Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: fpullanojr on December 23, 2005, 10:29:42 AM
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on December 23, 2005, 10:29:42 AM
I was just browsing Ebay and found a varieze up for sale. It has two bids on it at this time but the auction description concerns me. The numbers that the seller quotes for performance are numbers close to what klaus might post for his plane. I did send the seller an email through ebay asking him/her? about those numbers and I could be wrong about all of it. I suppose my problem (if I'm right) is that putting the plane up on ebay allows anyone to bid on it which means that the seller isn't all that concerned about who it goes to. Worse yet, the potential buyer could be getting into something that isn't nearly what the auction states. Like I said, I could be SO WRONG but I doubt that I am.
Here's the jist of the data supplied:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4599234526 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1978 varieze with a lycoming 0-235 L2C engine. airframe 240 hrs. engine TT 1160 hrs. Slick mags new battery speed brake climb prop.
Top Speed -- 220 mph Cruise -- 190 mph Range, s.m. -- 1000 Stall, mph -- 55 Takeoff Distance, ft. -- 750 Landing Distance, ft. -- 1000 Engine Used -- Lyc. 0-235 L2C -- HP Range -- 118 Fuel Capacity, gal. -- 29 Empty Weight, lbs. -- 620 Gross Weight, lbs. -- 1250. Instruments: Airspeed, Altimeter, Turn Coordinator Compass RPM Gauge Exhaust Temperature Oil Temperature Oil Pressure, Nav/Com Radio Hobbs Meter. Trim systems are Yaw, Pitch and Roll. The aircraft fuel burn at cruise is 6 gals. an hr. and uses 100 LL.
------------------------------------------------------------ Top Speed 220 MPH? With a climb prop? TO Distance 750 feet? Under normal conditions? CRUISE @ 190 MPH? With a climb prop? IF and that's a BIG IF the airplane will cruise at 190 MPH, the seller states that he can hold 29 gallons of gas. That's 4.83 hours total endurance minus the 30 minute reserve brings endurance down to 4.3 hours. 4.3 hours at 190MPH (ugg) is 817 SM range. That's at 6 GPH. All of those numbers with slick mags no electronic ignition, no mention of a ram air system or 4 pipe exhaust. No speed mods noted but a pretty light weight plane.
It's not that I'm trying to discredit the seller or his airplane. My problem is that I think those performance numbers are probably inaccurate and that's a bad thing. I just sold my VariEze to a guy at Langley AFB and he knew EXACTLY what he was getting into. Everything was disclosed to all potential buyers including the little quirks that the plane has. This plane still has wing cuffs on it, no vortions, no fences... It just doesn't add up.
So If I'm wrong about this, I'll be the first to say that I'm very sorry for posting this message but If I'm correct in my assumptions, then I would hope the seller would correct the description of the airplane and make sure people know what they are getting into. I feel that we have a responsibilty to be honest and also somewhat selective whith people when we are selling our planes. There were a number of guys that made offers on my plane and I simply told them that I would not sell it to them for one reason or another. One guy that had just received his PPL wanted to come and pick up the plane; his first flight was going to be back out to Arizona with the plane. Another guy was going to keep the plane on a costal airport in North Carilina but not in a hangar. I warned him against doing that with a canard even though I know there are canards that live outside - not my baby. Take it for what it's worth, sorry for the long post it just annoyed me quite allot.
- Frank Pullano Jr BerkEZ N97JD
Title: varieze on ebay
Post by: spy on December 23, 2005, 12:47:03 PM
hello everyone,
i come here after a days work to read on updates and news, and to relax but seems to me that some PEOPLE might be turning it INTo a Complaint department.. FOR other people....it EATS away on MORALE of this place. i have never seen or heard about the vari on ebay...I HAVE NEVER flown it or sat behind it.., i DO NOT know who the builder or the owner IS..i have no first hand experience on this plane I have NO RIGHT or Business to make judgements about it. I have no RIGHT to PLACE "WARNING ADS" about its SPECS IT IS NOBODYS BUSINESS. BUT THE BUYER AND THE SELLER i know a few people who would not DARE sell there canards here , because of this .UNFAIR PHENOMENON. Lets keep eze.org..a fun and nice place it has always :cry: been.
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Drew on December 23, 2005, 02:54:06 PM
I sure don't mind getting getting warnings---especially from an experienced Varieze driver like Frank Pullano. He should be able to quickly size up a Varieze by its description and looks better than most.
There are a lot of sellers that will sell to anybody----we need to be careful of this----it is my business-----the new buyer's action with the new plane can effect my insurance rates-------sellers---heed Frank's warnings.
There are a lot of buyers who don't really know what they are buying. Each buyer should know exactly what he is getting. There is nothing wrong with buying or selling a dog of an airplane. The seller needs to convey this point-----or he could end up hurting someone. These are not cars that we are flying.
