Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: AMC on April 04, 2012, 02:11:19 PM
Title: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 04, 2012, 02:11:19 PM
I am sitting on the fence, should I or should I not????
Flying is something I have considered since high school and attending EAA Oshkosh, where I lusted after Long Ez.
I know it is a HUGE commitment to get a PPL and am wondering if it is worth it. Even if I had the PPL, would it be worth having?
1. Renting a plane is about $100 per hour and would not really be conducive to just flying for the fun of it and taking cross country trips.
2. Joining a club would still be about $50 per hour plus other club dues and flying less efficient aircraft.
3. Owning a Long Ez. It seems I could own one of these for $35,000 for a good one. I would not want to build. I am handy enough to do things like swap motors in my AMX, so I am a bit mechanical and could maybe maintain an aircraft. There are other things to consider, like hanger space $$$ and dues. I am sure there are many other things to consider that I have no idea of and that is why I am posting here.
All thoughts are appreciated.
Any Long Ez in Minnesota? Maybe I can help you with maintenance in exchange for a bit of advice. I would just like to hang around some pilots and airports to get the feel of if this is right for me.
Thanks
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bruce Hughes on April 05, 2012, 12:30:17 PM
Hi whoever you are (I did not see a name)
I would suggest that you join the CSA. You will get a directory which will tell you who is in Minnesota, as well as the Jan. and April newsletters. It is $30 per year. If you cannot afford $30, how will you pay for 5 gallons of gas? The newsletters should give you a lot of understanding of the group of canard aviators.
Bruce Hughes :)
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bill James on April 05, 2012, 01:31:58 PM
Do it. Who knows what your situation will be in 5 yrs, 10 yrs... Whatever your level or station in life, piloting an aircraft well is immensely gratifying and satisfying. Building and flying the plane has dramatically changed my life. Like most things, if you are already happy, the pilot stuff will open up even more vistas of joy. If one is determined not to be happy, well, you know. Find an enthusiastic instructor and go for a couple of flights. Great fun. Then play it from there. Go for it. :) Bill James
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 05, 2012, 10:27:22 PM
I was kind of determined not to be happy ::)...
On top of the prospects of flying, I am interested in just learning, as I am facinated with learning about mechanical things. I also like the prospects of procedure and flight planning.
I am also kind of scared S-less of all the things that could go wrong in a hurry, forgetting to do something like heating the carb, inducing a roll too low...How safe is a private pilot? How safe are Long Ez?
I really fell in love with the Long Ez, I wish flying clubs had them...It would be nice to find a small group and form a flying club around a Long Ez here in Minnesota.
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: GlennBob on April 07, 2012, 01:09:46 AM
Dear Mr. AMC.
You didn't mention your age. That may be a determining factor. If you're 85 , . . .well then . . .you might just want to watch them fly by, . . .but . . if you're any less than that ! ! ! GO FOR IT ! ! = ).
Where else in the WORLD can you build and fly your own airplane ? ? This is a fantastic privilege, and there are few who can consider it and fewer who actually do it ! ! When else in history, has man had the opportunity to join the birds in winged flight ? ? You OWE it to yourself ! ! Leonardy Davinchi (sp?) said " Once you taste flight . . . you will forever walk around looking skyward " ! !
Cheapest way to obtain your pilots license is to buy a good used Cessna 150, with some hours left on it, and find a cheap flight instructor. Get your ticket, and then sell the bird. You can probably achieve all that (if you're a good shopper and seller), for about 5 K. Flying is expensive, but if you want to do it, . .cut something else outta your budget. I don't think I know too many folks who have said, . ." Boy, . .I wish I'd never gotten my PPL ! ! " ! ! = ).
The first time I went for a ride in a buddies plane . .I asked " Can anybody do this ? " I couldn't believe it was free for anybody to do. I thought you hadda be somebody. Now I AM somebody ! ! = ) Think of all the heads that turn when you tell somebody you're a pilot ! ! (unless you're at the airport).
As for the bird, Long ez, . .you won't find a club that has one. This is strictly an owner pilot program. You might however find a partner to share your fun and expenses with. There are a few partners out there. If you watch and keep an eye out, . .you can find something you can afford to get started with. I've been amazed at how cheap some of these things go for.
Go for it. Life's too short to sit around and watch. And don't worry about how dangerous airplanes are. anything worth doing has some risk, but the media blows it out of proportion. If you don't believe me, . .go to an airport and watch planes take off and land all day long ! !
