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Builder Advice Please

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Sactu1:
Hello.

I'm looking at an O-235 Long-Ez for possible purchase - inspecting it in the next couple of weeks.  The instrument panel is OK, but I would want to update a few of the steam gauges and redo the layout.   I have a question for those who have built a Long-Ez - is the instrument panel an integral component of the structure, and/or can I build a new one to replace the older one.  The current owner can't help me with this advice, as he didn't build the aeroplane himself.  Appreciate any advice.

Tks,
Jim 

Marc Zeitlin:

--- Quote from: Sactu1 on May 30, 2016, 10:08:30 PM ---I'm looking at an O-235 Long-Ez for possible purchase - inspecting it in the next couple of weeks.
--- End quote ---
Just out of curiosity, which one?


--- Quote from: Sactu1 on May 30, 2016, 10:08:30 PM ---... is the instrument panel an integral component of the structure, and/or can I build a new one to replace the older one.
--- End quote ---
While the IP is structural, many folks have cut it out and replaced it with an aluminum panel. If done correctly (and there have been numerous discussions on the canard-aviators and COZY mailing lists for how to do this), it will be as strong and stiff as the original integral IP.

I would also highly recommend a pre-buy examination from a qualified examiner - I've seen too many 2nd - 3rd owners get bitten because they didn't know what they were looking at or how to evaluate a canard composite aircraft properly. Especially if they're buying the plane from a non-builder, who also doesn't know exactly what they're looking at.

I've performed about 30 pre-buy exams and 30 or so Condition Inspections on canard aircraft in the past 3.5 years, so I have a bit of experience in this area.

Sactu1:
Thanks Marc - helps a lot. 

The aeroplane is in Perth, Western Australia - a tad south from where you guys are located : )

Cheers,
Jim

Tom Mann:
I'm sure Marc would inspect it if you covered his expenses.
:-D

Marc Zeitlin:

--- Quote from: Tom Mann on May 31, 2016, 10:21:45 AM ---I'm sure Marc would inspect it if you covered his expenses.
:-D

--- End quote ---
Maybe even only 1/2 - haven't been down under in 30 years - on our honeymoon in '86. It would be a great 30th anniversary present :-).

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