Newbie

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Offline Sam

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« on: February 15, 2006, 07:40:54 PM »
Hi all,
I live in SE Florida and saw one of these EZ planes for the first time. I'm very intrigued by them. Are these fairly stable planes to fly or are they just too much for a newly minted pilot? If I were interested in buying one of these, how would I know that the workmanship was upheld to a certain standard? Is there an unbiased resident  expert who would be willing to look at a plane?
Thanks
Sam

Offline Drew

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« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2006, 10:11:58 PM »
Keep surfing this site.  There are all kinds of discussions about new guys flying EZs, how they handle, and what it takes to fly them.

I believe that you will also find all kinds of stuff in here about quality of workmanship.

Recently there were discussions on people selling EZs----and those types of people you should avoid.

When you are ready, you can probably find a person to inspect for you.  But in a nutshell...did the builder use the right number of layers or fiberglass or not?  You will never know unless you cut the part in half and take a look.  However, those builders with good reputations, those that meticulously documented their project (including pictures----see Wayne Hick's site as an example), those with planes that have a fair number of hours on them (proven), plus a whole host of other indicators can give you a good indication of how good the airplane is.

The one warning I give to potential buyers-----don't think you can avoid getting your hands dirty by buying an already built fiberglass airplane.  Be prepared to learn a lot about fiberglass, epoxy, engines, hardware, etc.  If you don't like working with your hands, or don't have time to learn about these machines------then experimental aviation is not for you----or if you have lots of money, you can probably get someone to take care of it for you.

If you surf this site (as well as canardzone.com) you will find all the answers you are looking for.
Drew Swenson
Cozy N171ML

Offline Ghost-Rider

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Sun & Fun
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2006, 06:17:13 PM »
If you’re interested in Canards and you live in S. Florida, then Sun & Fun is the place to go.  

Every year they have lots of canards that fly into the show. You can see State of the art Velocity’s and compact VariEZes’. The people are great and the information exchange is plentiful.

I was there last year and decided that I really wanted one of these truly unique machines. I purchased a project shortly after the show, and anticipate being in the air this summer.

Good luck, and look forward to seeing you at Sun & Fun

Ghost

Offline Hiflier68

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« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2006, 10:33:16 AM »
Hey Ghost, lets go flying soon!!!!

Offline Sam

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« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2006, 02:23:01 PM »
Thanks for the tip. I'll be at sun-fun.
Don't worry Drew, I've owned boats all my life. Saltwater will force you to get dirty. :lol:

Offline Drew

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« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2006, 04:15:51 PM »
Sam,
Awsome---welcome to the club!  As long as you have a willingness to learn and don't mind getting your hands dirty, this is the hobby for you.  I try to discourage those that don't have those traits.  Many people worry about their skill sets.  But you don't need the skills---you can develop them as you go---whether you build or buy.  But you do need the right attitude---and sounds like you have it.

I will most likely be down for Sun&Fun for at least one of the days.  I usually show up for one of the days prior to the weekend.  Stop by if you see me.
Drew Swenson
Cozy N171ML

Offline Bruce Hughes

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« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2006, 10:55:24 AM »
Hi Sam

A good source of information is the Central States Newsletter.
You probably already know that.   If not, check the information on this
website.   It is far more valuable than the $25 (I have started sending
$30 just because it is so good) annual dues.   4 newletters plus the annual directory.   With the directory you can see who lives near you, if he is flying, or building, or watching.   There are also back issues available and I started
with 2 years back issues. :D
Yelm, WA
Longeze N199BH
retired
taught at Maui Community College

Offline Ghost-Rider

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Meet & Greet
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2006, 06:09:17 PM »
Sam,

I am going to be working on my VariEZe project all day this Sunday the 26th. Your welcome to come by and meet some of the Southeast Florida Canarder's that are in the area.

Talk to you soon,

Ghost