Good luck. And you'd better get started ! ! I'm sure there are some EZ owners in Minn.
Glennbob
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Rick Hall on April 07, 2012, 02:03:46 AM
I am also kind of scared S-less of all the things that could go wrong in a hurry, forgetting to do something like heating the carb, inducing a roll too low...How safe is a private pilot? How safe are Long Ez?
Scares the crap outta me when I hop in my truck for my weekly trip into town for beans, flour and salt-pork. All them idjuts with their garage door opener thingy glued to their ear while they're driving.
'Events' are, for the most part, due to a bone head move by the pilot or builder. Don't be a dope and you'll be fine.
I flew PAX from Kansas City to Rough River (greatest canard fly-in in the world) with flight following last year. We saw one plane on our path.
Get you ticket. Stay current if you like. "Just do it". My only regret is not starting sooner.
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 07, 2012, 12:40:52 PM
You didn't mention your age. That may be a determining factor. If you're 85 , . . .well then . . .you might just want to watch them fly by, . . .but . . if you're any less than that ! ! ! GO FOR IT ! ! = ).
Cheapest way to obtain your pilots license is to buy a good used Cessna 150, with some hours left on it, and find a cheap flight instructor. Get your ticket, and then sell the bird. You can probably achieve all that (if you're a good shopper and seller), for about 5 K. Flying is expensive, but if you want to do it, . .cut something else outta your budget. I don't think I know too many folks who have said, . ." Boy, . .I wish I'd never gotten my PPL ! ! " ! ! = ).
The name is Brian and I am 32 years old, too late to learn to fly?
I am also trying to figure out the best way to learn to fly. There is an airport 5 miles from my house that has a flight school. That seems like an expensive option. When you say buy a used Cessna 150, it is not that simple. Where do I store it? Hanger space is $$ and where does one find a CFI unattached to a school who will charge less and not require me to rent their plane for $90 per hour?
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: easyrider on April 07, 2012, 01:57:31 PM
If you are making excuses for not learning to fly maybe you don't want to Age is not a problem I learnt to fly at 67 and then went from a Cessna 150 to a Long EZ I have over 1,300 hrs. on the LongEZ and 2 deadstick landings, one off field and one on field I don't recommend deadstick landings as part the curriculum but the rest is pure heaven Easyrider
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 07, 2012, 04:25:43 PM
I am not making any excuses. I am looking for the best path. I found this Cessna 150 http://www.barnstormers.com/cat.php?mode=listing&main= only an hour from my place. What is the best way to learn to fly? How hard is it to transition between aircraft.
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Rick Hall on April 07, 2012, 10:56:48 PM
What is the best way to learn to fly? How hard is it to transition between aircraft.
Take lessons ;)
A CFI (certified flight instructor) should be able to offer training in any certificated aircraft, even your own. If they will is another story, most will though. The exception is training in an experimental aircraft. When you start training, you (or your instructor) will pick a plane. 172, 150, PA-28, ... And for the remainder of your training you will be flying the same model. It may be a different plane, maybe, but will be the same model. You can switch from a PA-28 to a Skyhawk, but additional 'familiarization' hours will be required. Piper handles differently than a Cessna, and a 152 is different than a 172.
Transition is generally painless, elevators still elevate, throttle still produces power. Differences may include location of the controls, stall/landing speeds, how the controls behave (eg: power vs manual steering, hi-cube V8 vs Yugo, etc.). Performance characteristics are listed in the POH (pilot owners manual, all planes have them), so is the operation of the controls. It's best a person gets a little stick time with an instructor (CFI or your pilot pal Ralph) before flying a new-to-you plane.
You may be able to save some bux by owning your own training plane, but ownership presents it's own problems as you've noted (hanger rental, if you decide one is needed). Of note is insurance (big $ for a new pilot), annual maintenance, and you'll still have the $30-?? bux your instructor(s) charge per hour for their time. And if you need to take a break from your flight training for skool, jay-oh-bee, family, ... the monthly/yearly costs for your 'trainer' keep adding up and need to be paid.
Head down to the FBO at your airport, grab a chair and watch the planes. When you get bored of that, head inside and talk to someone. Bring up the weather, mention flight school, how many instructors... Next day pick a different airport. Might run across a flight school that offers rentals at a discount if you buy blocks of time. Might even run across a canard owner with time to ratchet-jaw. Tip: look for two fins in a hanger ;)
Sorry if I'm patronizing.