As to the specifics (not being a Varieze guy like Frank though) --cuffs----hmmmm --engine time high----but I prefer buying high time engines so I can get a lower price and overhaul the engine myself to my own standards --top speed. I interpret this to be the max speed of the aircraft not in level flight (red line)----but the buyer needs to be made aware of this --cruise speed. It does not seem that 190 mph TAS is that unreasonable with a O235 engine on a light frame----but then again, I would defer to Frank------the climb prop thing seems kind of weird for the speed though (isn't Klaus in the 240ish mph TAS range?)
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on December 23, 2005, 05:17:25 PM
Spy said, "IT IS NOBODYS BUSINESS. BUT THE BUYER AND THE SELLER "
Sir, I respectfully disagree with you on this point. It is certainly everyone's business to waive the bs flag when it is warranted. I said it in my post, I'd be the first guy to stand up and say that I was wrong. In fact, if I'm wrong about that plane I'd buy it!
Consider for a moment that your best friend wanted to buy an EZ and you knew (or suspected) that it simply wasn't up to the advertisement of the aircraft. You wouldn't tell him about it? I certainly would; it would be criminal for anyone to stand by and allow that type of sale to commence without due warning to prospective buyers.
We had a miserable year with regards to safety in the Canard Community. We must all do our part in making 2006 a MUCH more successful year on that front. Can you honestly say that it's not anyone's business except the buyer and the seller?
I said it before and I'll say it again. I respect the opinions of those who disagree with me... my statements above are simply my opinion.
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: EZPILOT742X on December 23, 2005, 07:10:55 PM
I have to agree with Frank. Me makes some very good points and the numbers on that airplane with the specified equipment just dont match up. Being that its an O-235, the speed may not be too far off, but the climb prop makes me wonder. Who knows about the rest. Anyone who knows Frank (and I havent' even met him) knows that he loves being involved with canard airplanes and sharing it with anyone he can around the country. His attention to detail and above all else, smart decision making and SAFETY is paramount. He is simply trying to point out some discrepencies and things to think about when looking to buy and start flying a canard airplane. Things that may go unnoticed and overlooked to those that are new to are community. Last year was a dark and dangerous year for Canard Aviators and it hit frank very closely. I think he's just trying to do anything he can to keep us all safe.
Respectfully, Chris Randall Berk-EZ N742X
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Tom on December 23, 2005, 07:51:19 PM
I have personally seen the spot where a VE crashed and killed a pilot earlier this summer ( near CYQL), and have felt the "sick" feeling in my gut the next time I flew.
The Vari is a cheap, fast plane, that can, and DOES kill.
How would you explain to a widow that "it wasnt by buisness" ?
If Franks' post even so much as prevents bugs from being killed,, Hats off to ya!
To all wannabe VE/LE drivers out there:
Find help from an experinced Canard Aviator in your quest for a plane, It may not only save your life, but also that of a loved one.
Tom
C-GZRT
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Tom on December 23, 2005, 07:52:51 PM
PS
Frank I think you gave N500EZ away!!
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on December 23, 2005, 11:22:14 PM
For what it's worth, these emails came in to me but I've removed the names of the senders.. Look at what these people know about this airplane and they said something because someone stepped up and didn't mind their own buisness. Frankly, this information is frightning and the disclosure of this information could CERTAINLY save a life. My buisness or not, if I had a part in bringing out a truth and saved a buyer that knows nothing about canards from buying the plane.... well, you know the rest.
---snip---- I talked to this individual on the phone. He knows nothing about aircraft. He did not know when the last annual/condition inspection was completed. I'm not sure he new what they actually were and when they were due. The individual did not understand the concept of basic weight, gross weight, or useful load. It was purely a guessing game on his part. I would highly recommend caution when purchasing this aircraft. .... ----snip----
Another one. ----snip---- Hey Frank, you are dead nuts on about this piece of POOP!!! Unfortunately I know this guy. He DOES NOT have a pilots ticket, has flown the airplane. Made repairs that are not anywhere near right. It needs to be restored BEFORE it is flown. In its present condition I would let my X-husband fly it....got my point. If you wish to put this to the group you may. BUT, leave my name off of it. PLEASE!!!!!!! ----snip----
And one more. ----snip---- This is **** from California (the guy with the **** that flew into Camarillo). I was thinking of buying that EZ listed on Ebay but the history is very sketchy. The owner is not a licensed pilot and has not flown the plane in about a year. The people from the ******** back east (the *** stuff) looked at it for purchase also. There are delam problems, it had nose damage from the owner which was repaired by him, and a few other things I can't remember at this time. Oh, he had bought the plane without an engine and HE installed the 0235. No annuals, no log entry, nada. He is not an A&P. If you ask me, this plane shouldn't go for mare than about $10 - $12,000 given the unknown work and history. ----snip---- .
