Hangar Flying

There is more to it than just the pistons.  Ask this question on the Yahoo Lycoming Forum and you'll get answers from engine builders with years of experience.  There was a thread recently and I believe it was said that some blocks work, some don't based on bearings etc.  I know of 2 canardians that had engines hopped up to high compression and the other modifications necessary by knowledgeable engine builders.  They are expecting almost normal TBO, we'll see....
Do they have an unlimited supply of high octane avgas in Europe?

Just a suggestion, I took a piece of 1x4 pine and cut it to a length that would wedge up under the prop extension from the ground with a little kick of a toe.  Cut out a 1/2 circle at the top end to fit around the bottom of the extension so it's stable side-to-side.  ALWAYS put it in place when the nose gear is extended in the hangar.  Can sit that was safely, indefinitely. 

Christian,
With your experience you could fly an EZ as well as most of us rookies.  My seller went on a bender the night before he was supposed to give me a few hours and never made it to the airport.  Can't blame him, he was heading back to Diego Garcia the day after that.....
After a few hours of taxiing up and down the taxiway and faster on the runway I just went for it.  Had to go around the first try as it was so hard to slow down but the second try resulted in a great landing.  You'll do fine.  Or find a Cozy to get some time in where your controls will be correct for an EZ.  I only had a couple hundred hours in Cessnas over 20 years so you'll be fine.
Have fun!

Has anyone ever 'camped' in the dirt at Copperstate?  Doesn't look too inviting but the camaraderie may make up for it like it did at sloshkosh this year.

Does anyone know the brand of an electric actuator used for Long EZ air brake that is 13" long and 1.75" square?  Mine is not always closing and there is no label on it.  Need to find manufacturer if possible. 
Thank you.

Walt,
Joe could well be the best contact you'll make in your quest.  He won't steer you wrong or sell you anything phony.  You'll get a lot of other input and will learn who to follow and who to humor......  Joining CSA will get you more data, an index of articles and a list of folks to talk to.
The plans will tell you a lot about tools, space, etc.  The Canard Pushers are available online and in the TERF CD's.  Pick your topics or questions and search the forums.  Lots and lots of info out there.  Also, the Cozy builders group is a wealth of information and the many builders have experience galore.  Check out Wayne Hicks' web site where he has documented everything.  Other have also.  Other than Wayne and the Cozy Girrrls, and maybe a couple others, be wary of those that have yet to fly their projects.  Some have gobs of advice and multiple daily postings on highly modified and 'improved' designs and tend to argue with the engineers....  You'll soon recognize the couple guys that have built more than one Long Ez or Varieze and they know what you want to.  Get to know them.
There is plenty around to read and learn from.  I've printed and accumulated almost 4 -3" binders full over the last few years.  You might consider going to Rough River if you can in a couple weeks to meet the Central and Eastern group, the Girrrls, the Harris', Gary Hertzler, Terry Schubert and Ken Miller.  A lot of talent in one place for a new builder.  Many good contacts.
Good luck!
Waldo

Thanks for the update and photo Joe.  Glad to see a nice turnout and great weather.  Maybe next year.......