Inspection Advice

[vaviator]

Hello all-

 

I've recently received the generous (I think) donation of a Varieze in the process of being built. The original builder had died during it's construction and it was passed to a couple family members before one of them found me. The one who donated the aircraft to me simply wanted the engine that was once with the aircraft, and doesn't want "anything to do with experimental planes". In short, that's the story.

 

Now, I need to figure out what I've got. From a set of temporarily borrowed plans, I've managed to estimate the builder had completed 14 of the 21 building chapters in the first section. So far the fuselage is largely completed and on the gear, the canard, wings, and winglets are also complete for the most part. Only one winglet has been installed and preparations were made to install the second. There has been no filling work done and the strakes have yet to be built.

 

The advice I'm looking for is on what needs to be inspected - what parts are the most crucial - and how to go about inspecting. Before I sink a lot of time and money into this thing, I'd really like to know the work that's been completed was done correctly. What I have determined so far is that the wing and canard incidence needs to be checked, and that the entire plane's glass work needs to be inspected. One builder suggested wetting the surfaces with a damp cloth to look for delaminations that should appear white. Are there any other super critical parts/areas that need to be inspected? And how obvious are white areas that could be delamination? And any other advice anyone could throw in there would be really appreciated! Thanks!

 

-Andrew

 

PS - I'm going to post this over on ez.org and the Varieze forum here as well to try and get as much advice as I can. If you're over there too, no need to answer both

[vonjet]

Since its an airplane and you will be flying it. I'd inspect every single part on it down to every rivet or bolt. All metal for corrosion, cracks, poorly drilled holes, poorly bucked rivets etc. All nuts and bolts for corrosion and or re-used lock nuts.

All composite parts for any delaminations, bubbles in the glass, or soft spots.

Check the foam that is visible for deterioration or damage.

Any hoses, fuel lines, brake lines should be replaced if over 10 years old. Or even if younger they may have fluid in them and are gunky. Id probably replace them anyway.

Inspect all the parts that are not installed for currency and see if they were replaced by a newer design or were part of a service bulletin.

[Lynn Erickson]

Hello all-

 

I've recently received the generous (I think) donation of a Varieze in the process of being built. The original builder had died during it's construction and it was passed to a couple family members before one of them found me. The one who donated the aircraft to me simply wanted the engine that was once with the aircraft, and doesn't want "anything to do with experimental planes". In short, that's the story.

 

Now, I need to figure out what I've got. From a set of temporarily borrowed plans, I've managed to estimate the builder had completed 14 of the 21 building chapters in the first section. So far the fuselage is largely completed and on the gear, the canard, wings, and winglets are also complete for the most part. Only one winglet has been installed and preparations were made to install the second. There has been no filling work done and the strakes have yet to be built.

 

The advice I'm looking for is on what needs to be inspected - what parts are the most crucial - and how to go about inspecting. Before I sink a lot of time and money into this thing, I'd really like to know the work that's been completed was done correctly. What I have determined so far is that the wing and canard incidence needs to be checked, and that the entire plane's glass work needs to be inspected. One builder suggested wetting the surfaces with a damp cloth to look for delaminations that should appear white. Are there any other super critical parts/areas that need to be inspected? And how obvious are white areas that could be delamination? And any other advice anyone could throw in there would be really appreciated! Thanks!

 

-Andrew

 

PS - I'm going to post this over on ez.org and the Varieze forum here as well to try and get as much advice as I can. If you're over there too, no need to answer both

The best would be to get someone that has built and flown a vari eze to give it a look. if you have not done the glass work on an ez then you won't know what you are looking at even if you know where to look. there is no way to tell what is inside the layup or if all the layups are there. try to get some background on the builder, what type of craftsmen was he, a perfectionist or a duct tape guy. was he an inventor or know it all, then look out, but if he was a good craftsmen and followed the plans, it will show and a experienced builder will most likely be able to tell

[Big Steve]

Vaviator:

 

You do not say where you live. I agree with Lynn. Find someone with Rutan Canard experience and have them check it out.

Where do you find these kind of friends who give away airframes I need one for my next project??? STeve build on

[Kraig]

Vaviator:

 

Where do you find these kind of friends who give away airframes I need one for my next project??? STeve build on

.....I need one for my current project.

 

Kraig

[longez360]

Joe Person (Seattle, WA) is as good as you will find in terms of inspection and continued airworthiness of a Vari-Eze. You will find him on the canard-aviators list. He is worth touching base with to find a someone local to your area. Joe is also a very experienced professional engineer, two-time Vari-Eze builder/flyer (and half a Long EZ) and a true gentleman. Gary Hertzler is another highly respected builder.

 

Terry Schubert at Central States is another good contact. If you subscribe to this terr(y)ific organisation, you will recieve a list of members across the world. Terry knows most, and may be able to direct you to another contact more local to you.

[vaviator]

Thanks for all the advice so far everyone!

 

I'm currently in Virginia (user name is supposed to look like VAviator:D ) and I have managed to find another builder of a Varieze through EAA. Unfortunately he hasn't worked on his project in about 15 years, but it is about 90% complete. I'll see if I can coerce him into having a look at what I have. A couple guys I used to work for (both A&Ps with IAs) also had a look at the project before I took it. They both said the construction looked good and they would have taken it if it was further along. Just more of a project than they wanted to get into I guess (fine with me!)

 

Right now I'm borrowing a set of plans from the builder I met through EAA. However, he wants to hang on to the plans and doesn't really like to loan them out. Anyone know where I might be able to find a set? I have no idea where the original set have gone as it has changed hands several times.

 

Thanks again for all the info help so far.

 

-Andrew

[JLKnolla]

Andrew,

 

David Orr might be able to recommend someone in the area to inspect the project with you (canardfinder at att dot net).

 

John

[Lynn Erickson]

Thanks for all the advice so far everyone!

 

I'm currently in Virginia (user name is supposed to look like VAviator:D ) and I have managed to find another builder of a Varieze through EAA. Unfortunately he hasn't worked on his project in about 15 years, but it is about 90% complete. I'll see if I can coerce him into having a look at what I have. A couple guys I used to work for (both A&Ps with IAs) also had a look at the project before I took it. They both said the construction looked good and they would have taken it if it was further along. Just more of a project than they wanted to get into I guess (fine with me!)

 

Right now I'm borrowing a set of plans from the builder I met through EAA. However, he wants to hang on to the plans and doesn't really like to loan them out. Anyone know where I might be able to find a set? I have no idea where the original set have gone as it has changed hands several times.

 

Thanks again for all the info help so far.

 

-Andrew

make a copy of them. if you have that much already done all you will need is the copy to complete the project. many builders have made copys to keep in the shop so they wont destroy the originals.