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Drew on December 24, 2005, 06:40:47 AM
Thanks for the info, Frank. This kind of forum with these kind of comments are going to keep people safe.
There is nothing wrong with buying that kind of plane (a dog----and most likely currently unsafe) as long as you know what you are getting into (a restoration project). But the price should reflect that too.
One thing I have mentioned several times (sometimes publicly----and mostly on private emails) is that I weigh my decision to buy on the reputation/integrity of the seller. I would walk away from sellers who don't know their aircraft. I would also walk away from a seller who was not pointing out what the problems are (there are always problems). It gives me great pause when I talk to a seller on the phone----ask him specifically about flaws, problems, or even little things that still need to be done----only to hear there are no problems whatsoever. Then I show up to inspect the aircraft and point out about a dozen flaws during a cursory inspection. Does the guy not know his plane----or does he have no integrity?----Walk!
When I sold my Longez, I had a documented list of flaws and things still left to be done if I kept the plane. I was convinced that the buyer would find no more existing problems. I also like to document those items to protect myself.
Title: ty
Post by: deuskid on December 24, 2005, 09:50:44 AM
I'm currently plane ignorant [and studiously researching to remedy that :wink: ]...
I want to thank those who share such helpful information such as this. This [to me] is as important as technical issues.
I don't expect to be acquiring a canard for a year or so but threads like this go along way toward my becoming comfortable doing so.
thanks again and
Merry Christmas
John
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: John Lambert on December 24, 2005, 04:08:26 PM
So, to do a reality check:
A slightly more than casual glance at the photo tells a story. Compare it with the claimed performance specs, and it really does not add up. Only a 118hp Lyc with a climb prop, cuffs(not removed), lower winglets, original p-51 ram scoop for engine cooling (not converted to a lower drag NACA), old style wheel pants, high drag upper cowl cylinder blisters, no mention of anything other than mags.
I strongly doubt it capabible of reaching 200 mph (TAS) straight and level (he may well see it on his GPS ground speed with a tail wind), 220 mph only in a dive (or in a very strong updraft pushing the stick forward). A 190 (TAS) mph cruise only at or near flat out. The fuel burn (at or near flat out) with that engine is much higher than 6 gph. That is a typical fuel burn for that engine with reduced power, and with all the airframe drag, he will need it near firewalled to maintain 190mph (TAS).
I base my obsrevations and comments on my experience with the west coast R.A.C.E. group (I have the data), my own experience in my 125 hp varieze(flown dirty like his, and later cleaned up), and many years flying with a rather large number of other Eze's (both cross country and in 16 races).
It takes a lot of hard work and drag reduction to get the performance claimed, and I don't see it on the Ebay Varieze.
Also, as noted in some Canard Aviators posts, many people claim numbers not close to reality, perhaps due to lack of proper effort to both record and verify good data.
I post this in support of Franks comments, and agree that there really should be truth in advertising.
John Lambert
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: tonyslongez on December 24, 2005, 05:43:17 PM
Geez!!! we haven't heard from "SPY" lately wonder where he went? :roll: maybe he's the guy trying to sell the airplane in question? Frank you are absolutely right. Good call bringing this to everyones attention. And will you buy another airplane for crying out loud and make another video GEEEEEE :lol: this time make it a Long Ez I need to know what it will look like when i'm flying mine. Keep up the detective work maybe it will save my A@$$ some day too.
Tony
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: rutanfan on December 25, 2005, 12:07:47 PM
Has anyone contacted the people bidding on this thing?
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on December 28, 2005, 08:16:11 AM
Update on this mess. I just checked the auction and it appears that the seller ended the auction early due to an "error" in the description. He cancelled all remaining bids. The note on the auction page stated the following:
"The seller ended this listing early because of an error in the listing."
I'm glad he ended it and stated this as the reason for the early end. I hope he relists it but with a more accurate description of the plane.
The way I look at this is simple. He got some heat from somewhere, perhaps from here, perhaps from the canard group, perhaps via ebay email. Who knows. In either case, he felt as though his airplane was misrepresented and chose to pull it. I still don't know for sure but I think we did the right thing and that was to look out for the new guy that didn't know what he was up against. Right or not, it probably saved lives and if saving a life means being wrong... so be it!
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: walter on December 28, 2005, 01:08:41 PM
the plane is back on barnstormers.com!
Title: varieze on ebay
Post by: ezebuilder on December 28, 2005, 03:26:39 PM
hey guys,
i STILL DONT SEE how BLINDLEY Attacking A FELLOW CANARDIAN has anything to do with SAFETY... I WONDER IF A ANYONE WHO POSTED AND STARTED THIS STRING EVER SAW THIS PLANE IN PERSON?..... ONLY ONE PERSON MENTIONED " MORALE"....YUP>>...THERE IT GOES. "May the first one without sin cast the first stone" I AM SO LUCKY...THAT THE EZE PEOPLE I KNOW ..WOULD NEVER BEHAVE LIKE LIKE THIS SPECIALLY TOWARD A FELLOW EZE PERSON..
