Jon Matcho

Ah, a perfect example of good plans gone bad. I MUCH prefer the big-book style of the Cozy plans that are NOT written in 'FinePrint font'. I compare the Cozy plans with the plans-built AeroCanard plans for everything I build. Here are some issues with the AeroCanard plans: Some dimensions are not clear as to whether they're for the FG or the SB (Cozy Mark IV size). Some dimensions are not carried over from the Cozy plans. The one example I know of can be picked up on another page in the plans. To make the "reformatted AeroCanard" plans, OCR was used, which leaves for some interesting results. For example, "The forward f3ce gets 2 plies of BID..." Now that's an easy one to decode, but now how confident are you that the #MS24694-S54 screws are properly identified? BTW, they are. The fix is easy -- buy the Cozy plans too. I'm also very hopeful that the new AeroCad owner will be doing a MUCH better job than Jeff was able to in the last few years with regard to growing the business, making improvements, and addressing issues such as these.

I'm going to have to start actually reading your Web site. All this time I thought you fabricated them yourself. I'm still impressed with the setup. That's a showstopper for an EZ in my book. Thanks for pointing that out! Did you remember? Or did you suffer heat stroke?

Now I get the "$300 difference" in the message above. I don't know what the stock parts cost, but $300 for overhanging rudder pedals doesn't sound bad.

Good question, and good thing that none of the plans that I have seen (Long-EZ, Cozy, AeroCanard, Eracer) look like they were scribbled on the back of a napkin -- they're all very good (with the Cozy plans being the best IMO). This is by design -- the same design as that used by book publishers so that they have a physical means to manage their product. It is a definite expense to produce CDs/DVDs so that they cannot be copied, and an expense that might not be worth whatever ROI would be gained. With all that said, I do agree that the plans could definitely be updated and reworked. I'm just not sure it's entirely necessary to make things easier for me right now. If they were updated, sure, CAD files would be nice, but the real priority (if you ask me) is not to change their layout -- it's to incorporate all the proven modifications that builders have since developed on their own. For $50 I was able to get a complete new set of 1:1 drawings from Aircraft Spruce that I was able to cut up and use for building. If I had DWF files, I'd have to: Find someone who could print them for no more than $50 Verify that their printer produced accurate proportions and aspect The plans aren't digital, but they're very well good enough. They also will likely represent less than 1% of your total expense.

The Bateleur reminds me of the VariViggen a bit... www.rmtaviation.com

Check this thread for starters: http://www.canardzone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1186

Thanks, and so I understand that the "standard" pedals operate the same, except the Velocity standard's hang instead of being floor mounted. Any idea on the cost of the standard velocity pedals? Brian, are you using the standard velocity pedals, or the "Dash 5" pedals?

This may be of interest to the Long-EZ guys... check out the rear seat instruments in the headrest.

Wayne, I tried to put a link to your rudder pedals here, but couldn't find them for the life of me on your Web site. So... you can find them on this page in the Wayne Hicks section: http://www.canardzone.com/members/JonMatcho/csa_spring_fly-in_2005.htm

Brian, I am very curious about the mod. I just happened to stumble on the Velocity pedal parts AND mention about using brakes during a crosswind takeoff on this page: I know the rudders don't kick in until a specified airspeed, and that you'll still need to use brakes at lower speeds, but I can't help but second-guessing the EZ brake design from time to time. I don't think I'd have a problem at all with the EZ brakes as-is, provided there's some sort of physical response for when you switch from rudder mode to brake mode (BTW, is this the point of full rudder deflection?). I attached a picture of the Velocity pedals ($1,300 right now).

The interesting thing that happened to me after deciding to go down this road was that, for the first time in my life, I noticed I had a 10-year plan. I've done some building already, but have since pulled back a step or two to get my shop setup properly. Before the shop are a series of other small and large projects that (a) keep the family happy, and (b) get me closer to next steps. The key is to look down the road, realize that it will take a BUNCH of time, and pace yourself. The other factor that's become part of the equation is realizing that I do not want (or need) all the luxuries you see on TV and in ads, such as SUVs, luxury cars, perfect landscaping, etc. Pace yourself and your 10-year hobby will easily cost less than all the crap that you never will buy. ...and what Waiter said. Welcome! p.s. No need to break your sentences by pressing [Enter] -- you see what happens. Just type until your heart's content and let the editor wrap your text to the next line for you.

This was in Kitplanes earlier this year (I forget whether it was plans or a kit). Since the builder/designer went through the trouble to get into Kitplanes, I figured we should cheer him on. http://www.saci.us/dart.htm Looking up the N-number, it first flew in 1995. I recall from the Kitplanes listing that it's powered by a VW 2100cc engine.

