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.

I noticed an Ad for SMA's Jet A fuel engine in one of the flying mags. Not having seen their ads before now I went to their website, www.smaengines.com. They had much more details about their engine. The SR305-230 is a heavy (423-lbs dry, 487-lbs full equipmt). They make the 230 hp claim because it produces 230 at 115% power at takeoff. At 100% power it's 200hp and down to 150hp at 75%. Speed is 160 kts at 6000ft (for a 230hp?). The engine has been certified since last summer, but now undergoing individual plane certification. They have it for a few. Their US office is in Daytona FL. Not that I'm an engine expert, I was surprised by their underwhelming performance numbers. The 160hp Deltahawke does as well if not better and is a 100 lbs lighter. I guess SMA's marketing dept is more efficient, bigger or at least exist. After all they're backed by Renault.

Thanks Wayne for your comments. I've just ordered an ANR headset. Being a novice, I'm repeatedly surprised by the high cost of all aspects of flying. My choice was dictated by cost over need. In a few years when I hopefully will be flying my own Cozy, my choice may be perfectly fine. While I'm learning with a front engine Cessna 152, I hope it will be adequate. GregL

I haven't read much discussion about mufflers. Anyone using them or worried about noise abatement? I've read one builder's comment on another Forum that he doesn't like noisy engines. Does a muffler affect performance? I know this might be a laughable concern if you co-exist with jet aircraft, but how about inflight in the cabin? Just curious.

The German company Wilksch Airmotive announced the availability of their WAM-120 for $18,480. The WAM-160 will come out later for $25,200. The design is a oil lubricated water cooled two stroke inline 4 cylinder diesel engine. DeltaHawk's DH160 is expected to cost $20,000. So, you can buy a 120HP German engine for $2000 less but nowhere the performance of the DeltaHawk 160. Yeah production is still 6-7 months away, but at least they're flying. The complaint of the high cost can be said of new Lycomings too. Again, I'm 3-5 years away from a finished Cozy, so I can wait for lower cost options, but I think the cost savings in cheaper fuel, more efficient burning, and expected lower TBO costs make DeltaHawks a viable engine for me. Besides I have time on my side to judge their quality.

I had noticed "Dust" found out that Continental's diesel is two years away. Lycoming is working with another diesel company. DeltaHawk Diesel has a 160HP engine flying. I'm a future Cozy IV builder. Perhaps by the time I finish it, a rebuilt DD will be available, however they estimate a TBO rebuild cost at $4000. I would guess folks would hang on to them for that cost. It just seems to me that the DD engine is the way to go. My advantage is that I'm not in the middle of building, and I can observe the reliability of DD's after they're in production.

Your criticism of the company's past performance may be fair, however you're jumping the gun on parts, supplies and service. Once testing is completed and FAA certification is granted, they would have reason to develop service locations, parts etc. As a way of updating experimenters, they're offering a free video of the first test flight to EAA chapters. Now that they have a flying engine, I'd be pretty surprised if their investors backed out now. I'd suggest to all that a visit to their website, http://www.deltahawkengines.com, would answer most people's questions. I have no vested interest in the company, but I do think it is the closest to production of a diesel aircraft engine.

Most of you may know that Deltahawk Diesel 160 hp engine made its first flight on May 3rd. The Velocity RG made 140kt @ 5500 ft. May 13th it flew 170kts TAS @ 10,500 ft. It weighs in at 335 lbs installed with oil and coolant. They expect to start production first of 2004. I know..I know they made promises like that before, but they never flew before now. In reading most of the messages in the Engine section, no one talks about the near future demise of AVGAS. Since the DH160 is using Jet A fuel or #2 diesel, wouldn't COZY builders or any builder who is still working on their project consider this engine? I'm still dreaming about a COZY IV, but by the time I will, the DD will have been proven. The other companies are planning or have planned diesel engines. The cost is expected to be $20-$21K, but you'll save on fuel cost, it's more efficient than the Lycoming equivalent, and at TBO will only cost $4000 to rebuilt (their estimate). A 200 hp DH200 V8 will follow after the FAA certifies the DH160. Any thoughts?