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
Title: Re: varieze on ebay
Post by: fpullanojr on December 28, 2005, 06:53:05 PM
Quote from: "ezebuilder"
hey guys,
i STILL DONT SEE how BLINDLEY Attacking A FELLOW CANARDIAN has anything to do with SAFETY... I WONDER IF A ANYONE WHO POSTED AND STARTED THIS STRING EVER SAW THIS PLANE IN PERSON?..... ONLY ONE PERSON MENTIONED " MORALE"....YUP>>...THERE IT GOES. "May the first one without sin cast the first stone" I AM SO LUCKY...THAT THE EZE PEOPLE I KNOW ..WOULD NEVER BEHAVE LIKE LIKE THIS SPECIALLY TOWARD A FELLOW EZE PERSON..
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
I don't know why I'm responding to this but I will. Ugg!
It wasn't a "blind attack", I asked the seller about it on ebay and he ignored my request for more information on the subject. I then made the post with what I will admit were assumptions. Once that happened, there were a number of people and yes, some with FIRST HAND experience with that particular airplane. Others spoke to the seller who (to them) had no idea what he was talking about.
The seller probably received a number of follow up questions about the plane which most likely prompted him to end the auction early since there was obviously something misleading in the description.
If the auction was accurate, why wouldn't the seller say so? I would have personally ate crow and stood up to say that I was wrong. I even said that if I was wrong, I'd buy the plane.
You mention morale? How in the world can you say that as though I lack morals in this case. My only intent is to keep someone from getting the screws put to them and possibly ending up getting hurt or worse. The morality of this lies upon the seller.
You post here with an aggressive attitude and it's your right to do so, honestly I respect your opinion but who the heck are you? Did you post under an alias because you are afraid to sign your name? Do you not believe what you are saying? Is it that you have a vested interest in this particular airplane and are biased? I don't know if any of that is true but I have to admit that It's a curious matter when this was your first post on this board and you don't sign your name. In other words, it's difficult to place any value on anonymous comments.
You say that you are lucky that your EZ buds wouldn't treat you this way? You think so? I have great difficulty in believing that for one moment. The EZ folks that I've come across (and that's a whole lot of em!) have saved my bacon more than one time. Guess what though? Do you actually think that my butt was saved by people telling me things that "I wanted to hear?" Nope, it was a reality check and the big old BS flag waving in my face.
I owe these guys my life for their candor and I fully expect to repay that debt. If your EZ pals won't do that for you, I'm very sorry and dismayed to hear that, I simply don't believe that is true.
You wouldn't "BEHAVE" like what? You would let a pilot strap into an airplane that you weren't certain about? An airplane that the seller misrepresented? An airplane where very respected people KNEW FOR SURE wasn't a safe airplane? If you knew of these issues, you would allow one of your EZ pals to strap in? Who sir has a problem with morals?
The last thing I thing I'll mention is that I sign my name when I write something. It's because I am stating what I feel in my heart to be the truth at least from my perspective.
I'll sleep fine tonight....
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Drew on December 28, 2005, 07:17:30 PM
What you see as an attack on a fellow canardian, I see as a fellow canardian trying to rip someone off. The posted picture of the aircraft does not match the description of the airplane. Which one is wrong? The picture or the description?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with selling the aircraft as pictured for whatever amount of money the seller can get (its a free country---and an aircraft's ultimate worth is whatever a seller and buyer agree on). However, a seller has a moral obligation to not sell his aircraft under false pretenses.
We have already seen one of my friends get ripped off by a varieze guy out in CA. He hid known fuel leaks and glass problems with a fresh paint job. Did not make the buyer aware of the wing joint problem that this aircraft had. Promised him 2 props and only delivered one prop. Unfortunatly my friend did not do a prepurchase inspection---many of these things would have gotten caught. The aircraft was in essence----unsafe to fly----and the previous owner knew it (the owner originally said he would deliver the aircraft as part of the deal---and then backed out----I think I know why he backed out). As I stated before, there is nothing wrong with selling even this aircraft it the condition it was in. Just let the prospective buyer know what he is getting. Why in the world is anyone arguing about a seller coming clean about the true condition about his aircraft?
Once again for buyers----I would walk away from a very nice looking aircraft if there is something a little fishy with the seller. Also, make sure you get a good prepurchase inspection from a knowledgable canard guy. A prepurchase won't guarantee you a "clean" aircraft---but it will get all the obvious things that a newbie won't know about.
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Joe Person on December 29, 2005, 01:36:26 PM
OK, I gotta weigh in here.
There was a VEZ for sale a month or so ago on ebay, nice (really nice & sporty) paint job, and a nice-looking airplane overall. Caveat emptor...
