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Topics - Ghost-Rider

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Hangar Flying / Starter Wires

« on: July 11, 2007, 05:40:28 PM »

I am getting ready to order a B&C Electric Starter for my VariEZe project.
I am still in the building phase, but tired of Hand-Proping.

My question is what gage wire to use, or better yet what gage wire I can get away with?

Also, are their any Light Weight options? Like a type of wire that may be expensive, but will shave a pound or two off the installation?

Ghost
VariEZe N297TV
Miami Fla.
Currently Taxi Testing

Hangar Flying / 0-200 EGT

« on: July 11, 2006, 04:17:16 AM »

Getting ready to install my EGT probes. I have a continental 0-200, and I have conflicting information on the distance from the cylinder head.

I have searched high and low on the web for the correct distance.

The last information I had was 4 inches from the cylinder head, after the 1st bend.

I am also interested in hearing what a good EGT range is for an 0-200.

Thanks,

Ghost

Hangar Flying / Stratomaster Instruments

« on: April 19, 2006, 07:14:52 AM »

I am ready to install my panel, or at least I think I am. Lots of thought and ideas to consider. I know a lot of canarders are installing the very popular Dynon EFIS, and in some cases the very good, but expensive Blue Mountain EFIS. I didn’t have the budget for either, but wanted a glass panel, so I opted to go with the Stratomaster system.

http://www.home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&ext=1&groupid=223342&ck

No Color, but the screen was big and the features plentiful. Once I get everything wired up I will add some photos to the web.

I was interested to know if anyone had any experience with Stratomaster instruments?

http://www.sportflyingshop.com/Instr/Stratomaster/Ultra/ultra.html

Ghost.

Hangar Flying / Slick Start Booster

« on: March 15, 2006, 07:11:47 AM »

I am getting very close to firing up my 0-200, that I am proud to say is bolted to my VariEZe.

I have decided not to install a starter for now, weight, cost, and Rutans recommendations were the basis for this decision.

I have some hand propping experience, having had a Gyrocopter years ago that was Subaru powered, and had to be hand propped.

Being a pusher, like the VariEZe, I never had a problem, or a close call for that matter.

In the future after I get tired of Hand propping, I may install a Light Weight starter, but for right now, I am anticipate going with this configuration.

I am however interested in installing a “SLICK-START” Magneto booster, and I was hoping to get some feedback from anyone that may have experience with this device.

I also would like some feedback on anyone that Hand Props their VariEZe.

Ghost

Hangar Flying / SPIDER BOX

« on: January 18, 2006, 07:08:49 AM »

I am looking for an Air Box for a Continental 0-200. I know they have them at Spruce for $249.00, but was told I should be able to find a used one in the $ 150.00 range.

If anyone has one or can point me in the direction of a good Continental Parts distributor, it would be greatly appreciated.

I called a couple of used parts places and they said they have them, but would not sell for an aircraft application, only Air-Boat.

Is there a Useful Life limit on an Air Box ?

I am also interested in upgrading to the new Ram-Air Filter Housing that’s out there, but was told that I would have to modify my NACA.

Does anyone out there have any experience with this ?

Ghost.

Hangar Flying / Pre-cut Foam Cores

« on: January 12, 2006, 08:17:51 AM »

Pre-cut Foam

I need to rebuild an Aileron on a VariEZe project.
I was told that a company called Feather Lite possibly sold pre-cut Foam cores.
Can anyone advise of a contact number or alternative source.

Thank you

Hangar Flying / Build or Fly

« on: January 02, 2006, 06:39:54 PM »

I find myself in a tough spot; a year ago I purchased a previously started project and thought I could get it in the air within a year or so. Fast forward 1 ½ years and I am still 1 ½ years away from flying, progress has been slow but steady.

A good friend of mine has decided to remove his custom 0-200 from his VariEZe project and install it into an amphibian project he has been working on and sell his VariEZe project. The project was a certified experimental until the original owner forgot to lower the gear on landing. That’s ok, because now it has a beautiful Long Nose on it.

Knowing that I am a couple of years from completing my project, the fact that I have a mid-time 0-200 sitting in the garage and I am X number of thousand dollars away from the dream of flight; my friend hits me like the Godfather with an offer I can’t refuse.

I won’t go into details about the price, but it’s within my budget and I am confident I can be in the air by this summer.

The problem is I really enjoy building and I take great personal pride in my work and the fact that I know it’s done right.

I purposely didn’t include photos because I am looking for feedback on the basis of the dilemma.

