Hank Stauffenberg

You are correct Dust. I have been researching engine "rotary stuff" and have not put a lot of hands-on time lately. Instead, I have been clearing Honey Dos and laying paint on my 56 F100 in the hopes that I'm clear to Cozy-on come spring. My brother will be Dave "The Metal Fab Man" so I'm not jumping into that unless he reneges on his promise. Sounds like a bunch of excuses, but it's not. I stair at Cozy Pics all day every day and read the forum religiously. Depression is kicking in, I'm ready to build!

OK OK Dust; I'm In! Chapter 4 was a cake walk. Just READ and FOLLOW the instructions. I made minor errors in my router cuts, but nothing that will impact on the overall quality of my work. I'm stuck on Chapter 5 (first big layup) until the weather man decides to send some heat in my direction.

Here is the FAR Section I based my statement of a requirement for a fuel cut-off: Sec. 23.995 Fuel valves and controls. (a) There must be a means to allow appropriate flight crew members to rapidly shut off, in flight, the fuel to each engine individually. (b) No shutoff valve may be on the engine side of any firewall. In addition, there must be means to-- (1) Guard against inadvertent operation of each shutoff valve; and (2) Allow appropriate flight crew members to reopen each valve rapidly after it has been closed. © Each valve and fuel system control must be supported so that loads resulting from its operation or from accelerated flight conditions are not transmitted to the lines connected to the valve. (d) Each valve and fuel system control must be installed so that gravity and vibration will not affect the selected position. (e) Each fuel valve handle and its connections to the valve mechanism must have design features that minimize the possibility of incorrect installation. (f) Each check valve must be constructed, or otherwise incorporate provisions, to preclude incorrect assembly or connection of the valve. [(g) Fuel tank selector valves must-- (1) Require a separate and distinct action to place the selector in the "OFF" position; and (2) Have the tank selector positions located in such a manner that it is impossible for the selector to pass through the "OFF" position when changing from one tank to another.] What YEE SAY?

Thanks Guys; I thought that the exp folks do not have the riggid standards of commercial aviation. Not to stir the pot BUT, Largeprime is correct in the requirement for a manual fuel cut-off on the fuel line. So Mike, you will have to pay Largeprime or pay-off the DAR! John; Great words of wisdom that I will store in the memory banks for when the time comes. I certainly DO NOT want to challange the DAR when he is doing a certification on my work. Not glassing (TOOO COLD!), but researching and turning bolts!

As I searched for hose fittings for my engine, (in this case a rotary), the issue on the type fittings became apparently unclear. I was intending to use AN fittings and in my market search I was hit with a statement "If you are going to fly that baby I believe the FAA requires "cutter" not "compression" fittings". I have searched the web and can not find difinitive guidance on this subject within the FAA or EAA Regulatory vaults on the "approved" type of AN fittings as they apply to home built aircraft. Can anyone shed some light on this subject?

I went the site posted and requested information on if and when they plan to produce as scaled version of the Cozy Mark IV. I think you will all find the response interest. The Velocity development program has extended considerably longer than we anticipated, caused by some of the same issues that affected the original Velocity - deep stall performance/recovery. We believe we are at the final iteration of the model, . . having to increase the canard chord and power to weight ratio. The good news its that we would probably be able to design it to fly well, right from the start. We are going to get the Velocity completed and selling well, before we do another Canard aircraft. The Cozy remains a likely candidate, and we would probably build it in a slightly smaller scale, so that the two models don't compete with each other. To answer your question directly, I realistically don't see us doing the Cozy within the next year or two. If there is sufficient interest, we could build sets of Velocity wings and canards and produce a kit without the fuselage, for those builders who would want to build up their own Cozy fuselages from balsa or fiberglass.(The Cozy has very few compound curves in the fuselage so could be built from balsa sheet over frames.) We could also provide a fiberglass cowling after a fuselage has been designed by an enterprising Cozy builder/modeler. If this is of interest to the Cozy community, we can special build these wing sets as a dedicated special order that we would build as part of the Velocity production. I suspect that the wing sets would sell for about $200.00.