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: GlennBob on April 08, 2012, 09:56:19 PM
Hey !! Kudo's to the dude who got his ticket at 67 and then flew 1300 hrs in an ez ! ! Whoa ! ! Nice job ! ! What an inspiration ! !
No time like the present, . .and soon it will be the past ! ! Like some said, . .only regret is not starting sooner. 32 is a good age to start ! ! Not as good as 22 or even 15, but hey we all start naked and go from there ! ! At least you're not 67 or 85 ! !
Yes, there are challenges to getting the ticket, but here are some helps.
# 1) Just about every pilot would LOVE to do all they can to help you get your ticket ! ! We're a family and we love new members ! ! Find a pilot you know / like and ask him for some help. (be brave). We're all family.
#2) If you're a good negotiator or investigator, you can find ways to lower your expenses of ownership. Some FBO's will let you help with the annual work. Or . .you can hire your own A&P to do the annual with you. You might find someone with a hangar that will rent you a spot. Or buy a hanger and rent out a spot to others and help lower your costs. Be creative, . .think outside the box !
#3) The most important thing you can do in keeping flight training expenses down is to self educate. A lot of what you'll learn can be found for free or cheap in books and tapes. Do the book work first, then do the flying ALL AT ONCE ! ! Don't let it drag out. Even if you hafta borrow money to finish. Do it all at once to stay fresh till you're done. I did my instrument ticket that way. I spent about a year with books and tapes. Then I went flying for about 6 weeks almost straight. I ACED my written, ( I was a D student in high school), and passed my instrument check ride a few weeks later.
Yeah, it's expensive, but I don't think you'll ever look back and be sorry. Once you get your ticket, you can " share " your flying expenses with others who want to go for a flight. I had a GREAT partner for 6 years. It was a good experience for me. Slashed all the fixed costs in half ! ! And my partner rarely flew ! Talk to other pilots and they can give you ideas. Sport aviation and Aopa, Flying magazines often give hints to help keep costs down. Go for it. It's the best ride of your life ! !
Glennbob
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 08, 2012, 11:38:54 PM
Thanks Glennbob. I have been reading and watching a bunch of videos on the internet. I am just eating it up. I am really interested in learning about flying. I am trying to find a good deal. I can afford it, I am a CPA and do well enough, but I am far from rich....I like a good value. I really wish I could find a partner or two to split a Long Ez. That seems like the way to go. I want to find some pilots around just to BS about flying with. I do not see pilots just hanging round the airport and am I even allowed to just hang round in the hanger area? The road is fenced off.....
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Rick Hall on April 09, 2012, 12:57:20 AM
.... I want to find some pilots around just to BS about flying with. I do not see pilots just hanging round the airport and am I even allowed to just hang round in the hanger area? The road is fenced off.....
You drive in, you park, then you walk. Unless you have the code to DRIVE into the hanger area. Flying Cloud is fairly secure, Robbinsdale/Crystal not so (assuming you in the Twin Cities). Go to the FBO and ask!
I'm near Longmont (KLMO), knew I wanted to build a canard of some sort. Drove in the access road to Vance Brand one day, saw two fins sticking out of an open hanger. The owner/pilot was up near the line (FBO) watching the planes. So I ask...
Don't spend a pile of time doing a cost analysis to save a buck, just do it. You already know you want to.
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 09, 2012, 10:54:50 AM
I live about 5 miles from Crystal Airport. I was going to call Thunder Bird Aviation.
There are places I can't go right? People will not call security on the guy wandering around the field?
I would like to fly into Oshkosh this year...
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Micah on April 09, 2012, 03:28:35 PM
Well here's my two cents worth.
I would say its never too late to learn, it will be a lot of work and there is a cost, but its the most rewarding thing you can do.
Buying an airplane to train in is a great way to save money. Who knows, if you buy it right you may even sell it and recoup some of the training cost.
As a noob to this website I don't want to offend but I would disagree with the advice given earlier to find a cheap CFI. As with most things, you get what you pay for, a CFI willing to work below the going rate is indirectly making a statement about his abilities. I've yet to know a CFI who is independantly wealthy!
It sounds like you are not planning on flying for a living, so my advice would be to find a good general aviation airport with a group of active pilots and get to know them. Look for a older CFI who has been in aviation for many years, perhaps a retired professional pilot. Be willing to pay a bit more if he asks that, trust me its worth it! Looking at your area I would check out Buffalo airport (KCFE), its too small for any major charter or corperate ops. I cant say for sure but I think it'd be a perfect place to learn. Chances are that the instructor and airplane rental rates will be lower at the smaller airport too. If you do go for the smaller airports you can probably get to know the maintenance guys, and they can help educate you about airplane ownership.
