Hangar Flying

     Quick numbers for me: O320 with compressions in the mid 70's swinging  a cruise prop. Me in the pointy end and 10 gallons of fuel in each wing, puts me at about 1,270 pounds. 1000' above MSL on a hot and humid June summer day (~85). These were the conditions of the day when I "lowered" my minimum field. I landed at W91 (Smith Mountain Lake, 3058' paved) after a full year of practicing for it. Prior to this landing my limit was 4000' runway. The vast majority of my practicing was done at Roanoke Airport on their 6800 x 150 runway with attached fire department   

     The landing was uneventful and I was slowed to taxiing speed by mid field. Now I have well over 500 landings in my Long-Ez. This summer I will expand that envelope again. The plan is to be able to get my plane into a 2000' runway comfortabley. While just about every field I fly into is around 3000', my goal is to be be familier with what the plane can do in an emergency landing situation.

     It is worth mentioning that I do not have wheelpants installed in an effort to keep the breaks cool as I continue to learn this amazing machine. My plane has MATCO's on 4.00 tires. Big breaks, small tires.

     When I first bought the plane I followed Drew's advice and it worked out great for me. The key here is practice and don't get into a hurry. 

Not long ago I was facing the same decision. Ultimately I bought a Long-Ez with an O-320, so I can only speak for my personal preferences here.

The first thing I did was to decide what my mission would be. For me, I wanted adventure. This in turn translates to lots of distance flying, not just converting gas into noise over the local practice area. Obviously economy was an issue, but this was marginal between the two planes in my view.

Second, I needed to plan for the “Wife Factor”. If she is not comfortable, we’re not comfortable. She would need space. Not just personal, but as with most women, she travels in bulk. Thus, we needed baggage space. The Long-Ez offered more interior space. Granted baggage pods could solve this with the Veri-Eze, but at a cost to the useful load.

Third was cost. You can buy a lot more VE for the price of a Long-Ez. This was a big stumbling block for me. This became a question of compromise and cost. I spent a significant amount of time on this.

Finally I had to factor in ancillary costs. In this case, insurance was a determining factor. A few phone calls reveled only a few places would bother to insure a Veri-Eze with my total time of only 130 hours, and perhaps 10 hours in type.

In the end the LE offered more interior room for both of us, I could insure it, and it satisfied the adventure requirement. Strictly speaking, the Long-Ez simply offered better bang for my very limited buck.  From the cost standpoint, in my heart I knew that if money were no option I would buy a top of the line Long-Ez. However money is an issue, but I knew that I would not be completely happy with the Vari-Eze. Ultimately I bought a bit less Long-Ez, but managed to get a big motor and a few other cool features.

Honestly, I can say that I have zero regrets with my choice save one; I wish I could have built it.

As mentioned already, you would be very well served to get out and log some stick time in both. You would not buy a car without a test drive, and we are talking about roughly the same amount of money. So get out there and get a few test drives. This is a friendly crowed and you should have no trouble getting a ride. If you find yourself in Salem Va, drop me an email and I’ll take you out for a burger and get you some time.

Whatever you decide I doubt that you will be disappointed. These planes are beyond description on the fun meter.

Good luck.

Anybody going to make it? I have opened my schedule to head that way Friday morning and come home late Saturday... Weather permitting.

Right now I have an open back seat. The wife is not big on camping trips.

What time are you both projecting that you will be arriving?

The plan is to come back to Roanoke after the show, weather permitting. You and the family are always welcome to overnight it here if you want to break up your 12 hour trip a bit. We have some good restaurants in town and an extra room; maybe not as glamorous as kickin it at the “Q”, but it comes with good company, cold beer. 

Drew,

     If we can coordinate this right we may be able to meet enroute. Takeoff time is flexible for my group. A mass arrival would make a cool impression and my father-in-law could take some great photos of the arrival. 
     After I bought my Long-Ez I would fly out to see the in-laws and became fast friends with the airport manager. He said that he would get phone calls when I would fly in from people asking what it was that had just landed. Several times the callers would ask if it was the same plane from the air show (your Cozy).
   Jarrett, the manager, all but threatens my life each time I fly in if I do not bring the Long-Ez to the show this year. Of course I had planned on attending all along, but I did not tell him of the possibility that several other canards may attend as well.

   When we get a bit closer to the show and we have a relatively firm number I will call him and “reserve” some prime parking, much like he gave you the last time. 


 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=21ovuCh-rhk

Anyone know who this pilot is?

This is normal. It happens to me as well. It’s a function of our natural anatomical position.

As an experiment stand with your hands relaxed at your sides. You will notice that your palms will turn slightly behind you. Now lock your shoulder and wrist and bend your elbow 90 degrees (forward preferably.)  :wink: You will notice that your palm is facing slightly down. This is basically an issue of muscle tone and how our limbs are designed.

Some of the aircraft manufacturers have factored this into their design and angled the side stick to accommodate. An example would be the new Cessna or the old Turbo Commanders.

Hope that helps a bit.