Cool John; I went back to your site and found additional info that I had not seen before. I think I'll need to put my Lazy Boy recliner in the garage next to the ZOOM ZOOM machine so I can apply the approprite amount of gray matter for design engineering. I have a vested interest in your designs so your efforts better work! Or should I say I have confidence that they will work. Thanks again!

Thanks John! I've been ingesting all the info on Lamar's site. What a wealth of accumulated knowledge. Thanks for the link. I looked at your web site under engine and did not see a real good pic of the intake manifold. Did you us the stock intercooler or did you modify or scrap it? Your comment on build from scratch opposed to modified existing is the path I will probably take. My bother "volunteered" doing the metal work and I gladly agreed (I'm not a good TIG welder). I will have to make templates and mock-ups for him. Note; As for the CCF issue, I'm in for any position to retain independence from commercial/vendor intervention and control. I, like Mike, will freely contribute $$$s for this purpose (not an issue antmore). Transfer site to a dedicated server with you "DA MAN" as SA/webmaster. I take a slight issue with your vision to exploit CCF for personal (however in the future) gains and feel that this position should not be a determining factor in the path forward. I say slight because you earned and deserve some benefit for your efforts. Anyway, that's my position for what it's worth! I leave the future of the CCF in your able hands and know that the direction taken will be in the best interest of all members. Rock On Garth!

John; What's the verdict on the composite intake manifold? Have you received it yet? What's the impact to the pocket book? See what you get for being the first in the bucket! I hope you have more narrative and pics on you final engine config and engine tests. BTW; Did you go with the exhaust manifold set-up to run the vacuum gyros? Good luck on the first run

You Da Man! I feel you have made the right decision in your selection. I think you will find lots of help available to put spark in you bird. Tracy is the brain, Bruce T is the tech, and of course, John and Greg are the applications gurus. I'll be tinkering with my 13B during the cold months (not cost effective to heat garage without insulation)and hope to get a good start on the assembly of the engine and mount. I can always use a slave, so come on down to the pig capital of the world for a visit. Robin would love the River Boats. I will, of course, make another migration your way in the spring to be your slave again. Cuz, I do love the work! Wrench turning on the powerplant is cool stuff!

Well my cable guy did not come through. So I guest I'll have to take Dust's advise and pay! Thanks for the feedback on estimated feet needed for the Cozy. I think I over estimated "a little". Will recalc and save the bucks for other toys.

I too am interested in an estimated feet of cable needed for a fully equiped Cozy! I think I can get this cable direct wholesale for abour 6 cents a foot. Got a cable guy working this for me now. I asked for 500 feet, which he felt it would be no problem. I'll let you know what falls out. I was his slave as well. Sometimes it pays to be a slave! Last of templates from Chapter 4 will be in the mail once I get back home. First week Oct, so be on the lookout!

Don't know who is selling, but the price is right and Tracy's reduction drive is the best on the market. The price is a sale for the reduction drive alone. You realy need to check on the engine configuration (turboed, EFI) if you want to keep up with the other Musketeers.

Must be nice having all that gray matter converging on one focused project . I await your mind meld response! Moving on to Chapter 5 Ok I posted on the wrong thread! Now does my comment make sence?

Mike; Sent you an email to your personnal address. Did you receive it, or did it get lost/scattered in the E Commerse distribution? Please advise.

Thanks Dave! I think you guys purchased a whole spool for both planes. I too am going to install all the antennas I can to insure that as I get MOOOE Money, I can enhance my avionics. Sooooo, with that in mind, how many feet/yards do you think I will need (based on your experience and devine wisdom)to get the job done master? Your humble servant!