I was doing some yardwork this weekend when I heard yet another airplane in the sky, and of course I had to look up. This time was different... two planes, with one in tow! I pointed out the spectacle to my kids, and ran inside to get the camera. The attached are the best pics I could do. So... what's the canard tie-in? Rutan put out a kitplane glider, the Solitaire. Although critically aclaimed and the winner of the competition for which it was designed, it did not fair well commercially. (I know, that was a stretch-of-a-tie-in.) The interesting thing is that I always thought you had to travel to the white cliffs of dover to go soaring. It turns out that there's a sailplane club at the small airport just 3 miles away. Hmmm... tempting.

I thought this brief article was an interesting read: http://www.angelflight.org/articles/af00_010j.html It talks about John Denver's death, FARs and safety procedures, and lawsuits relating to the sale of homebuilt aircraft.

This graph shows which canards our members are building, flying, or just interested in (as of May 27, 2005): If you're one of the members who have not yet selected an interest, or would like to change your interest, be sure to update your profile information (see previous post).

Why is that? When getting back from my oh-so-wonderful trip w/Marc last weekend, I couldn't help but thinking to myself, "why do these people look so unhealthy?"

I thought they needed to be a certified AB (airport bum)?

Probably, which I am guessing has now transformed into SATS -- Small Aircraft Transportation System, which I gather is increased networking and organization of small airports to enable the general public utilize much more effectively (meaning "get people to use small airports").

That's a great success story. From Keith's Web site: Phil Johnson's Web site is here: http://www.canardzone.com/members/PhillipJohnson They're both interesting in that they've chosen different engines than those being packaged by http://www.eggenfellneraircraft.com (can't seem to find prices on their Web anymore, but recall ~$35K). Power! I hope it's safe. Will be interesting to see how Phil's performs.

I stumbled on these pics while trying to figure out what www.sats2005.com was all about. I thought it was interesting.

The Cozy Girrrls have done it again... another modification that (a) looks good, and (b) yields additional cabin room as I see it. The per-plans Cozy brings the strakes up just forward of your elbows, not leaving a whole lot of room for you or your passenger to spread out. The Girl's mod brings the front of the strake to the fuselage about 12"+ more forward, all the way up to the Instrument Panel bulkhead. This allows you to dig out more room inside the cabin to mate with the strakes. The Girls designed this mod for different purposes, but I'm looking at it ONLY for the extra room in the cabin it would allow. Look at the substantial amount of extra room in these pics. Wayne Hicks, an expert builder, said he would definitey do these if he did it over again, but I also talked to a flyer who didn't think it was worth it. Marc Zeitlin says the aerodynamic impact is neglible. I'm going to do them!

Come on, you don't find this picture funny? I hope he started Canard Aviation, Inc. to make money.

Sounds like it's practically a new airplane in front, if nothing more than better and more comfortable. I've always wondered what could be done to deal with what I expect to be an eventual gear-up landing. People have talked about metal plates, kevlar, and now you have wood into the picture (just like SpaceShipOne ). If you were building from scratch, would you do anything specific in this area to plan for a mishap?

Understand that we're talking about the plans-built AeroCanard here and not the kit-built AeroCanard (for which parts still work as options of the plans-built). If I was aiming to build an AeroCanard FG-sized aircraft, which I am, at this point in time I would highly recommend: Purchase the Cozy Mark IV 3rd edition plans from Aircraft Spruce so you have all the fixes and corrections. Purchase the AeroCanard FG plans-built plans so you have the rear seat widening modification. Build using the Cozy Mark IV plans, but before starting each chapter, identify what mark-ups exist in the AeroCanard FG plans and adjust your measurements accordingly. That sounds like a lot of work, but the plans nearly identical and I have found this process to be rather easy. There's only really a few places where there are differences. As far as costs go, I was able to get AeroCanard FG plans for a substantial discount way back because I mentioned I already had Cozy Mark IV plans. Also, for ANY modification, what's it worth to you? I gladly sent Uli Wolter $50 for his forward-opening canopy plans and would purchase add-on designs from others if I wanted them. Finally, I expect this scenario to evolve in the years to come. With new ownership at AeroCad, it's quite possible that the AeroCanard will evolve at a much more rapid pace than the Cozy Mark IV. As far as legal wranglings go, anyone who has plans for either plans-built aircraft has no worry. I also don't see Aircraft Spruce or AeroCad wanting to spend any time and money in court. I'm optimistic they'll look to work things out between themselves.

Welcome Brian! Glad to have you. I noticed some of your posts on the COZY mail list on these nose repairs you mention. Have you made any modifications or improvements from the plans that you care to share?