GregL

Shoestring building is exactly my situation. I've had the plans for awhile, but no place to build it except in my apartment. So, basically I'm stuck on building it piecemeal cuz that's the only option. I've read that others have done this so we're not alone. I also don't have a bunch a money to build several chapters at one time. More like one chapter at a time. I do have the advantage of no immediate family to share the time or money, but I don't have the house or garage to build in either. I'm hoping that as time goes by I'll have a number pieces (that can go out the door) that I can take to the hangar for which I'm on a 4 year waiting list. When I get a hangar, I'll be retired or near retirement and can put it together to resemble a Cozy. I'll then spend all my time completing the job. I'll also probably be in mobile home (cheapest way to own a home). So unless I win the lottery or other, shoestring is my only way to go for me. So will any improvements from the basic VFR instrumentation and a new engine. Just so long as it isn't 10 years. Right now I'm just trying to get my pilot's license and hoping the residences near my airport don't successfully close it because of noise. Why did they build or buy a house next to an airport?

After my interest in Deltahawks, concerns for the weight (350+ lbs) and the cost ($23K+ for invert version) have changed my thoughts. The 8 cylinder Jabiru 5100 now has replaced it. I heard that there is one Cozy builder that's going for the 5100. Perhaps that was PaulL. Their website claims the 5100 is now in production. Other features includes weight of only 260+ lbs, 180 HP, runs on 100LL and 93 unleaded (from their distributors email), cost only $21,500 and is quiet. Rumors are that the oil companies would love to drop 100LL so that they only have to deal with unleaded. I know builders are concerned with ethanol (and water contamination) that is used in some autogas, but hopefully these will be worked out by the time I need one in two-three years. I can merrily sit back and wait. Greg Lum Cozy 1161

Jim Sower said that his wife is diabetic....doesn't want to jump thru FAA hoops (paraphrased). Well, I did and though it took 6 months, I finally got my 3rd Class Medical with Special Issuance okay for 6 years. Of course, I'm required to renew every year with medical documentation. She would probably be tested every year for her HA1C levels and could schedule it within 30days of her renewal month. Why? Because she can take over without worrying about FAA ethics and legalities. After waiting for months and having suspended my lessons not knowing I could really get a PPC, I'm resuming my flying again. Even if I didn't get it, I would be trying for a Sport Pilot license. I think John Slade(?) was concerned about inadequately trained pilots. But, the otherside of it is that pilots who failed their medical could still fly albeit in smaller slower uncomplex planes. However, now that I have my 3rd Class medical, I can start building a Cozy. My life can go on, that is if I past the PPC tests!

If you couldn't open the URL, open the attachment to this post or try this URL: http://www.ukskies.co.uk./index.htm?http://www.ukskies.co.uk./C/pages/Christensen%20-%20OPAS%203.htm for the modified canopy of a COSY Classic rather than a Cozy III.

I've been reading about suggested changes in the canopy and mostly about hinge locations. But, I wondered about mods to the shape of the bottom edge to lower the visual area. What prompted this notion was a picture I found online of a Cozy III. It can be found on hopefully: http://www.ukskies.co.uk./C/pages/Christensen This builder modified the canopy and turtleback to increase the view for front and back passengers. Are there structural weakness considerations to this mod? Christensen's plane is obviously flying so he may have not faced such a problem. Other factors are custom built canopy ($$$) and additional complexity of the plans. Any opinions?

I had gotten the video this past summer and it still had Rutan's layup demo included. So, not sure why Burt's platform shoes would necessitate it's removal. In fact I didn't even notice that they were platform until "Dust" mentioned it. The addition of Burt's demo made the video worth $20. It's a good buy. You can buy a demo kit from Wicks or Spruce to practice the technique, but the tape was so good that you might as well do on an actually Cozy part. Someone else suggested this as well. Email or call Nat to find out if it's still on his video.

If true, then I'll only be able to buy one as a high time or rebuilt engine. It's probably the only way I could afford it or any other engine.

The January 2004 issue of Kitplanes has a nice article on the 225 hp 370 cubic-inch 4 cylinder Honda aircraft engine. Honda and Continental have spend a couple years in development, but still remain closed mouth about when it will start production. Judging from his enthusiasm in the article and by his own admittance, he, John M. Larsen, is ready to buy one. He's very impressed with an engine that can produce 225 hp on 92 octane unleaded gas. Kitplanes magazine should still be in the newstands/bookstores. Whenever I get started on a Cozy, it will hopefully be there for me to buy by the time I finish it.

On Sept 1st, Deltahawk announced 180 hp version and priced at $24,000 and $24,500 for the inverted. I suppose that they were asked by many to have a comparable engine to Lycoming's 360 (also 180 hp). Since there is so much interest, testing is likely to start on the now middle range engine. The 200 hp may get delayed as a result, although that's speculation on my part. By the time, I'm ready for an engine in a couple of years or so, they'll have affordable overhauled engines or folks who have traded in for more hp. I'm also a fan of Honda engines. They may decide to go into production of their aircraft engine (225 hp). Hopefully, they'll have more reasonable pricing.

The MGS 285 system has a Tg of 195 to 230 deg F (Wicks catalog). It would seem that in addition to the fluidity comparison temperature resistance be also desirable. Since I'll be stuck with white finish, I'd want as much temperature resistance as possible. Maybe I could try the Light Blue that Dick Rutan painted his Long EZ?

The last AOPA eHotline email noted the Honda aircraft engine will be 225 hp flat 4 opposed cylinder, weigh 310-lbs, 40:60 water:coolant mix, and use auto or 100LL AVgas. In development for 3 years, production plans will announced late this year.

I've starting a discussion/thread in the Cozy Email list about the finish color of white as a choice. So far it's been generating some enlightening discussion. I'd like the general canard community to comment on the use of other colors for the final one. In fact the only non white canard plane I've seen (online) was a yellow Long EZ. The main reason for white is a temperature affect on composite materials. My question is that an absolute we all have to accept or are there other "safe" choices. I'd like to hear from those who braved other colors. Rick Maddy post a color/temperature chart on his website. Take a look. http://www.maddyhome.com/cozy/chapter?c=25&s=5

Those interested and not at Oshkosk should know that Deltahawke has successfully tested the prototype inverted version of the 160 hp V4 on July 25th. Albeit made from older parts of the upright V4, it's running as well as expected. The inverted engine is the one Nat Puffer has recently commented in the Cozy Newsletter would be best for the Cozy. I imagine it will be flying later this year and in production in 2004. It's expected to cost $23K. See http://www.deltahawkengines.com

Honda has ended it's development of an aircraft engine in collaboration with Continental. But where this news item came from I can't find again. However, if Honda gets into this field with an autogas/100LL fueled aircraft engine, we should be all the better for it. I'm driving a 1987 Honda Accord with an engine that has 225,000 miles without any major work done. Only alternator and water pump has been replaced. It's about the equivalent of 2,000 hours. It's still running fine. Go to http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/030304_tcm_honda.html for more info and picture.

Wups! About that airspeed of 160 knots. It converts to 184 mph. Not use to thinking in knots, but it still seems underwhelming for 200 hp at 100% power but I'll concede that. Its still heavy at 487-lbs.