Ghost

Hangar Flying / VariEZe Landing Light

« on: October 17, 2005, 04:48:33 PM »

I am interested in installing a Landing light on my VariEZe project. I purchased the Ken Brock kit and as many of you know it doesn’t come with instructions.

The VariEZe plans don’t include instructions for this installation either, but I know many of you have installed KB LL on your VE’s and I was hoping someone could give me some good advice or point me in the right direction.

I am also interested in any insider tip that could facilitate a more effective installation.

I anticipate installing the switch on the control stick which is an Infinity Control Stick and installing an indicator light on the panel.

Ghost.

Hangar Flying / Balancing Ailerons

« on: September 10, 2005, 12:31:11 PM »

After icing my ailerons I discovered that they were out of balance ( Tail heavy ) and need to be adjusted. I have been given a couple of suggestions on how to fix the problem but they require major work.

I was told there was a News Letter that showed an efficient procedure for balancing ailerons.

If anyone is familiar with the News Letter number or has another technique to proffer, it would be greatly appreciated.

Hangar Flying / FATAL CRASH

« on: July 26, 2005, 07:52:10 PM »

Wednesday afternoon, July 20th, 2005 Glenn Saunders was fatally injured while performing an emergency landing.

Glenn was flying his 914-ROTAX powered VariEZe from Ft. Lauderdale (FXE) to Vernon, British Colombia Canada to meet his wife and 6 year old daughter that were vacationing there.

The trip was well planned and the aircraft had been performing flawlessly prior to the flight.

On the final leg of the flight, Glenn stopped at Lethbridge County Airport to refuel and Clear Customs. He filled his tanks and took off; shortly after taking off (Approx 1000 Ft.) Glenn advised the tower he had a problem and he was returning to land, shortly after that he advised that he was on fire.

One witness reported seeing smoke coming from the aircraft prior to impacting the ground in a wheat field.

I have personally been in contact with the Canadian Transportation Safety Board and I can tell all of you that they are working very hard at attempting to identify what caused this tragic accident.

Glenn was and excellent pilot and an Ace mechanic, additionally he was an expert ROTAX technician and more importantly a friend to all.

Funeral Services have not been set yet, but I will, with permission from the family, post something on the WEB as soon as possible.

Tony Utset
Miami Fla.

Hangar Flying / Nose Gear Ratchet Crank

« on: February 01, 2005, 11:57:14 AM »

If anyone can point me in the right direction, I am interested in plans that modify the Rutan nose gear hand crank to a ratchet hand crank.

I have seen it on two EZs’. In both cases it was purchased that way. A 3/8s ratchet is somehow incorporated into the crank mechanism.

If anyone has plans or can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.

Hangar Flying / Warning Horns

« on: January 27, 2005, 04:09:41 PM »

WARNING HORN
On most general aviation aircraft the only warning horn is the Stall Warning. Experimental aircraft differ in that the warning horn is often integrated into several systems. Canopy, Temperature, Nose Gear, Alternator, Throttle and so on. Safety is always an issue and I know some builders are going to disagree with my next statement, but I don’t care for warning horns. I have been in EZ’s that have a Canopy – Throttle combo. If you accelerate with the canopy open the warning horn goes off, prompting you to ensure the canopy is closed prior to takeoff. While this can be viewed as a safety feature, try taxiing down a long taxiway on a hot day trying to get ADIS information, or better yet has anyone ever been at an airport they are unfamiliar with and had to request a progressive taxi? Try doing that with the warning horn going off. I look at it this way, Like most people, I learned to fly in a General Aviation aircraft that didn’t have a warning horn for the doors should they accidentally open in flight, besides do you think the canopy could be opened without you knowing it, I think not. And as far as the Nose Gear and Takeoff goes, if you do what the FAA suggest you should do and follow a check list, these problems can be greatly reduced. I will argue with anyone, landing with the nose wheel up baring a malfunction is Pilot Error.

As Always comments and opinions are always welcome and productive.

Ghost.

Hangar Flying / Quantico Area Canards

« on: January 23, 2005, 02:20:21 PM »

To all EZ’s out there in the Quantico Virginia area, I am a VariEZe builder from Miami Fla. up here for the next couple of months. If you have a canard aircraft I would love to see it, completed and flying or under construction. Send me a direct E-mail, or post on this message board. I am off almost every weekend. I hope to hear from some of you, Thanks,

Ghost

Hangar Flying / Glass Instruments

« on: January 21, 2005, 11:54:37 AM »

Has anyone installed STRATOMASTER Maxi-Singles out there?
I am getting ready to do my panel on my VariEZe and I am very interested in using these gauges. If anyone has any feedback please advise and send pic’s if possible.

http://www.sportflyingshop.com/
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