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Messages - DWilliford

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Hangar Flying / Re: Death of the Canard Builders??

« on: March 21, 2012, 12:55:45 PM »

There may be something to a decline in builders of canard aircraft. The same could be true of GA pilots. With the rise of fuel costs, instruction, flying and other expenses, like hanger rent and insurance, it's no wonder there are less new pilots and as a result, canard builders.
Since I bought The Stagger EZ in May of 2011, I've had some awesome experienses flying and maintaining my EZ. I knew going in, that I did not want to spend five or six years building, So I chose to buy one already built. If I were 20 years younger, I might consider building. Would I have saved a lot of money building, likely not. I know I did save 6,500 hours building a canard.

David

Hangar Flying / Re: Belleville washers to hold props on?

« on: December 30, 2011, 06:29:11 PM »

And note the words "good/safe" -- it's good enough if done right. But I don't have total confidence in my ability to maintain that bolt torque without frequent checking and adjustment, which is more work than I'm willing to do.

I agree with you. Regular bolt tighting can be safe. One just has to be very diligent. It's my hope that the Belleville washers will simply add a measure of safety, and as Sam with Saber manufactureing said, "they can't hurt". The bolt torque on my prop went from a heathy 45 lbs to a dangerous 20lbs in less than 30 hours of actual flying. That's scary. I account for the change to a large temperature decline. So, with the right amount of dilligence, bolt torgue does suffice. The difference is that in using the washers, do I increase or add a margen of safety in making sure my prop stays on safely? I think I do. Hopefully, I won't have to rely on the " it's good enough if done right" method.

Thank you,
Anyone else?

David

Hangar Flying / Belleville washers to hold props on?

« on: December 27, 2011, 11:39:48 AM »

I'm curious as to how many carnard drivers are out there that are using Belleville washers to secure their propellers? I for one have converted after discovering that my prop is no longer air worthy. I just no longer believe that bolt torque is a good (safe) measurement of the force needed to keep the propeller on my plane. Do you feel the same way? Have you ever come close to loosing a propeller in the air?