I too was energized by the Oshkosh experience. Working at 1/3 rd of the power of the Musketeers was probably a peaceful, calming, and a spiritual event! However, I thought that the motto was "all for one and one for all"! Well, someone had to protect the serve the Cozy's. Enjoyed see you, Dust and Robin and a few more nuts like me at the show. It was truely a "Great Day To Be An AMERICAN!". Thanks again for transporting the turtleback jig with you on your vacation. Dave; do you remember were you purchased the antenna cabling? I remember a discussion when I was slaving with you that you purchased cabling from a wholesale house. Dust could not remember. I need to start looking because I'm just about complete with chapter 4 and 5, I think, I will need to embed antennas in the fuse. Cheers!

Hey Dust! What about the turtleback jig negociations process request? Your jig is "perfict" and you being a Cozy caring concerned diehard, I tought that the fruits of your's and the the other two Musketeers were shared/exportable? I plan to do the same, so I volunteer to accept reciept of jig and promise to follow-on with your teachings. Was that a good enough Suck Up!!!!!

Drew; If Mike has not glassing work for you, I certainly do! Mike trained me as his slave so I think I can fill his shoes at barking directions. I can't however provide the gourmet meal that Dave prepares, but I think I can provide substances that are consumable. Besides, Mike and crew are too organized, I'm not and you have the chance to see a one person show and not a herd. Sorry Mike, I had to offer, I'm hungry as well for slave labor! Cheers

Dust; I think we can negotiate a deal here! I will be done with the fuselage templates shortly. I can send Mike the templates, and I'll highjack the turtleback jig and execute a handoff after I'm done with it. Nothing like saving a tree or two and sharing the wealth of "other peoples" efforts. Isn't collaboration and sharing a wonderful thing!

OK Dave! What can I say? I was more than 8 hours away. I was more like 30 hours away and would have loved to see and slave for the event. I just hope I can get a reply of the event! BTW; I still love the modern Zebra pattern that you have chosen! Real cute!

You better make sure that your "slaves" get a copy! Just remember, breath and be GENTLE!!!!

Fellow builders and potential builders; I have to let you all know of an experience I had in the Detroit area with a group of builders (I call the three Musketeers). One of three Musketeers is very active in the Forum Mike (allies Dust). I found Dust through the Forum when he graciously aired on the forum to give away templates, fixtures and jigs to new builders. I could not refuse and made arrangements to make a visit to the build site to see a Cozy under construction. Dust informed me that I could not visit, but I could come out and be a slave for a day. I agreed to the terms and conditions imposed and made the trek from Iowa. I met Dust and Thayer at Dust's home and we made the 50 minute trek to the construction site. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the building, it was the home of the third Musketeer (Dave). Two Cozy's were under construction in Dave's basement. I inquired as to how they intend to get the birds out of the basement? The response was simple, cut a whole in the floor and take them out through the patio window. All I can say is that Dave has a gorgeous home and a truly understanding wife! After a quick progress update, I was handed sandpaper and away I went. We were working on the rudder assembly. The form was already hot-wired so we were prepping to put down the first lay-up. From trimming to sanding then to antenna install to micro fill to the first lay-up. I have to tell you folks that I was a bit leery of working/learning on someone else's aircraft for the first time. We completed the second lay-up and placed the peel ply and that was it; Piece of cake! It was simple, straight forward, and the instructions provided by Nat were clear and concise. So what is the problem with taking on a task of this size? NONE! What excuses do new builders have? NONE! So I leave you with to thoughts; No excuse is a good excuse when you are attempting to make your dream come true. Finally, this is not rocket science, so lets start building! My thanks goes to the Musketeers that took the fear away and the inspiration they instilled in myself to get started. I hope I get a chance to work with them again. Hank

I would be interested in your epoxy pump and hot saw if you are willing to sell seperate from the plans and construction. If acceptable, what type epoxy pump and hot saw do you have? Hank

Dust; If you still have the set-ups, I would be happy to take them off your hands. Please let me know. Hank #1063