Square One ?

[GreenVanMan]

Greetings to all from the south of France.

I am completely new to everything "canard".

However, 1) I'd noticed an odd-looking (unlikely-looking ?) aircraft flying unnaturally fast and with a great exhaust note around my area occasionally over the last 15 years, 2) when taking flying lessons in Diamond DA20's I saw some LongEzies in a hangar at the local Montpellier airfield, 3) I went to OshKosh in 2012 and decided I didn't want to build an RV, 4) I know a little about Rutan, and 5) I think I might like to build a canard.

I've spent a long time looking around the web but don't seem to be able to find a canards-for-dummies that explains the questions I should be asking myself, and the various choices about models/layouts/sizes that I need to understand, before I go and ask the same questions in the hangar mentioned above.

Could anyone guide me towards where I might find "Square One" please ?

I've very little experience with composites but have built/raced motorcycles at a professional level, restored/tuned cars/karts etc, and have a UK mechanical engineering degree.

Am I on the right track ?!

Many thanks.

[flyingwaldo]

You just need to read a lot.  Join all the canard forums, figure out who knows what they're talking about and who is on their first build but already knows everything. 

Check the other sources here on EZ.org.  There's a LOT of info in the articles and CPs.  Then, if you feel it's necessary, you'll have better questions for that hangar. 
Have fun.

[pmi12016]

You can contact me:
Pierre.andre.miquel@gmail.com

[Rick Hall]

...
I've spent a long time looking around the web but don't seem to be able to find a canards-for-dummies that explains the questions I should be asking myself, and the various choices about models/layouts/sizes that I need to understand, before I go and ask the same questions in the hangar mentioned above.
...

I started building a Cozy-IV 6-7 years ago, having never sat in one, nor knowing my true mission profile. Today, I think I made the right choice.

The Cozy is pretty quick, decent fuel burn for the speed, has room for four but back seat passengers need short legs on extended trips. I look at mine as a two seater with a HUGE baggage compartment, many others see theirs that way too. And as you imply, you'll turn heads no matter where you land.

A few disadvantages. You need paved runways, and relatively long ones too. There is no 'door', you need to shoe-horn yourself into the seats. Not an issue for many, but if your joints don't move like they used to...

Veri-eze is the penultimate go-fast-on-a-dime flying machine. Plans no longer sold.
Long-EZ is the luxury version of the Veri. Slightly wider/faster/longer. Limited luggage space if you fill both seats.
Cozy-III/IV/Classic is a frugal version of a go-fast four place canard. (the Classic is sold in EU?)
Velocity is a luxury version of a Cozy, with unique features. (not sold in EU?)

With a few exceptions, there are no major financial outlays to build a canard. You can manage nicely and build one for 100EUR/month... for a lot of months

It generally takes 2.000-2.500 man hours to complete a canard, or anywhere from 2-10 years.

Rick

[flyingwaldo]

News from France?
THE CANARD AIRCRAFT INTERNATIONAL GATHERING Vannes-Meucon airfield 30 et 31 August 2014
Very important: new date 2014 In 2009 we had lined up about 40 of these exception machines.
The organization offers wonderful overflights of the Morbihan Gulf and the coast of Quiberon and the Côte D'Opale until La Vilaine without forgetting Belle-île belle. The airfield will remain open to traffic.
Ground: local builders will simplify your road and other routes Services (catering etc...). Accommodation in the choice: -camping under the wing (thanks for the guarding of the devices) -mobil homes, "camping du Haras" near the ground, -hotels or bed and breakfast, We leave you to book yourself your place of accommodation. Within a radius of 10 km around the field, you will find your reservations from the Office of tourism of Vannes. Feel free to pass on to all your friends not listed on this email, welcome to all lovers and non airline ducks.
Vannes-Meucon ACAAV team Serge DUPONT 02 97 67 24 68 06 27 22 51 14 tadcozsd@bbox.fr

[GreenVanMan]

Thanks for the comments.
Met up with Messrs Granier/Praduroux at LFMT and expect to fly with them mid-September.
It has to be side-by-side for me, notwithstanding the drawbacks, so I've ordered the Aircraft Spruce Cozy IV pack to whet my appetite.
You read it here first.