I was asked by an earlier potential buyer almost 2 years ago to review some of the critical details on this airplane. The airplane was, at that time, located in the Vancouver, WA area. Before committing to fly down to examine the airplane in person, I asked for some good digital photos of the critical areas (wing fittings, F-22 bulkhead, canard lif tabs, etc.). Upon seeing the pics, I told the prospective buyer to steer clear. The wing fitting plates common to the centersection spar had been shimmed between .063 and about .090 inch farther apart than the by-design .375 inch. The original builder, while a talented finish guy, was obviously ham-handed with his layups - to have to shim these critical structural items the way they were shimmed showed total lack of ability when building the sparcap & shearweb of the centersection spar. This shimming totally blew the critical geometry of the wing attach fittings, and heaven only knows how the builder compensated for this gross error. There would be no easy way to fix this garbage, short of building a wholly new centersection spar structure. Unsafe airplane, until proven otherwise.
Upon seeing this same airplane on ebay recently, I asked the seller if the wing/centersection structure had been repaired/re-built. The answer I got was far too nebulous for my liking, and shortly thereafter, the airplane disappeared from ebay. I do not know if it ever sold. I hope to hell that anyone who might have purchased this airplane would have been cognizant of the history of the airplane.
I have personally examined (many times) another VEZ that was eventually sold on ebay (and untruthfully touted in the ad as, "...possibly the nicest VariEze..."). That airplane was fairly well-rendered, but had several safety-of-flight no-no's that I repeatedly insisted needed correction. After tiring of the incessant, repeat-questions on how to fix these problems (about 10 hours of my own time wasted...), I gave up and bluntly told the dweeb owner that he needed to hire a good A&P. The airplane was sold several months later.
Where am I going with this?
Each VEZ, LEZ, Cozy, etc. are ONE-OFF airplanes. Each has features (good or bad) that are unique to that airplane. In this vein, those of us who are experienced builders have some responsibility to call "BS!" when indeed BS exists in the realm of the selling of one of these airplanes to the uninformed/inexperienced. And I'll take this a step further - anyone who enters into the purchase of any homebuilt, with nothing more than the desire to own a "cool airplane cheap" should be counseled, especially when the airplane in question is a plans-built. As a Tech Counselor and a practicing aerospace engineer, I have seen too many scary things done in the name of building a homebuilt airplane.
If a seller is content to misrepresent any aspect of an airplane, particularly a homebuilt, caveat emptor. What happens when a buyer thinks he can get his airplane off the runway in 750 feet, when in reality it takes 1500 feet? What happens when a latent construction error manifests itself at 12,000 feet? Sorry. Anyone who thinks we should keep such facts to ourselves and not be a buttinski, is off-base.
Off my "All Temperature Cheer" box & with no apologies,
-Joe Person VariEze N79JN EAA Tech Counselor 4418 Bothell, WA (KPAE)
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on December 31, 2005, 12:10:21 AM
I don't know if this adds value to my side of this discussion but....
I have been talking with the fellow who bought my plane a few weeks ago and mostly we communicate via email. He sent me a very nice message this evening detailing his experiences in VariEze N500EZ. The last paragraph of his email is pasted below and I think it's important enough to repeat it here.
You have to put yourself in the shoes of a new canard owner who isn't aware of every little issue that a typical EZ has. Well, anyway... for what it's worth to those who might still disagree with me on this point.
(note: The autopilot that he talks about is the Trio EzPilot, and the Dynon is the D10 variant, and the Garmin is the GPS Pilot III. The leak on the crank case is coming from the garloc seal at the flange. He mentioned the brakes since I overhauled them shortly before I delivered the plane to him; the right brake had a slight leak at the piston o-ring.)
Brandon Roberts Wrote,
.... "I got your message the other day—my wife and I have been flying all over the place. We absolutely love 500EZ. We’re discovering great little airports all around, and getting very acquainted with the airplane. She flies great. The engine has been running smooth and working as advertised—I’m keeping an eye on that crankcase leak. The oil level isn’t dropping appreciably, but about every other flight I’ll notice a small streak of oil on the back of the crankcase. I’m going to have the seal replaced this month. There’s a great A&P here at Langley who knows engines and will let me work with him—I think that’s the best thing to do right now with me not knowing as much as I should about the engine.
The brakes have been working great—I haven’t found any fluid leaks on the right side. I haven’t adjusted the rudder pedals for my legs yet, so it’s kind of an awkward dance for me to work the rudders just right, but it isn’t bad.
I really appreciate the panel you set up. We’ve taken a couple 3 hour flights now, and it’s easy. I wish everything I flew was as easy to use and reliable to navigate with. The Dynon is a little piece of magic—I love that thing. The Garmin works extremely well, and is very easy to navigate with. The Anywhere Map acts up every once in a while and freezes up, but I backed up the software on my home computer and have been trying to free up the memory in the iPaq, and it’s been working well since. I’ve been using FltPlan.com and AeroPlanner.com for online flight planning, and that has worked extremely well. I’ve been keeping logs of my airspeeds/altitudes and my end of flight fuel burn, and my VariEze profile on the flight planning software is starting to be very accurate.
