Hangar Flying

Marc,
Who was the distributor?
I'm in the Northwest-- Shady Cove, OR (NE of Medford)
How did the Floatation Billets compare with the normal foam?
I see 1.8 lb/ft3 density vs  the 2 lb/ft3 with AS&S foam.
Were the corners square or rounded?

I wish Canard Builders well. Having built a Varieze (1980--1992) and flown it (1992--2011), I have started another plans build composite: the pro-composite Vision.
I can look at three (via internet) completed Visions. My plans' number is 401 and I think at least two more bought after me. Plan building is much more of a commitment than kit building. But more satisfying. My mindset is that the education of building is part of the process. I don't look to find all my answers in one place. Confidence comes in reading, doing and making decisions. Some say it's not rocket science. Rocket science is easy. Rocket engineering is expensive.
Canards are the best buy in aviation. Especially Rutan canards. Speed, comfort, safety, fun, and the flexibility of doing your own simple modifications.

Opportunity for the Varieze dreamer to buy a solid airframe and upgrade to all the wanted goodies. Airframe 130 Hours, flown regularly (last cruise 170MPH!), O200A 1650 Hours SMOH. Wood Prop. Day VFR. Ed Sterba 72/60 prop, GA prop, too. B&C light-weight starter, alternator. wheel pants, Rocky MTN Micro-encoder, fuel computer, electric turn&bank, 4-way CHT/EGT, ELT, foam cushions, Screw-on Oil Filter, Canopy-gear alarm, 11 inch longer nose, needs paint, 2 gal. Header tank, Canopy cover, Trailing edge fences to improve low speed performance. No wing attach fitting corrosion. $16,000, or best offer. Info to help you fly safe.  Ramona, CA (San Diego) Alan 541*531*9245

Hi, Beagle and all that still check us out.
This is what is happening with canards & composites at Ramona.
Flying: Al Geitzen and his Velocity and the Amazing Wheeler's with another Lancair--flying off experimental hours.
Working at flying: Me with my Varieze, doing some engine work.
Working at building: Phil Langford and his Q2
Working at life: Harry Abbott and Seth Schlam.
Seth, Harry, Phil and I are usually there every Saturday for lunch in Ramona.
Please feel free to stop by Chuck Hall before noon. My number 541*531*9245 if you want to check out by phone. There are some good metal experimental A/Cs and aerobatic guys as well.
I am calling for a new CASA MUCHADA night. Probably next month, Second Thursday
as all are still vacationing, etc. Please reply to this if you are interested. , if no interest, we won't have one. Also anyone up for a Christmas PARTY? Hangar or Restaurant? REPLY--talk it up!

Guys and Gals:
The CASA Muchado is the place,
6:30 pm is the time,
Third Thursday, April 19th is the date,
EZ Talking is the venue!
Be there! Tell us what is happening with your EZ! :wink:

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.

I refurbished my 0-200A last year and put 8.5:1 lycom pistons in.
They cost me $860. It was money well spent. My climb is now 1200 fpm plus and top speed improved about 15 knots. I looked at C85 pistons and it was told to me that the piston tops needed to be machined into a chamfer. I decided to let the piston experts do it. The folks at Lycom were easy to deal with. I did need to call them on the correct way to assemble the rings.