Newbie with questions

[Flyingftw]

Hi all,

 

I'm an airline pilot and always wanted to own a plane.

So recently I have been looking into experimental aircraft, more specifically aircraft like the RV8 and Long EZ's. The idea is day VFR with the occasional night flight (if that is even allowed under EASA).

 

I do have quite some questions about the Long EZ. It would be great to have some input from owners/pilots. So here are some of my questions.

 

- Is there any company that manufactures something like a Long EZ kit? 

- Is it a viable option to buy a used Long EZ and strip down the interior in order to rebuild/upgrade it?

- So I know the cockpit is quite small. Is there any option to reduce the size of the instrument panel vertically, in order to allow more leg movement? 

- Just to make sure: Grass runways are not possible or can it be done?

- How does it handle? I mean how does the stick feel? Is the feedback from the surfaces different than conventional light aircraft?

- Lastly can it be built with C/S prop?

 

Thanks   

[Marc Zeitlin]

- Is there any company that manufactures something like a Long EZ kit?

No.

- Is it a viable option to buy a used Long EZ and strip down the interior in order to rebuild/upgrade it?

Sure. Happens all the time. Especially now that many EZ's are getting on in years.

- So I know the cockpit is quite small. Is there any option to reduce the size of the instrument panel vertically, in order to allow more leg movement?

Yes - a few have done so. You can raise the bottom of the IP a bit to ease getting large feet forward. Obviously, that will restrict how much crap you can throw at the panel, but one of my customers has raised the bottom a couple of inches and still has a pretty packed panel.

- Just to make sure: Grass runways are not possible or can it be done?

POSSIBLE, but not recommended. There are a few folks that fly off of grass, but it has to be short grass on a long field, with a rearward CG and large main tires with high wheelpants.

- How does it handle? I mean how does the stick feel? Is the feedback from the surfaces different than conventional light aircraft?

I have only ever met one person that didn't think that flying an EZ type aircraft was the best experience they've had in airplanes with respect to feeling like you're part of the plane. The feedback is not different - just better. It's light on the controls without being twitchy. I have one customer with a COZY MKIV who's an F-16 and F-35 test pilot who says that the COZY MKIV is his 2nd favorite plane after the F-16. So there's that.

- Lastly can it be built with C/S prop?

Sure, but you don't want to. Unless you're flying off of very short fields, the cost and weight penalties are severe. All it gets you is shorter takeoff rolls and higher climb rates - you generally get nothing, or give up a bit, on the top end.

[Kent Ashton]

Just to add to Marc's remarks:  There is no kit but the materials and special parts are available.   For example:  http://www.cozygirrrl.com.  It's not very hard to extend the rudder pedals for a tall person.  It could be as simple as something like this:   http://www.canardzone.com/forum/topic/18661-kents-long-ez-project/?p=60524

I have had a 6'-4" chap sit in mine and he said it would be fine if the rudder pedals were moved forward.  Yeah, if you want to fly off grass, it's not the right airplane.

[Barry]

"So I know the cockpit is quite small. Is there any option to reduce the size of the instrument panel vertically, in order to allow more leg movement?"​

 

"I have had a 6'-4" chap sit in mine..."

 

 

I'll guess I am Kent's chap  and would say the cockpit was actually quite roomy in my opinion. I am 6'4" and about 220. Plenty of room, just needed the pedals moved forward a bit. And if it were mine, I would increase the leg opening height just so I could move around a bit easier on long flights.​

[Flyingftw]

Thanks to all for the quick replies. 

I am gathering more info and keeping my eye out for aircraft for sale.

 

I hope I can get a ride in a Long EZ and an RV sometime this year.

[Kent Ashton]

I'll guess I am Kent's chap  and would say the cockpit was actually quite roomy in my opinion. I am 6'4" and about 220. Plenty of room, just needed the pedals moved forward a bit. And if it were mine, I would increase the leg opening height just so I could move around a bit easier on long flights.​

 

 

Yep, you are my brobdingnagian example, Barry.  :-)  Recognize these tootsies?

 

Ya know, the EZ fuselage foam is .8" thick and removing the inside foam where the forearms rest really makes a difference.  It's like widening the cockpit 1.6" at no cost

[Barry]

Geez, I had to look that word up...

 

Tootsies seem familiar.