Hi Folks,
With the engine, exhaust pipes and cowling in my rear view mirror (I still need to get my exhaust pipe brackets final welded) I’m now in the final micro-finishing stage of this project.
I had planned on pulling the engine early to start the micro and subsequent sanding, but due to the seasonal threatening cold weather, I needed to waste zero time getting onto the micro finishing. Moreover, I simply taped up the plexiglass and seams around the canopy and am using that as my micro dust block for the cockpit.
To complete the micro finish on the bird I’ll need to have the canopy set in final position, so once the major wing and strake micro finish is complete, I’ll be knocking out the final canopy latch install. Then the small remainder nose and forward fuselage micro completed.
Very soon after that I’ll be ready to pull the engine, cut and install the Titanium firewall and finalize the micro-finished top side of the bird to paint.
Hi there!
I’ve been following your long-ez build for quite awhile now! congratulations for coming this far. I’m sure we’ll be able to see a new ez in the sky in the next 2 years. One day i’ll build my own ez too;) I’m still building small stuff like diy bikes, CNC and violins. Keep believing and finish strong!
Sheng Chuan
Singapore, National University of Singapore
Faculty of architecture, Year 3 student
Hi Sheng!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m sure you know that if you can do the small stuff, you can easily build an EZ. Let me know when you start!
Good luck in school.
Regards,
Wade
Hi Wade,
Thanks very much for detailing and documenting your build experiences. I’ve bookmarked your site and will be poring over it in detail as I get geared up for my own project.
I’ve got a bit of a way to go yet (as in, I think I should at least be on my way to getting my Recreational Pilot’s License 1st, before I commit to buying parts :-) ), and am still deciding on the best option (Long-EZ v. E-Racer v. Berkut (if that’s even remotely possible) v. Europa XS ). The heart is saying “canard” while the head says “Europa” will offer a little more utility (may need to use a grass strip) . I’m also keen to re-read and process your notes about the Feather Light Strake Leading Edge Kit (something I’m thinking I’m going to wish I had, and may lament the fact it’s no longer available) and vacuum bagging experience. Vacuum bagging was something I was thinking about to improve the quality of build, but it seems it might involve more effort and tears than you get in pay-off.
Good luck with your build and keep that momentum up, my first flight lesson is this week!
Regards,
Peter
Canberra, Australia
Peter,
I’m glad you enjoy the site. Again, best of luck in your flight lessons.
Warm regards,
Wade
Hey Peter, Dave here in Melbourne.
We have a strong canard community in Australia. Plenty of local support if you want it. I have operated a Long-EZ out of a grass strip… but it needs to be a good long one, nice and smooth, short or no grass and you want 5×5 tires. Some of us follow our hearts before our heads, you choose. ;)
Hmmmm I’m looking for the canard cover pages? Latest newsletter from David Orr has a Berkut style on a LE. The cover extends to the top of the IP. Great for access here which believe me is needed. Good look at the bus master lll be using to go with the efii stuff….
Really good to see your progress!!! Keep up the great work!
I’m just finishing off the aileron click bonds and wing completion is close. Please keep the pace up …l need your blog to remain ahead of my build 😉
Hey Dave!
I guess we’re in a bit of a pickle because I intentionally slowed down so I could use YOUR blog to remain ahead of my build! haha!
Canard cover is still a couple of months out. I have to catch up to you and get the spar/firewall mounted so I can then work on the canopy… at which point the canard cover will get completed.
Good to see your progress too! Man, you’re crushing it!
As always, ROCK ON!!
Cheers,
Wade
Happy New Year my friend.
Happy New Year to you as well!
I am excited about how far you have come on your build. What is your eta on the finished project?
Hey You! I’m hoping to be done with all the airframe stuff by New Years. Then finish, paint and small stuff from there on out. Really hoping for late February to March first flight. After all the requisite hours are flown off and she’s officially airworthy, you of course deserve a ride! ;)
Hmmm no updates since Valentine’s Day 2024? A progress report is required!
Yep, back on it. Sorry for the gap… had some house projects and an engagement to knock out! ;)