Hi Folks,
I’ll be heading out to RR23 in a few hours in the back seat of Marco’s beautiful Long-EZ, JT (I will say most likely for the last time!). Since I’ll be gone for the good part of a week I just wanted to provide an updated update before I head out to fun & frivolity with my fellow Canardians!
I’m happy to report that the major recontouring, reshaping and significant re-glassing (in CF) of the bottom cowling is complete! I still have the very aft center lip (at the top of the bottom cowl fin) to glass as well as the interfacing left & right sides between top & bottom cowlings. Once these tasks are completed then the optimized install of the exhaust pipes will begin.
As I’ve stated before, I currently have a plan with my local race car exhaust-making dude, James, to finalize the exhaust pipes’ install configuration. And I very much intend to optimize the exhaust pipe runs as they should be, in line with Mike Melvill’s exhaust pipe mods that brought the pipes inboard a bit closer to the spinner and focused on the very inboard section of the prop. He notes all this in CP 83 and the operational improvements of these mods are impressive. Since I have no choice but to rewicker the exhaust pipes anyway, I might as well make them as near-perfect as possible.
I’m still intent to focus solely on the plane for the next however long it takes to finish this bird… ASAP!
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! ;)