The autopilot is amazing. Sadly enough, I’ve never flown with such a capable system. The best we have in the F-15 is a wing-leveler—and I can count the number of times I’ve used it. Flying with the autopilot in 500EZ, I don’t know how I’ve lived without it before. I flew the first few times without ever turning it on, and around the 5th flight or so I figured I’d turn it on and see what it could do. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed!
Takeoffs and landings are getting pretty good. The takeoff is easy—this plane is fast and wants to fly. Landings have all been safe thus far, and I’m getting better at working a good approach. I’ve found that this plane tends to float a lot more in ground effect than I’m used to—it’s almost like doing a regular fighter approach into a General Aviation flare where you anticipate that ground effect. The techniques you gave me on keeping the nose up and using the speedbrake were easy to integrate into my habit patterns—especially with the way you set up the HOTAS on that stick. I’m loving it.
I saw your recent posts on ez.org—I’ve been watching that forum and others closely for a few months now. As your buyer, I can verify that I was very pleased to know the exact capabilities of the aircraft—the good and the bad. There have been no disappointments, and I got into this knowing exactly what to expect. I think the canard community is like every other great aviation group—it only stays good if the pilots take the time and expend the effort to regulate themselves. The simple fact is, canards are slick, fast planes. That makes them dangerous to people who don’t have experience with flying tail first and fast—any newbie such as myself. Misrepresenting a plane—particularly one that doesn’t have standard safety improvements—is a disservice to the canard community and the buyer because it starts the chain of events that leads to an accident that hurts the new buyer/pilot and looks bad for the whole community. Thanks for being one of the experienced dudes with the wherewithal to raise the flag on that issue. And thanks for selling me your great plane!"....
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Joe Person on December 31, 2005, 10:56:41 PM
OK gang,
Round 2 on my soapbox regarding being a busybody on purchased canards. And again, no apologies from me.
I was finishing off moving my hangar goodies from my old hangar today, when I saw a couple of gents disassembling a VariEze on the ramp that was recently sold on ebay. 'Course, I had to walk over and take a look.
Recall that this airplane had a complete engine overhaul, by the A&P that sold it on ebay it, as touted in the ebay listing.
How many of you would like to see a supposedly 0SMOH O-200 that had been reassembled with the stock, orange, high-temp RTV all over the place, including crankcase mating faces, with plenty of it oozing out of all the seams? Blobbed on all over the place on other exterior portions of the engine (no-doubt to temporarliy obscure the inevitable oil dribbles). Howsabout the engine installed on a thoroughly rusty engine mount? With all sorts of no-no's in the engine compartment? (e.g. a carb heat hose that was actually some of the thin-walled, soft aluminum clothes dryer vent tubing mashed and clamped to the heat muff and to the airbox assembly)???
How about taper pins that could not be popped loose with the standard gentle blow from a hammer? (I like Gary Hertzler's method much better, by the way, but such tooling was not to be had today). Though claimed not to have been, I am positive the through-bolts were wayyyy overtorqued.
Did I mention that the engine was majored by an A&P????
I gave the buyer (a gent who lives in Canada) my email address and asked him to contect me upon his arrival back home. I could have gone on a foaming-mouth tirade based on what I saw today, but opted to hold my (bleeding) tongue, in light of the fact that the stress levels of trying to get the airplane on a trailer were already "up there".
This is out and out crap, folks. This is the sort of cheesy BS that can bite, and bite hard. Oh lawdy but I wanted to go back and get in the seller's face and tell him what a load of garbage he was pushing, and ask him which Crackerjack box he got his A&P license out of. We cannot collectively tolerate this stuff - the end results can hurt us all. Yeah, I'll listen to the rants of the weenies out there who say it is none of my business, and can't we just sing "Kumbaya" and have a happy canard time here, but none of that will change my convictions when it comes to our obligations to help others enjoy a great experience with a canard airplane by beginning with basic airworthiness and safety.
Again, no apologies here. I won't do it. I hope the buyer takes me up on my offer to discuss his purchase further with me, after he gets all of his airplane home safe & sound.
End of rant. I hope all you out there have a safe & good-flying 2006.
-Joe Person VariEze N79JN EAA Tech Counselor 4418 Bothell, WA (Was KAWO, now KPAE)
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Dave in Eugene on January 01, 2006, 02:49:14 AM
Thanks Guys.
The protester of truth has clearly lost this round of the discussion.
Clear skies and tailwinds in 06.