Hope that helps, I'd be happy to try to answer any additional questions you may have.
Micah DeLeeuw CFI CFII
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Rick Hall on April 09, 2012, 11:12:06 PM
I live about 5 miles from Crystal Airport. I was going to call Thunder Bird Aviation.
Just show at their door, reservations not required :)
Quote
There are places I can't go right? People will not call security on the guy wandering around the field?
Many places you can't walk/drive to. Taxiways and runways are but two. The apron (gas pump and tie-down area) will raise a huge flag if it's obvious you aren't a pilot/passenger. This is generally quite obvious ;) Tip: treat any/all planes like a Pit Bull. Treat the concrete/asphalt areas like a kennel of Pit Bulls. Do not approach, do not touch, unless the owner is there. And then touch only if the owner says its OK to do so.
Most airports, the ones close to larger cities anyway, are fenced in. The only entrance is through a key-code gate to the hanger area(s), or by entering the FBO on foot. Longmont (KLMO) is fenced (a high security 3' chain link) with three gates (usually wide open during daylight hours), or you can get in by walking into the FBO and then onto the apron.
Quote
I would like to fly into Oshkosh this year...
So would I, pick me up on your way ;)
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 09, 2012, 11:25:47 PM
I am kind of thinking of joining this flying club to get my license. It is at the airport by my house.
I am kind of thinking of joining this flying club to get my license. It is at the airport by my house.
If it were me, I'd join. But it's not me ;) Very nice price on hourly rental, but you are responsible for fuel ("dry" vs "wet"). I think it's fair to say figure 8 gallons an hour, at $6 a gallon... The benefit to this club/membership is you should have easy access to the instructors. And a plane 'at the ready' for whenever you want to fly someplace.
Quote
There is a Varieze on Barnstormers for $16,500.
Comment, and question. What is your mission, what type of flying do you plan on doing? Distance? Aerobatic? With passengers? With passengers and luggage? Buzzing over to St. Cloud for Lutefisk on Christmas day? Veri-Eze's are very nice long distance [solo] airplanes, but luggage space is often said to be a toothbrush in a zip-lock baggie.
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 10, 2012, 08:08:38 AM
I think my mission is to try to fly economically, so I can log lots of hours. I like the efficiency and distance of a Variez but I would like to have luggage....a passenger would be nice.
Stop up if you ever fly into Minneapolis.
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bruce Hughes on April 10, 2012, 12:36:40 PM
Note that the Varieze on Barnstormers has VERY LITTLE information. You need to get a lot more before you even consider it. How much does it weigh empty? When was the engine last run? How often? How many total hours on the engine? How many since major overhaul? ETC. ETC. ETC. The Varieze is faster and more economical than other canards, but has little space for anything except you and possibly a passenger. The real killer (literally) is assuming that you can carry X pounds of pilot, gas, passenger, 6 cans of beer, etc. Some are very light empty but poor construction can make an airplane that is essentially a single person Varieze. What do you weigh? I know a pilot/builder that has a wonderfully built Varieze BUT he needs to lose 50 pounds to fit in it.
In any case NEVER buy any canard until you have an EXPERT canard builder check it out. There are some dogs (too heavy, dangerous shortcuts or changes in the construction, poor workmanship) out there.
Bruce Hughes owner of an overweight Longeze :(
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Rick Hall on April 10, 2012, 07:21:44 PM
A little tidbit. I've flown back seat in a local VeriEze a couple of times. Seven gallons in each wing tank, the header tank is 80% full, and perhaps 320lbs of Pilot/PAX, no baggage. Any more weight and it's over gross he says. 14 gallons will get you a fair distance down the road though. When the pilot flies to OSH with his wife, they have to mail their clothes, tent, bags, ... Note his craft may be a bit heavy, and it has an O-230 pushing it.
Will do, maybe next year when I get my tub in the air? I've some family near KFCM, two birds one stone.
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 10, 2012, 09:48:22 PM
Will do, maybe next year when I get my tub in the air? I've some family near KFCM, two birds one stone.
Rick
[/quote]
I am about 10 miles from KFCM. Come in the winter and you can take out the snowmobiles! Or in summer the AMX.
