Firefly's Introduction
FireFlys' Cozy Mark IV, #1500

Dedicated to those that lost their lives on 9/11

Introduction

ABOUT THE BUILD AND THE BUILDER:

My name is Douglas Walters, and I am a Firefighter/Paramedic from Westerville, Ohio (a Columbus suburb).   I earned my Pilots License while attending The Ohio State University.  Like most pilots, I have always dreamed of owning my own plane.  And as some, I also was interested in the rewards of building my own aircraft. 

On May 20, 2005 (20-05-2005), I purchased Cozy Mark IV Plans #1500 from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty.  Aside from this Cozy milestone, this build will be special because I plan to build it as a tribute to those that lost their lives during the September 11th attacks.  The N-number N911HF will symbolize the phrase “No 911 Heroes Forgotten”.  Building under the name “FireFly”, people will be able to follow my project progress on this website.

Officially beginning on 9/11/2005, the project plane will be scheduled to be finished on 9/11/2011.  The Cozy Mark IV plans will be utilized and incorporate the most common modifications that builders are currently using.   When completed, N911HF’s dramatic paint scheme will incorporate all the names of the heroes and victims of the 9/11 attacks.  It is my intention to make a show quality plane that proudly represents the heroes named on its surface.

 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND ME ANY IDEAS/DRAWINGS OF A SUITABLE PAINT SCHEME - Please keep in mind that the paint scheme will have to be subtle to reduce heat absorption.

 

ABOUT THE PLANE:

I chose the Cozy Mark IV as the platform for this project.  The key factors for this decision were:

  • 200 Mph cruise - I love flying, but I want to get where I'm going to.

  • Fuel efficiency - Have you seen fuel prices lately?

  • 4 seat design - I want some flexibility.

  • Composite construction - Amateur friendly, slick, and quiet construction.

  • Just plain (or should I say 'plane') COOL LOOKING! - Why not turn some heads while you're at it?

Specifications:

Seats:

4

Wing Span:

28.1 ft.

Nose Gear:

manual retract

Canard Span:

11.5 ft.

Gross Weight:

2050 lbs.

Total Wing Area:

101.4 sq. ft.

Empty Weight:

1050 lbs.

Length:

17.0 ft.

Maximum Speed:

220 mph

Height:

7.9 ft.

Minimum Speed:

64 mph

Cockpit Width (Front):

42.0 in.

Range:

1350 Miles
(w/ 1hr. reserve)

Cockpit Width (Rear):

38.0 in.

Engine:

Lycoming O-360

Airframe Cost:

$14 K - $15 K

Wing Airfoil:

Modified Eppler

 

(w/o engine
or avionics)

Canard Airfoil:

1145 Roncz

 

 

 

While I intend to remain close to the plans, I will make some modifications that are consistent with many of the changes incorporated by other Cozy builders.  

Interview with Nat Puffer (Cozy designer)

Where can I find out more about the Cozy Mark IV?

 

N911HF - No 911 Heroes Forgotten