Dave
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Tom on January 01, 2006, 05:35:43 PM
Joe,,
What part of Canada was the gent from that bought the VE you mentioned? Perhaps if hes close, I can help him out..
Tom
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Joe Person on January 01, 2006, 06:20:17 PM
Tom,
The gent lives in Edmunton, Alberta. As soon as I hear from him, I will let you know.
Thanks for the assist,
-Joe Person VariEze N79JN EAA Tech Counselor 4418 Bothell, WA (KPAE)
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Tom on January 01, 2006, 06:51:45 PM
Thanks,,
I'll have to get in touch with him (I'm only about an hour by eze) away. .
Tom
Title: My VeriEze or Not my VeriEze?
Post by: Brian on January 03, 2006, 05:27:33 PM
THERE WERE TWO VERIEZE’S FOR SALE ON EBAY DURING THE TIME THAT FRANK PULLANO QUESTIONED THE LISTING. (Mine was one) I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS REFERRING TO THE SAME EZ, AS I WROTE THE REPLY BELOW (PRIOR TO CLICKING ON THE EBAY LINK THAT FRANK PROVIDED). THINKING THIS WAS ABOUT ME! IT JUST WASN’T MAKING SENSE.
[Below are my comments upon believing that my EZ was the one in question. I would like to have everyone click on the link that Frank provided. If this happened to me it could possibly happen to someone else. I would be disappointed to learn that someone looked at MY EZ and/or talked with me and then went on to write one of these comments. Yet alone to read all these comments and think they were referring to my listing.]
--understand, I now know which VeriEze was in question. Written below was my response before I clicked the Ebay link provide in Franks thread:
[First - I am the owner of that VeriEze being discussed - 503-760-2611 While in Europe I had my son list this Ez with the same information listed when I purchased this plane + the time changes. There has been no damage and I do not work on my own planes. Boy did his notes mess things up. (My lesson)!! Three days later I arrived to find my listing incorrect and what I consider dangerous to the unknowing. Immediately, Items were deleted that were incorrect. I was not able to place addendums to my add but I could delete items incorrectly written. This was done! NOW - TO THOSE OF YOU WHO MADE COMMENTS ON ME OR MY Ez. Frank- You were totally correct when informing any who might be possible buyers. You could also do this by contacting current bidders on Ebay which is what the 2nd owner of my Ez did for me when I purchased it. Great help! Applause to you and never hesitate. Your comment was courteous and gracious to both buyers and Sellers Alike. It was even gracious to the seller that made the error. ME!
NOW SPY - You are more right than you know, just not when it comes to Frank Pullano. His comments were made to warn and be make individuals leery of something he could not make sense of. I find myself doing the same things many times when aeronautics are involved. After reading many other canard responses, and the wrongs listed about me and/or my Ez I really do understand how this can become a garbage site. Chris and Tom. Your comments are right in that we must keep fellow aviators in-the-know. It is an inexpensive fast plane and warnings are very useful. They can be handled like adults and your comments were proof of that. NOW YOU OTHERS that made such nasty incorrect comments about me and my (Now Sold) EZ.
I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MY PLANE? If you in fact talked to me you did not walk away with that feeling. That would be impossible given my aviation history! Every person I had contact with had my number (503-760-2611) and if you really thought I was selling something that I was ignorant to, than you should have brought that up to me. Don't know who you were talking to but you certainly handled this wrong. Brian 503-760-2611
I'm a "piece of POOP"!!!! You do not know me! I would like to say that you should be ashamed of yourself for that comment about my ticket. I have never made repairs to my plane and I have the A&P (20years in business) to prove it. Young lady, you clearly do not want your name mentioned as you make in your statement, but I do no why you have an X-husband!! You know me? Prove it. Brian 503-760-2611. I am not angry with you but you should at least have the class to get your facts straight before this defamation of character. My N# is N52MH. You couldn't possibly know my plane.
California Guy! You were not someone that talked with me. The history of my Ez is not at all sketchy as I told all those with serious interest the names and phone numbers of all owners including the Builder whom lives in Shasta CA. There are absolutely no delaminating problems, it has never had an accident or incident and if it had I would NEVER fix anything on my plane without an expert right there with me. (And it would be listed for interested persons to see.) Like the misses above, you do not know me and it is important for you to get your facts straight before you put finger to keyboard. Brian 503-760-2611 Drew - Applause to you. The integrity of the owner mirrors the integrity of the plane. John Lambert- Applause to your reality check. Great breakdown and it holds water. Tony - Perhaps the lack of comments from SPY were due to the defamation of character from those that said they know me. Why argue with people like that. The character thing got me. Shame on those of you that claimed to know me.]