Can a Long Ez land on grass fields? Do they employ flaps?
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: GlennBob on April 10, 2012, 11:47:16 PM
AMC
No landing on grass strips for the long ez. Wheels are too small. Damage will occur.
Nay on the flaps too / either. There is a belly speed brake about the size of a pizza box. And the rudders can both be deployed simultaneously. (outboard on both sides). So . .all three of these together slow you down about as much as stickin' your hand out the car window ! ! = ). These are speedy little devils ! !
Glennbob
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Rick Hall on April 11, 2012, 03:27:37 PM
I am about 10 miles from KFCM. Come in the winter and you can take out the snowmobiles! Or in summer the AMX.
Better yet, a flight. ;)
Quote
Can a Long Ez land on grass fields? Do they employ flaps?
They can land in a boulder field, but won't get off the ground again unless the T/O surface is paved. There have been a few exceptions to this. If grass, unless the grass is uber smooth, it'll really hammer the nose gear. Manual crank nose gear may retract too, and strip the gear teeth. This is not cool either. Landing on packed dirt is OK, but you're prop will really get chewed up from all the grit tossed up by the front wheel [and sucked into the big fan]. Remember the prop is in the back. Stick to paved, and make sure the pavement is fairly long. :)
No flaps, but a belly mounted speed brake usually deployed on base/final like GlenBob sez.
Rick
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 13, 2012, 10:34:13 AM
I am trying to figure out just how expensive aircraft ownership really is.
How much is an annual certification? How much are enigine overhauls?
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bill James on April 13, 2012, 01:44:33 PM
The cost is up to you. While building I used to come home from the Eze flyins enthused from the powerful "seeing is believing" event, but also very aware that my airplane had a very specific and different mission than some, personal therapy. Oh yeah, and personal expression. And that it would not be decked out or as impressive as many are. It helped that i readily accepted that we all have different passions involved here. The thing that drew me to the canard type airframe is the same thing that is so gratifying now, after being hooked for 35 years and flying for 15 years - the airframe provides a spectacular capability for you to go many directions ...to do what you want. While responding to your pilot's license theme, I am thinking of the other current thread on the staying power of the canard types. I go through periodic cycles where I try to imagine myself into other types of aircraft, to please someone else or gain a greater capability. After allowing myself enough room to get hooked on another, I easily return to the Eze for the basics, therapy and self expression. My thoughts on building and owning and what type can simply be put - the plane waited for me. Spending on the plane was simple. I had very little flexibility. When i could buy more stuff, like glass or epoxy, i did. When i didn't, i didn't :) I now realize that the final cost didn't matter. As with most important things :) I have it pretty good with a 1997 truck, a 1997 Mustang, a 1997 roadster with no windows or spare, and a 1997 airplane. After flying the Eze with no electrical system for several years, i put in the first gizmo, an alternator. Now a dozen years later I am putting the second gizmo in the plane, an autopilot. Recently i realized that i probably could have done everything that i have done without the alternator... There are many things i dont want on the plane. Four notebooks full. Five now actually. A ton of weight was saved by not using 99% of my ideas, literally. To get to something useful for you, I am very glad that i got desperate enough one day to get started building. I got a lot happier by just unloading the stack of dusty boxes into my garage. I was an airplane owner. A canard airplane. Am glad i built, but also know of very happy buyers. I appreciate the planning and thought that many put into this. But for me, everything changed once i got started. Much of my planning changed. This or that part would become available, and i would be able to get it because i was in the mix and someone told me about it. It may be interesting to put our thoughts into two piles, and see how full the "can't" pile is. The basic airframe is known. How much time you put into glitzing it up is up to you. At first flight my plane had nothing on it that wasn't needed for flight. Many things were accompished during the 40 hour restricted period, which to my surprise and chagrin took 3 months instead of 4 days :) The past few months have been busy, so, much of my activity on the plane is after hours, often pulling it out in the spotligh for a startup, maybe to check for leaks after the carb rebuild. It is frustrating when we can't fly as often as we want. But it is especially gratifying being able to just go out there and sit and look at the plane for a few minutes. Knowing it is ready to go when we are. A while back i flew 31 flights in 31 days. Good thing i had somehow gotten started way back there :)
Bill James
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 13, 2012, 02:39:29 PM
I have it pretty good with a 1997 truck, a 1997 Mustang, a 1997 roadster with no windows or spare, and a 1997 airplane. Bill James
Sounds like 1997 was a big year for you.
