Hangar Flying

Well, N6553C is no longer in the fleet.  I had an in-flight electrical fire starting in her on May 10th of this year and flipped her 3 times while attempting an emergency landing.  She was totalled.  However, I did salvage some pieces/parts.  Here is what I have.  Call me if you are interested - Mike 913-626-4130.

- Custom seat black vinyl cushions (front and back) with faux weave pattern in them, with the words "Rutan Aircraft Factory" embroidered in red on them (one thicker than other, so you can decide which goes where, depending on your height), plus the head cushion in the same black. - $125

- front nose leg with complete swivel assembly, wheel and tire - low hours on the multi-ply smooth tire (can't remember the manufacturer of it) - $100

- Complete cover - covers wings, canard and fuse - red, yellow and blue.  This was custom sewn using patterns from a fella's pattern (doing fittings on it to make it just right), using all high end outdoor water-proof fabrics. - $350

- Main gear bow (no cracks.  It sheared off at bolts and did not damage any layup work) - $350

- Exhaust for an Lycoming O-235 - $100

- Various belcranks, pullies, etc. - will define with you and make a deal

- Carb intake pan and air filter (the brown composite one) - $65

Does anyone have the excel spreadsheet for doing a weght and balance on a varieze?  Mine came with the printout but not the associated program.  I can write one, but I thought I'd try this first.

Thanks.

Mike
mike_westendorf@yahoo.com

I saw a Long with its retractable landing light mounted in the belly, just aft and to the right of the nose wheel compatment.  The actuator for the retract was located just below the and to the right of the nose gear crank (center bottom console).

I should be able to do the same light position on my Varieze, which would put the light asembly just under my pilot seat (about 4" between floor and bottom of seat).  I figure I will cut an access door in the seat bottom to access the light for potential bulb replacement.  I plan to cut a hole in the fuse bottom and use the cut-out as the door.  However, I need to find out where to buy an actuating assembly and or designs for a home-built system.  I could probably use a flex cable and hinge from Aircraft Spruce.  But, how about the arm/actuator/pivot?

Anyone have suggestions or examples which they would be willing to share.  I can replicate/fabricate/fit extremely well.  However, I lack the ingenuity to design a one-off 90 degree actuator, to take my linear push/pull from the front of the cabin and convert it to move the door to its open (down) position (the 90 degree movement).

Thanks.

Mike
KC Kansas
N6553C
816-500-7074

My mother is a seamstress and has graciosuly offered to sew a custom cover for my new plane - N6553C, a '92 Varieze.  Does anyone know where I can find such a pattern?

Thank you.

Mike Westendorf
816-500-7074

Dear EZ Squadron;

I'm a 325hr VFR pilot who grew up around planes. It's a passion for me.  However, I've sat on the sidelines for the last 20 years - wanting a Long EZ / Varieze / Racer / ..., but never able to make the financial plunge. My disposable income has gone into raising children... and flying RC planes to compensate for not being able to fly the real thing.  A few of you know me from seeing me at Oshkosh, and at fields around the Midwest and eastern US. In fact, a few of you have been kind enough to give me a ride... Thanks.

I'm a 41 year old father of four great kids, and while I make a pretty respectable income, my wife and I have never been financially able to allow me to indulge myself in the dream. Well, I'm in full-bore midlife crisis and coming up on a milestone - the same age as my father was when he purchased his first plane. I'm not going to do the whole younger gal or sportscar thing... but I'll be damned if I am going to see 45 without owning a Long or Varieze. I am relatively naive in my belief that, given an opportunity to do so, people are willing to help others. And, I am asking for your help.

Will you please help me?.  David Orr has agreed to help me.  But even as absolutely connected as he is, there are still planes out there that have not yet surfaced.  And, I am the poor guy trying to find a rarity - great plane at an even better price (basically one I can afford).  

I am prepared and capable of pulling the trigger, though the resulting blast from that financial gun will by no means be large or loud as judged by most of you.  I have a 401K account that I'm prepared to cash out - $15K after penalties and taxes. Combine that with selling off a dirt bike and some remote control planes, and I can bring it up to about $18,000 cash in relatively short order - 3-4 weeks time ($15k of that being available almost immediately).  I'm successful at what I do and will earn a $10-20K bonus this year, payable in end March '08.  I'm looking for a flying Varieze or Long EZ, from someone willing to work with me, given my financial constraints.

So, I am appealing to each of you.   Do you know someone who is actually looking for a good home for their plane?  Are they someone who might be willing to sell their plane for a little less than what they could probably get elsewhere, because they want to help someone who is worthy of helping?  I am an ethical, good person. I help others and do that freely.  I am the man my parents raised me to be, and have some great folks who would welcome giving me reference.  

This is new to me.  I've never owned before.  As such, I could also use your advice.   If you were in my shoes, how would you proceed?

Thanks in advance for the help.  If this works, I'll be the guy at Oshkosh in '08 with the plane named "Thanks!"  And, I will personally thank each one of you.

Regards,
Mike Westendorf
816-500-7074