14)