How much piloting experience did you have before you flew your Variez? Was it easy to learn to fly? What is the useful payload on it? Max Cruze speed?
How much is your annual?
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bill James on April 13, 2012, 05:50:37 PM
How much is the annual? I meant to also include that in the "doesn't matter" category :) Obvious repair/replacement is done day to day, and dollar to dollar. Besides the ongoing maintainance, in February I do the complete annual inspection checklist, compiled from several lists that others suggested (thanks guys), with a couple of things added from my notebooks. I usually get an A&P to do something like adjust the first set of valves, or set the timing, for that valuable additional set of eyeballs. To answer your question, I don’t know. It really doesn’t matter. So far, knock on wood longerons, I haven’t gone into debt building or flying. I did work two jobs while trying to get the engine. Scott Carter of Extra Eze fame held it for me for 18 months. Several years ago while I was remounting the gear with the plane upside down, my dad got ill (6 hours away) and it took a couple of years to get it back in the air. I will say that once you are back in the saddle, those lost days disappear. Especially if what took you away was more important. Some things that take me away aren’t as important. That’s when the shorter sleep cycles and midnight oil come in. Interestingly, while I was building I was self employed. The busier I was with work, the better the building went. Probably something to do with money. And maybe that I was in a more productive temperament all around. When work was slow it was harder to get revved up to go out in the garage. Piloting experience? Doesn’t matter. Surprise! Sure, the more the better, maybe. You still have to adjust to a cockpit like no other. When I moved my plane from the garage to the airport, a friend that I had been helping with his new-to-him VariEze (N2NP) stopped in and dropped the keys in my hand. I flew it for three months while getting my plane ready for first flight. I had flown in the back of several Ezes, but then I flew ten flights in the front seat with an instructor in back. On the first flight I was totally uncomfortable. Felt like I was landing 5 feet below ground level. That night I reflew every landing attempt in my sleep. Several times. The next flight was great. And since. I suggest that in prep for the first front seat flight that you sit in the plane with the extended nose wheel on a paint can or such. With the canopy closed imprint that attitude and view down a long taxiway or road. That is your (new) sight picture for takeoff and landing attitude. Once you are flying, the pilot stuff will come. It is good to remember that experience is the best teacher, especially when it is someone else’s experience. A lot of valuable pilot knowledge is picked up in the coffee break at a flight school, or at midnight smoking a cigar in the bar in Jackpot or sitting outside on the stone fence at Rough River. If I say it quickly… I don’t know any normal person that couldn’t build or fly an Eze. I expect to be roundly corrected here, but that’s my opinion. Maybe I just don’t know the right people. Useful load. That friend that bought VariEze N2NP was an engineer but knew little about the canards. I’m so glad. I was well into building mine and was able to help him. One day on the spur of the moment we decided to go the KC-GIG (Terr Yake's Kansas City Grazin in the Grass). The day before leaving we filled her up and both got in to see what it was like to fly around the pattern. Nothing to it. As we planned, it was cool, the runway was 6000 feet long at 700 agl. All good. The next day we arrived with unplanned matching luggage - a baggie with a toothbrush and pair of Skivvies. We saddled up and headed out, ready to fly the four hours non-stop. Less than two hours later we were ready for a pit stop. We landed, stretched, figured the fuel needed, and took off without refueling. In other words, we got smarter. We did not need to take off with full fuel. We got smarter on several things that weekend. Unfortunately, one lesson, not ours thank goodness, was the first step in any emergency- fly the airplane. Payload and Max Cruise Speed? OK, I will let you in on the highly guarded secret – it doesn’t matter. :) As you build you will make choices between gizmos and pizzazz and Nirvana-like speed. Then you will learn to fly your airplane. And all will be a rewarding part of the experience and likely better than in most other flying machines. For cruise, you level off at the altitude where you were promised the lowest headwinds, and lean and adjust the engine to your pride level or credit card limit. To be sure, you will do the required diligence while building, doing the weight and balance and such, and all other critical elements. But I bet that most of the things that are holding you back now will be different, and you will have a whole nother set of setbacks and challenges then, all designed to whittle you into a better man. BTW, the Mustang and truck are well preserved, for having over 100K miles when i got them. And my wife has gotten everything she has wanted since i got the roadster before i had time to tell her about it... :) Oh. Can you imagine what it will be like when you do your first level off and pull the canard into that sweeping right turn for the first time? With the clouds skimming overhead. Or rush up from the deep green fields on that first wingover and break over into the crimson sunset ? Sleep well tonight :) Bill
