Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: falcon1 on March 07, 2006, 11:08:39 AM
Title: experimentals
Post by: falcon1 on March 07, 2006, 11:08:39 AM
Hello, I'm new to this forum, so excuse any redundand questions. I was just considering the purchase of an experimental aircraft. The ones that have caught my eye are 1. Vari Eze 2.Thorp T-18 3. Mustang II I need help from any of you owners out there as to the advantages of each. I seem to prefer the Eze because of the design and seeming dependibility of the airframe. One of my concerns is the apparant difficulty of heating the cabin. Well, how about some comments and/or suggestions
I have about 1000 hrs, some in complex aircraft, been flying for about 35 years.
Thanks in advance
Title: New to forum
Post by: Alan Laudani on March 07, 2006, 01:53:05 PM
Welcome, IMHO, the best thing to do is to digest all the information on this site and then check the links, especially Yahoo! Group Canard Aviators. Are you a builder or a buyer? There is a T18 project availiable in Ramona, CA with a 0-320. Also in Ramona, a Mustang II is availible for viewing/visit at Chuck Hall Aviation. The Ramona bunch meets most every Saturday at the Abbott/Schlam/Langford hangar at Chuck Hall. Two VE pilots attend.
Title: Re: Vari Eze advantages
Post by: Alan Laudani on March 07, 2006, 04:07:31 PM
Sorry to advertise Ramona, just noted your hometown. We probably won't see you very soon. As to cabin heat. Not a problem if one has sealed where the slipstream may slip in. Maintenance issues: small susceptability for corrosion in the wing attach fittings, exposed control linkages, main gear attach, brakes and axels. All easily to inspect and prevent. Tandum seating allows for more accurate landings and fighter pilot feel. Sidestick allows for pressure controlling--not stick movement which for the initiate, may cause pilot induced pitch oscillation. Effective rudders for slipping and drag brakes. Reclined seat very comfortable. Most VE pilots (my observation) keep too great a landing approach speed which results in excessive landing rolls. Cannot, should not be landed in "stall" attitude. Should have Vortilons installed, Klaus trailling edge fences are good too. Cabin size is not forgiving of the wide body pilot or passenger. Great fuel economy. Landing gear/canopy latch warning system advisable. Used VE prices range from 12k to 25k, when VFR. IFR Variezes have been known to be availiable as well.
Title: experimentals
Post by: falcon1 on March 07, 2006, 05:49:16 PM
Alan, Thanks for the response. I will be a buyer, not a builder. Not because of inability, only the time involved. I do electronics work for a living and probably can handle that pretty easily. Good to hear about the heat issue, my wife doesn't want to freeze! Pilot size is a non-issue since I am only 5'8 and 145# soaking wet! I will take your advice and scour the websites. Thanks again.