OK, NOW THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS, LAUGH. I DID (FINALLY)! I OWE AN APOLOGY TO: “I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MY PLANE”; “I’m a “PIECE OF POOP” AND “CALIFORNIA GUY” ASYOU COULD KNOW THIS GUY AND ALL I KNEW IS THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ME. PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY….I’VE EATEN CROW!!!! IF ANY OF YOU WERE COMMENTING ON MY PLANE AND NOT THE ONE IN THE LINK FROM FRANK PULLANO, CALL ME: BRIAN 503-760-2611 AS WE HAVE SOME TALKIN TO DO.
Cheers,
Brian Kirk 503-760-1611
PS: I kept wondering why people were saying my Ebay auction closed early. That should have been my clue, I know.
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on January 03, 2006, 08:43:55 PM
Brian, I'm sorry you had to go thorugh that roller coaster ride. I found your plane on ebay after I read your post. I didn't see it before the auction since it wasn't spelled like most "varieze".
Don't get me wrong though, It's not that I would have made similar comments about your plane, I had no reason to. Remember, I only did so after the seller ignored my inquiry.
I admire your post in many ways. Anyone who finds out later that they were wrong about something, is able to erase the evidence by deleting their own post but instead chooses to stand up and say that they made a boo boo is A OK in my book. (for what that's worth.)
Good on ya.
Title: Brian to Frank
Post by: Brian on January 04, 2006, 08:11:51 AM
Frank, I can laugh about it now. It was that 15 minute period where I thought I was posted all over a web-site. WOW! Shocker! I did have a chance to talk with Joe Person last night after my email. Great guy. He knew my VEZ and has great admiration for you but it sounds like that is mutual. Have a great beginning to your New Year and I hope to meet you in person someday. Brian
Title: Back again... different spec's, though
Post by: D on January 24, 2006, 09:56:02 PM
Looks like the same plane is back on the selling block... but it has a different story and new/improved spec's attached this time.
EBay ID # 4607455240
???
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: fpullanojr on January 24, 2006, 10:32:49 PM
Holy cow... The kid says he's in the Academy too. So much for integrity! OUCH! I'm dropping this rock, I have said my piece on this airplane. Very Sad....
Title: V-EZ On Ebay Again
Post by: kr02g on January 25, 2006, 03:01:26 PM
What a crock! If you read the description of this plane, it is a stellar aircraft. A. I have never seen it at Kanab, B. that is not the maintenance and history info I got from the Seller when inquiring. C. I didn't see anything about the repairs or delams the seller told me about. Beware unless you see it first hand for yourself.
Steve
Title: V-EZ On Ebay Again
Post by: Maugli on January 26, 2006, 11:02:32 AM
Hi guys. Being an EZ PILOT WANABE i monitor your posts from a sidelines. But this one is interesting. 1st - The plane in Quastion is on E-Bay again 2nd- the description is more colorful then the last time and again is not done by the owner( or a pilot of the airplane ).
Frank P. maybe youre jumping a gun a bit with credability thing? Call me a softy.... but it seems like the gentleman who was flying this bird may not be in control. I just read his comment and i dont think he is flying this one again... or maybe he can't. The charechter just does nto fit the writing. But it still does not change anything from the buyers point of view.
P.S. Frank P. If it wasn't for a 10 min video clip on GlassOvercast ... i would not be here looking :-) ( still gives me an HD when i watch it)
Title: VariEze on Ebay # 4599234526
Post by: Hitch on January 26, 2006, 07:36:07 PM
EZ Drivers/Wannabes--
I wrote the seller last night because I took offense to the implication that an Air Force Academy Cadet was being shady or lacking integrity (I'm a 2002 Academy grad). The owner of the plane is an Academy Cadet, and his plane was being sold by a family friend. The Cadet (Derek) didn't know this was going on, and felt awful when he found out. He has pulled the Ebay ad, and will probably relist the aircraft. I've encouraged him to list the airplane on this site, where the feedback he can get from the collective knowledge in this forum can benefit him rather than be devisive to the community. In addition, listing his aircraft for sale on this site will hopefully limit potential buyers to those who understand the limits of canards--they are not training airplanes. It will also ensure that potential buyers are at least aware of the great resource available at ez.org--experienced individuals who give their time to help fellow canardians. Whether the plane is a perfect flying specimen or a dump of a project plane doesn't matter: one way or another the prospective buyer is going to need the help and support of this community to get/keep his new bird flying safely.
Thanks again, Frank, for keeping a watchful eye on the VariEze community and being aggressively blunt to keep us all safe.
Brandon "Hitch" Roberts F-15 as a day job, N500EZ for fun :)
Title: barnstormers?
Post by: walter on January 26, 2006, 08:52:59 PM
Is this the same plane on barnstormers.com for $16K?
Title: Re: barnstormers?
Post by: Maugli on January 26, 2006, 08:56:28 PM
Quote from: "walter"
Is this the same plane on barnstormers.com for $16K?
and i think this is the same plane that is here in classifieds on page three i think.
Look close in to a picture posted... does that look like another canard project in the hangar?