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bill James on April 13, 2012, 09:12:41 PM
OK. OK. >>How much piloting experience did you have before you flew your Variez? - Several layers and flavors to that answer, still to get to the same answer. I had lots of helo time in the Marines and cattle-herding, some very valuable training in the 1425 hp T-28, I had owned a taildragger and had variable time in a coupla dozen other types. Probably the most valuable and heartwarming flight experience i have ever had was flying C-172s during the ScrewWorm Eradication Program over the Rio Grande Valley dropping sterile flys over the super-infested ranch lands. :) :) :) Didn't matter. You still gotta do your homework for the Eze. The knowledge base needed to fly anyting smartly is relatively small, and you will be there as a licensed private pilot. One day in the hangar a guy came in and stalled around for a couple of minutes and then said he wanted to fly cross-country to New Mexico and asked me how do you do that. He was Captain in a heavy and an F-15 jock. But he had never flown civilian. Same as a new private pilot. And whatever his experience, he still had to learn to fly his RV. I told him to go over to the office and talk to the new excited instructor and have some fun. That's what i had done years earlier after getting out of the Marines. Pretty much what you will do getting your license. >>Was it easy to learn to fly? - Yes. On your first front seat hop, for takeoff put the elevator an inch or so TE low. On liftoff hold that paint can attitude i menioned earlier and gently let it fly itself to a thousand feet. Then gently get the feel for it, which should take 15 seconds. Just get away from the runway first. >>What is the useful payload on it? - Look at the plans and POH for that. Your plane will be different from mine. <Sorry guys, i took out the GW references for a better look at them> Staying knowledgable about gross wieght and stall angles and such should keep you scared enough to be cautious on your load and on your toes during takeoff. There is lots of talk about payload and takeoff but one should always be poised in any a/c for the engine to quit on climbout. >>Max Cruze speed? Oh, that's an easy one, only a dozen or so answers. Lets say, er, 180? ...for the average VariEze? I dunno. When flying my plane on the 1.5 hours to south Texas, speed is around 200 TAS and 6 GPH. Flying nonstop from Fort Worth to Reno was 175 mph from takeoff roll to shutdown after taxiing around there for 15 minutes; flying against the wind, 1400 sm in 8 hours at 3.8 gph. A couple of years ago the trip to OSH was leaned to 2200 rpm at 180 TAS and used around 3 gph. Coming home was at peak at 2550 rpm, over 200 TAS and 6 gph. It doesn't matter. My ground speed is very variable because i always have a headwind. Really. A few weeks go i had to be in San Antonio and took off into a 45 mph headwind. The next day i flew back into a 35 mph headwind. Imagine when that used to happen in my Cessna-120 taildragger, and it worked hard to hit 80 mph. When the tornados came through a coupla weeks ago i gained 80 knots on downwind but totally lost any advantage gained on the base leg... (just kidding, but not much). When not on trip to OSH or RR, or flying with buddies to the hundred dollar burrito, or such, i normally fly once a week or so, for 30 or 45 minutes, checking on the new highway to Cleburne, or what type of cars are at the race track a few miles south and if its worth going there, lofting a few wingovers, and gliding through a low pass and perfect approach to a feather soft landing. Normally. What were those things you were asking about again??? Bill :)
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: AMC on April 13, 2012, 09:43:41 PM
They must pay you by the word.... THat is some killer performance though you can really get that Variez moving. When you say 400lb payload, is that wet or dry? I weigh 220 lbs by myself.
You must pay for an annual, you have to get it certified. $100 Burrito, at 4 GPH hardley. You should convert it to run auto gas. What are you paying for hanger space?
I still want to find a good Long Ez or Variez and buy a used one. Save $$ and time into flying it. How is the payload the same for a Long Ez and VariEz?
Are you IFR rated?
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: GlennBob on April 13, 2012, 11:25:35 PM
Bill,
You're going to scare the poor boy with info overload ! ! But to sum it all up . . most of your answers are a derivative of " Doesn't matter ". . . .which is usually mostly true.
Lemme tell you 'bout my first flight in a long ez.
