The Robertsdale Aircraft Factory, a division of the Robertsdale Yacht Club, is proud to announce the delivery of the Air Ripper-1 and Air Ripper-2.

The AR-1 was successfully flown across the Atlantic Ocean to coincide with a Christmas delivery.  In the process, the AR-1 established a world record for the first pedal powered airplane to cross the Atlantic.

Reporting form an undisclosed government flight test facility somewhere in southwest England, Future Royal Air Force Capt. Q. Taggart, age 3, remarked the AR-1 is everything he required of a fast, personal aircraft.

Reports from the reclusive R. Reshwan, age 3, on his secluded estate near Magnolia Springs, AL indicate he is thoroughly pleased with the AR-2 having made a number of business trips to date.

A number of by-standers were overheard asking the founding members of the Robertsdale Yacht Club, Dana E. Hall and Ted Riccio some questions.

Q. How long did it take to build the Air Ripper?

A. To expand on the previous press release, the construction took a very long time.  We spent quite a few hours and untold minutes in the detail part fabrication and final assembly of this truly unique aircraft.

Q. What would the "designers" say was the most challenging part of the building process?

A. By far, the most challenging aspect of the construction process was acquiring the necessary funds.  Current economic realities lead to difficulty in borrowing the sums of money necessary to construct a custom aircraft.  Fortunately, there was one benefactor who stepped forward.  My wife loaned us the $47.88 that allowed this program to really take off.

Q. What materials is the AR1 made out of?

A. As mentioned in the press release, the material is proprietary to the Robertsdale Research & Development Company, a division of the Robertsdale Yacht Club.

It can only be revealed that the secret material is a naturally forming cellulose composite.

Q. I assume the Air Ripper is large enough for its new owners to sit in and pedal. What are the approximate dimensions?

A. The Air Ripper is custom built to the customer’s physique.  They should be quite comfortable.

The wing span is 35.1002” with an overall length 47.4024”.  These dimensions will vary somewhat depending on the number of coats of paint.

Q. Are Dana and Ted considering quitting their day jobs to open an airplane factory?   

A. Current economic conditions are not conducive to accepting a full-time employment commitment.  However, when circumstances improve, we will revisit this subject.

When a local aerospace firm realizes the huge potential growth of the Robertsdale Aircraft Factory, I am sure a lucrative offer will be forthcoming.

Some comments were overheard from members of the staff that a pedal powered train is under development.   When questioned on this latest program, Mr. Hall would only say “I can neither confirm nor deny.”  Mr. Riccio said “No comment”.  I believe further investigation is warranted and will keep you posted of any additional details that may become available.