6'3" ... Will I fit?

[Graysont67]

Hello. Will a 6'3", 220lb pilot fit in a varieze? I flew gliders years ago and have no problem with tight spaces.  Thanks.

Tom

[srothert]

Tom,
You should find a Vari-Ez or Long-Ez and sit in the front seat.  A Vari-Ez is a little narrower than a Long-Ez. Your shoulders will probably be touching the sides and upper longerons.  Depending on who built the plane initially, you may or may not have to move the rudder pedals and may or may not have enough head clearance with the canopy.  The length issue might be partially addressed by the type and thickness of the seat cushions.

Where are you located?

Steve Rothert
Long-Ez N49SR
Albuquerque, NM

[Graysont67]

Steve, thanks for the reply.  I'm based in Klamath Falls, OR (KLMT).  I'm trying to find a varieze to sit in to see if I even fit.  If it fits, I think the varieze or longeze is a great plane given price and performance.  On a side note, Klamath is 4095 msl with density altitudes approaching 7000 ft in the summer.  We have a 10,000 ft runway and the POH says the varieze should use no more than 3000 at max gross for takeoff.  Does this sound accurate?  Thanks.

Tom

[srothert]

Tom,
I would contact Terry Schubert who is the editor of the CSA Newsletter.  He maintains a mailing list of members and might be able to direct you to someone in Oregon.  His email is the following  Jschuber@juno.com

Steve Rothert
Long-Ez N49SR
Albuquerque, NM

[BruceHughes]

Hi Tom

There are 2 "owners" of Variezes in the CSA in OR; there may be others that are not CSA members (I never understood why anyone would not be a member - it is $30/year).   There is scanty information on them so I suspect that they are builders.  How far along are they?  You will have to call them.   Gil Hutchison is in Salem 503-510-2317.    Sid Siefkes in in Baker City 541-523-4388.

You might consider a Longeze; there are 3 that I know are flying or were flying when the directory was prepared.  There also is a Cozy that is or was flying.  You might consider subscribing to the Central States Newsletter.   The directory alone is worth the $30.    You get info on CSA at the "home" page of this website.

Bruce Hughes   

[Super-EZE]

Tom,

Are you building or buying?

[Graysont67]

Thanks to everyone for the replies and information.  I will definitely contact the two Oregon builders and join the CSA.  I recently learned of the Longeze increased gross weight if operated in normal category.  I'm thinking this airplane may be the way to go because of the roomier cockpit.

Am I building or buying?  Both... I'm currently building a Maranda AMS-S14.  It's a two place wooden design that will eventually end up on floats.  I'm looking for something to fly while I'm building.  The canards fit my needs and the performance/value cannot be beat.  Someone commented that every time they see canard owners, they are smiling and 1000 miles away from their home base.  You can't go wrong with that.  Thanks again.

Tom

[dorr]

There's a Long EZ in K Falls - get in touch with me at canardfinder at att.net

[Bob Holliston]

There is a Varieze in my hanger in Hood River, Or. you can sit in all you want. Long haul up here tho.

[Graysont67]

Bob, I may take you up the offer sometime.  I'm in Portland quite a bit on business.

Tom

[Bob Holliston]

No problem. My # is: 541 980-1723.

[BruceHughes]

Hi Tom

There also is a Longeze in  the hangar on an airpark in Independence, OR.  Joe Dubner.  I don't have his phone # but probably can find his email address.   If you want it, I will find it and get back.

Bruce Hughes