I had purchased mine (sight unseen (very foolishly, . and against advice from others) ) from a chap who shall remain nameless, in Arizona. I live in Wisconsin. . .actually about 30 miles due East of OSH. The seller would not let me fly out and fly the bird home. - something about no canard experience. Baloney ! ! He was afraid of the bird. He wanted me to rent an SUV and trailer the thing all the way to Wis. I said why ? If it's a flying bird, . .why in the world would I trailer it home. ( thinking of all the damage that might occur bouncing all the way home. ) Dr. Schubert came to the rescue with a ferry pilot, (with canard experience). He agreed to fly it to Wis. for an agreed upon fee. But, . when he went to pick it up, . it hadn't been flown for quite some time and the seller was not available. Actually was in Mississippi ! ! So he coaxed it to life and flew it to his FBO where much conditional work and inspection was done on it. The ferry pilot was nervous, but brave and flew it out to WI for me. 1/2 way there he called and said it was running fine and he would be there at sunset. ( Oh yeah , . .this was supposed to be about my first flight ) ! ! So . .when the plane arrived, I saw that it was much rougher than advertised. (surprise surprise ). It also had no paint. Surprisingly, the gyros somehow disappeared somewhere between the pictures and the flight here ! ! Cylinder temps were very high. Over 420 before even reaching the runway. The engine was an O-235 with an Ellison TB. The starter was an early version of the Sky tech and would barely turn over the engine. I attributed this to the 9.5 pistons, but this wasn't the case. Anyway, . .after starting, . .I thought a good idea to do some high speed taxi tests. I was amazed at how quickly it lifted off. (didn't have a lot of fuel on board and I was alone). Troubling was the TB. Every time I adjusted the throttle on taxi, .the engine would quit ! ! I was quite disturbed. How could I give rides or fly this thing if the engine keeps quitting. I was sure it would be ok in the air, as the air fluid would keep the prop turning and the engine would resume, but on the ground this was not good. So . . .one time, . .I was doing a high speed taxi test and I was enjoying the flight in ground effect and realized that I was running out of runway. Since the engine was developing power and all was working well, . I decided to continue once around the pattern. I remembered being told to keep the canard on the horizon. I WAS pretty scared though. I was worried the engine might quit so I kept my hands away from the throttle. DON'T TOUCH ! ! I got up to pattern, .and flew once around the patch. I made a long down wind because I knew I had to keep the speed up over the fence. I came in at a very shallow decent, and pulled the power over the numbers, holding the canard up until the mains screetched on the rwy. Whew ! ! was I glad to be back on terra firma ! ! That was the first and last flight. Pulled the wings off and trailered the bird home to my garage, to fix all the screwed up stuff. Actually, . .that was the day I enrolled in EZ building 101. That was 6 1/2 years ago ! ! I have refinished and painted both wings, (they came out beautiful ) and I am now finishing the underside of the fuselage. I did not want a project, .but that's what I got. My flying has been severely curtailed, except for renting to stay current. It's not that I don't enjoy building, it's that I really had planned on flying ! ! =)
Many things have interrupted my work too. Heating the garage in the winter, . my work taking many hours, but I think I may finish this summer, if I can stay at it.
So . .if you wanna fly quickly, . .buy a finished, tried and true bird with several hundred hrs on it ! ! Mine is still new.
Glennbob
Title: Re: Should I pursue a pilot's license?
Post by: Bill James on April 14, 2012, 02:28:34 AM
>>They must pay you by the word.... - Yes, that's my secret to success. :)
>>THat is some killer performance though you can really get that Variez moving. - Don't believe anything - until you are flying next to the guy doing the talking, and then you can see for yourself. :)
>> When you say 400lb payload, is that wet or dry? I weigh 220 lbs by myself. - Sorry, I removed my references to the Gross Weights from the earlier post and here. My apologies. There were several adjustments in the Gross Weights in the CPs that one should get familiar with if they are looking at buying.
>>You must pay for an annual, you have to get it certified. - I am in trouble.
>>$100 Burrito, at 4 GPH hardley. You should convert it to run auto gas. - I am way behind on my carbon emissions. Everyone started 15 years before me, and besides that the plane was down for a couple of years. I have a lot of catching up to do, so for now I am just glad I don’t have to make it in my bath tub.
I still want to find a good Long Ez or Variez and buy a used one. Save $$ and time into flying it. - Cool
>> How is the payload the same for a Long Ez and VariEz? - I messed that up and removed the GW references. Look at the designed empty and gross weight values in the CPs. And for fun check on the production planes too; how much they can carry.
Are you IFR rated? Me, yes. The plane, no. Good hunting- Bill