Hangar Flying

Hi Whoever you are:

I had to cut off one fuel sump because I was changing engine mounts.
(The original mount was much too flimsy IMHO).   A pair of bolts holding
the aluminum extrusions to the lower longerons can only be reached
by removing the sumps.   Another GOTCHA on building.   Luckily you can
buy the fuel sumps already formed from the guys in N. California (I
forgot the company name).  (Featherlite?)

Bruce Hughes   

Hi.   1 port per cylinder will do because you do not have to prime all
4 cylinders.   I think you will find 2 per cylinder.   Look very carefully
at the cylinders all around the end of the cylinder near the spark plug,
and valves.   There will be threaded plugs in the ports.

I am away from home just now or I could look in my owner's manual.
Also, the owner's manual may not show it; a rebuild manual is more
complete.

Bruce   

BTW  There are many experts in CA; I just know Bill and Dale.  If they are too busy, they
probably can refer you to a good person that can do inspections.   Just be D*MN sure
you get it inspected before you buy; A few years ago we had a VERY BAD example of a
canard owner trying to sell a pile of junk in southern CA.   The seller insisted on $1000
down and would not return it when it became so obvious that nobody would dare to fly
it.  The swindled guy had paid air fare from the east, too.

The only way to see what the minimum speed would be (as far as I know) is to get it to a
reasonable altitude and test it.

If you are planning to buy a Longeze that is already flying, your maximum weight has been set
by the builder.   You cannot, as far as I know, change that.   So you need to see what limit
he set.   

As you did not build it, you have a problem doing an annual inspection.  I think Bill Oertel or
Dale Martin can do that but you better ask one of them.   Ask your CSA state representative
or Joe Person or Dale Martin; any of them knows about 100 times as much as I do.

I am still trying to take a few pounds off of mine.   As I said, I can legally fly at 1400 lb.   When
the test period is finished the CG range opens somewhat.   That will allow me to take some tools
out of the nose so I will be around 1380 or I can carry more gas.    Sure I wish it was lighter
and I think I can get it down to 1360 lb.

Bruce Hughes   

I have been told to not say anything about canards as I am not an engineer and I do
not know what I am talking about.  Having said that, there are some obvious facts.

1. If built CORRECTLY, the canards are extremely strong.  Compare that to aluminum airplanes,
    either homebuilt or certificated.   The rear seat, in particular, is pretty safe.  I have a
    few parts from a Longeze that landed in a forest.  The pilot was killed but not the
    passenger.  Try that with an RV.
2. If your airplane turns out heavy, as mine is, you may have trouble getting the CG right.
    I have 25 pounds of tools in the nose and a battery that is bigger than necessary.
    Be careful to build correctly (I took over a project so maybe it is not all my fault).
    If you are a really big guy, the CG is easier to get right, even is the canard is a little
    heavy.
3.. If you have a forced landing, the energy to be stopped (by trees, rocks, whatever)
    is elated to the SQUARE of the landing speed.   If your canard was built too heavy,
    the landing speed will be higher.
4. If you are landing on a decent runway, just be sure you have good brakes.  Recently
    I discarded what I had and put Grove brakes on.  That is an important reason I feel
    fairly safe to fly it (if it ever flies)(I don't have FAA approval yet)
5. If you use a smaller engine and light propeller and are pretty heavy yourself, you might
    even have the CG too far farward.   Unlikely but you have to get the CG CORRECT.
6. You are the builder; you can legally set the maximum weight as whatever you want.
    You just need to pay attention to #1,2,3, and 4.
7. We don't have stall/spin accidents IF you get the CG right.
8. Look in the CSA directory; most builders give their empty weight.
9. Some builders have a light airplane but they are so heavy themselves that they will
    die of a heart attack or diabetes.   I can name names on that one.  I weight 160
    which is a little heavy for 5'7"
10. Did I say to be sure to get the CG right?

Bruce Nughes   

Hi Cougar

The time required is a big factor.  Another is the possibility of making serious errors
that will haunt or kill you.  I have done over many, many things (which adds a little
weight each time).  You MUST have some expert help from other builders who know
what they are doing.   As so many pilots have a lot more experience with aluminum,
composite experts are not so abundant.   We can give you names, depending on'
where you live.   Which is ?

If properly built, the Longeze should be safer; the Longeze will take a lot of Gs.

DON'T make changes in the plans unless you are an aeronautical engineer.  I did that
and had to go back to the plan configuration every time.

Bruce Hughes   

To Farnswow (it would be nice if we knew your name...)

Joe Person did not say the following but I know that it is true: 

Joe is one of Boeing's experts on metals.  After work he has
built 2 Variezes.   He is a superb craftsman.  I would listen to
what he is saying.   It is NOT a good idea to make changes
in RAF plans.

I have made a few mods to the RAF plans.  I have changed
almost all of them back to the way it was designed.   

Bruce Hughes   

Hi John

I do not have a flying canard so be careful how much of this you believe.

The best thing for you is to join the CSA.  It is $30.  For that you will get 4 newsletters
and a directory.  When you get the directory, look under FL and you will see who is
close to you.   When you look through the Jan. issue, you will find the state representatives
around page 20.   Then start calling or emailing.   Talk with some real experts, not me.  You
probably will also buy some back issues, I did.

BTW If you plan to have your wife along, she will want more room for stuff than the
Varieze has.  If you want to fly faster and go solo, then the Varieze is better.   

If you start from plans and glass, you can buy plans for the Cozy.   Sometimes you can
buy plans for the Longese or Varieze but they are rare on Barnstormers.  Beware of Ebay;
(or Barnstormers) they may be xerox copies which really are not legal.   Maybe you
don't care.

Be careful about buying; you might get a Longeze like mine (way too heavy).   I had 2
or 3 dangerous things that I accidently created.  Those have been fixed on mine (as far
as I know) but if you buy, how do you know if it is not dangerous?

Bruce Hughes