About_US

Hello, my name is Roger Hirschbein. I am the current owner/president of Turtle Wood Designs, Inc. I have been a cabinet maker and designer since 1965. In 1991 I received my Private Pilot's license and shortly thereafter decided I needed to own my own plane. Coincidentally at this time, master builder Cecil Williams, suggested that I look at "Experimental" aircraft to own, specifically a Van's RV. After taking a test ride and experiencing the "RV grin", I purchased N396DS.

As noted on the "Vansairforce.net" website in the modifications forum, I proceeded to improve the airplane with a myriad of "speed mods". One of the improvements was the installation of "Gear Leg Stiffeners". Prize winning builder, Rich Jankowski, noticed me building the parts and suggested suggested that I offer the finished part to other RV builders. Thus, I became connected with Doug Reeves "Vansairforce.net" and have offered the stiffeners as well as several newer items that are featured on this website.

After 4 years and over 1000 hours, I sold N396DS. About a year later I purchased N418WK. This was an IFR certified RV6A that had been completed and sold because the builder had to relinquish his medical. This plane was defintely a step up but for some reason I wasn't able to establish the same love affair I had with N396DS. After two years of ownership I was forced to part with this second beauty because of personal obligations at the time.

The next big event in my life was the arrival of my "Sweety", Myra. How lucky does a guy have to be to meet up with a woman who not only is smarter than he is but also is a pilot with the same love of flying. After retiring and leaving her home in New Jersey, Myra came to live permanently in our new home in South Florida. It wasn't long after her move that we decided that it was time for a new addition to our family. (Airplane that is.) Since I am a Senior Citizen, I did not want to take the time to build a new kit. We decided to look for a plane that would meet our standards and requirements and make a purchase. We spent the next several months pouring over the "Trader" and " Barnstormers" and, by sheer coincidence, found an ad placed by a builder in Northern Florida. After a few phone calls, we decided to take a ride north and look at the plane. It was love at first sight. I flew up to pre-buy the plane with two RV experts, Rich Jankowski and my AP/ Co-pilot/ Pat Heron. We had hoped to be able to find a few squawks so that we could beat the builder up on his price. After practically doing an annual on the plane, Pat whispered to me the he "couldn't find a damn thing wrong" with this bird. To make a long story shorter, the builder, Norm Taylor, and I came to an agreement on the price and now Myra and I are the proud owners of N100NT.

My objective in establishing this website is twofold. I wish to provide my products to the RV community and to share flying experiences with other pilots. The RV community is a wonderful group of people.It never ceases to amaze me how helpful and friendly the members are.
I welcome any comments or suggestions that will help us improve our services and website.

Roger A. Hirschbein