Jon Matcho

You can find a copy of the Dragonfly Construction Manual here: I'll work on getting a proper set of templates for the airfoils and bulkheads, so until then you cannot build from these plans -- although they are still an interesting read.

You can subscribe to the CSA/COBA here: https://canardowners.com/ The magazine was recently handed over from Terry Schubert to new owners, which gave the printed version a long overdue upgrade to a color format. There's something special about receiving a canard-specific magazine in the mail.

I was mistaken. After some simple digging I do see that Dragonfly aircraft are listed to have lower stall speeds than Quickies and other comparable canards. That's surprising to me, but makes sense with the Dragonfly having a different wing altogether. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_Dragonfly (stall speed shown is 55 MPH) https://dragonflylist.groups.io/g/main (stall speed shown is 48 MPH)

I would like to take a look, although I suspect there would be full-size drawings that may not be included in what you have. Only way I know is to solicit to buy someone's used plans, or eBay. We could try that. You also have Dragonfly information here and on Facebook groups (although FB is a black hole). Building a Dragonfly is comparable to building a Cozy, at least a Long-EZ. If you think you can build a Dragonfly, I suggest you are able to build a Cozy if you want. The Dragonfly has similar flying qualities to the Q2, but a touch slower. All canards (and tandem wings; Qs and Dragonflys) have higher stall speeds, are faster in general, and require longer runways than conventional aircraft. Yah... that's an issue. I might be able to locate materials lists, but the idea is that you need to develop the materials list as you go through the plans. Maybe. I would like to create an Open-EZ version of the Dragonfly plans, but if Dart decided to wake up and do something, the plans would no longer be orphaned. By my definition, the Cozy Mark IV plans are orphaned. The only real support that's available is through "the community". Aircraft Spruce isn't giving tips or advice on building.

Here's a good introduction to some things to look out for if you're looking to purchase a Long-EZ: https://www.kitplanes.com/buying-used-long-ez/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=KITPLANES+Weekly&utm_campaign=KP+Weekly+2020%2F07%2F28

Ah, I found this note in the Gary Hunter slide: "Resins Shown in Shaded Rows are NOT approved for construction of Vari-Eze, Long-EZ’s or Cozy’s" Still, there’s not a citation for the source of this, but I trust what Gary and Marc have to say on the matter. No, MGS and Aeropoxy (and others) are fine with room-temperature cures (some folks have post-cured some parts by putting in a hot attic, etc., but that's very uncommon. There's really no need.

They are no longer available. You would have to find a pre-owned. That's a broad statement that's most likely coming from the tail-dragger configuration of the Q1 and Q2/200s. I have flown a Tri-Q200 and was remarkably similar to flying an EZ -- VERY controllable. Yes, the wheels outboard at the wingtips have large moments and ask for a ground loop, but those that have them manage quite fine. Your impression must be related to the Dragonflys typically having gear that is more inboard than the Qs. You can also consider the tricycle configuration of the Tri-Qs. I don't believe that's the same aircraft company that once held the Dragonfly plans. I could be wrong. They were, and then Dart seemingly disappeared. I too would like to get a copy of Dragonfly plans.

I vaguely recalled Nat approving it in one of his latter newsletters, but could find no evidence of that.

West sands much more easily and is generally used for finishing. However, that does not mean it cannot be used for structural parts. Personally I would not, as the amount of money you would save is not worth the peace of mind. Epoxy costs will be a minor fraction of the total costs for the plane. Here's a worthwhile discussion on West 105 and choosing an epoxy system in general. I recall MGS (or was it ProSet) was not an approved epoxy when it was clearly capable. At the end of Nat's personal involvement with supporting Cozy builders, Nat was just keeping up with the basics. Since Aircraft Spruce purchased the plans we still don't have an "approved" list of epoxy systems that is actively maintained.

@Marc Zeitlin's presentation and walk-through was impressive. He qualified what we were about to see as "entirely overkill" for daytime VFR, which I understood as he got into things. I did make a few notes: Marc's panel was done using frontpanelexpress.com. They provide a tool that allows you to design your panel for them to cut out of aluminum. Marc used B&C for many electric components, such as switches. Marc is a fan of Bob Nuckolls approach to aircraft wiring. Thanks for the tour Marc.

Phillip built a modified Cozy IV that can't quite be called a Cozy anymore, thus the "Kinda Kozy" moniker. The plane has retractable gear and a Subaru auto engine conversion. The event will be by online Zoom meeting on Friday 7/24 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM UTC). https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85395157930

I always say that there's nothing wrong with replying to a post from the distant past, so here we go. I think the Rotax 912 and 914 engines would work well in a Q2 airframe. I was considering converting my Tri-Q200 project to a Rotax, but these engines are not cheap. Since 2008 Rotax has established itself in the LSA market, and I noticed that most of the CS prop manufacturers favor Rotax at the 100 HP range over direct-drive Continental or Lycoming engines.

I just checked: The quote was from MT USA and was for $6,150 with the 2 prop blades accounting for $4,300 of it. I figured I could buy 2 excellent fixed pitch props for that price. The unit was electrical, so "no" on the hydraulic question (the engine is a Continental O-200).

Now you got me looking into CS options for my Quickie TriQ-200. It had an MT prop on it. After a nose gear failure splintered the 2 blades, I decided to move to a fixed pitch considering the $8,000 approx. to repair. https://www.kitplanes.com/constant-speed-props/ I don't think Hartzell offers anything in the sub 120 HP range (for my Quickie)?

Welcome Evan! Whether this is for Long-EZs or Cozys, your question sums it up: Why? My take is that longer and pointy noses imply a faster airplane. Aerodynamically there's no advantage here. Make sure you include time to renovate your shop/garage/shed/barn/dining room/etc. I have seen some use MT props, but they're expensive as heck.

The foam is for maintaining overall structures, just like in that video you recently posted. Its job is to keep the fiberglass in position.

Jason, a picture please please, pretty please. 🙂

A case for balsa... interesting. The only thing not mentioned is that balsa is an organic material which will eventually decay.

I totally agree! I forgot that my current shop is now my 3rd from when I started (along with my 3rd home). Very disruptive and taxing. Every time you move you have a whole world of more "honey dos" and "must do" before you get to work on your hobbies.

4,000 hours will get you a really good Cozy, which Andrew is building. If you buy all the prefab stuff possible, and build "good enough" you can come in under those hours. Still, that's a reasonable number worth coming to terms with. The fastest Cozys have been built in ~18 months I recall.

I have found that once the build is in motion, the challenge is to keep it in motion. Left unchecked, flat surfaces in a workshop are magnets for non-building stuff. For Tim and anyone else, do you have any pointers to share about keeping long-term focus? Here's my list: Get in the shop and do something every day, even if only for 15 minutes. To be continued...

Nice... I had the pleasure a couple years back. He's got a nice looking Q2 and I am impressed how well he does with the Revmaster engine.

@Marc Zeitlin will be presenting some of his recent upgrades to his Cozy IV on a Zoom meeting this evening (8:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM PDT / 12:00 AM UTC). For those that do Facebook, you can find the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1602730126554271/ Otherwise you can join the Zoom meeting directly here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85395157930