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Thanks for the replies and advice, and DUST I'm not scared of flying it, just making a fibreglass lined crater hehehe The workmanship seems to be overall very good.The glassing and filler are very smooth and even.The guy had previously built a longEZ and I would say quite competent. Where the plane lacks is in detailing. I suspect that at the end, he was not well, as he died not long after taxi tests, and the bird never flew. He left pit marks in the glass and some of the filler edges are a little rough.It's almost like he wanted it finished and just threw the paint on.Although I am new at composites, I do have building and repair experience, and I would estimate that there is less than 200 hrs left to completion, which includes reconfiguring the hotch-potch instrument panel and at least a patial teardown of the 0-235. I do have some advice however, as a newbie to even you experienced guys. The LongEZ that this fellow built was sold in British Columbia.It subsequently crashed, killing the pilot.I have talked extensively to the TSB about the crash and it turns out that the builder used explosafe in the fuel tanks. This material apparently holds water like a sponge, and under vibration rains it out. The engine on the crash plain suffered a chronic loss of power at low altitude, and during a steep emergency turn (60degree left wing down, 24deg nose down) trying to both line up for a field landing and trying to crank down the gear, the engine cleared and powered him into the ground.Water in the carb was the culprit. Investigation found that 5% of the total explosafe used in the tanks was able to hold 175ml of water,and that was the major factor in the crash. The fact that the guy had 100hrs logged total, 2.4 check flight on type and hadn't flown for 5 years were all contributing factors, to say the least.So if you are thinking of using explosafe,then do some research Blue skies Chris

It seems that the common thread here is that the filler popped out due to poor surface prep. I have been able to slide a small plastic scraper under all the loose stuff and taken the filler back as far as it will go. It's fairly easy to see where the filler has not adhered and I have removed it as best as possible. Just how far should I go back with the adjoining surface, or should I stop when I cant get the blade under the filler without significant effort? I have to tell you that although I am new to composites, the thought of lifting the plane by the wings and puttingg force in the centre is quite honestly terrifying and more that a little suspect as a recognised way of testing fatigue. I can't help wondering if the very act of putting the stress on the wings is enough to fatigue those that were previously solid! I have done the "tap test" and they sound good.The only variance in sound I could hear is along the full length of the wing at the point that I must presume is the spar.At this point the sound turns to quite a high ring in comparison to the rest.Does this sound about right?

I have six pictures to show you all. Cant seem to be able to attach them to the reply. A few pointer for sending multiple pics would be appreciated. Thanks, by the way, for all your help and support. Chris

Hi again guys The place the resin popped off is quite shiny on the right side, but on the left (both places being where the turtle deck turns out into the wing) the fibreglass looks dry, as if there is no resin.What I suspect is water build up under the filler and when it froze, popped it out. The right side surface is definitely delaminated but looks very repairable. The resin on both sides at this crease is about half an inch thick! I'm an entry-level guy into composites but it doesnt look right even to me. I gave the wing a provisional tap test with the back end of a small screwdriver and didn't hear anything, but I will scrutinize them both with a quarter. I have to tell you my initial joy at finding this plane is slowly disappearing as I close my eyes and imagine wing delamination at 160+. I live near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and although there are a few canard guys around,it seems that the spirit of fraternity that you share in the states doesn't reach up here. I will try a couple of emails that I have come across and try for some results. Thanks again, and if you have any bright ideas, give me a buzz at cbflyboy@attcanada.ca. thanks again Chris

Hi John thanks for the reply the guy i am buying it off paid $2000 cdn complete with a 500 hr 0-235 lycoming. I am looking to trade in my own homebuilt and with the money he gives me will end up owing me about $20,000 cdn. ($16,000 USD?) Its a hell of a deal if the plane is sound. Trouble is with the regs up here in Canada, the plane needs to be inspected, and with the word getting out about the history of the plane, it seems that none of the AME's locally will write the inspection. I may have a big problem here. As far as that wing goes, one would think that any severe stresses would at least have partially translated into cracks or delamination at the wing mount bolt holes, but there is nothing, although its really hard to tell whats happening on the inside. What I am also curious about is whether UV rays will affect a painted plane to the point of weakening the epoxy.The plane is painted yellow and is faded, but not that badly that a decent polish btings the shine back. Would UV penetrate the paint that much? Chris

Hi. I am considering purchasing a cozy mk3 which has already been built. although some finishing is required,the airplane appears to be quite salvageable. There are a couple of problems. The plane was built and the owner died before flying it. The plane subsequently sat outside uncovered for a 8 years, and at one point, the cockpit had water in it which froze at some point. the filler has popped out in a couple of places along the turtle deck behind the cockpit and along the crease where it turns out into the wing. The left wing is off an aircraft that collided with a mountain and appears sound with no external damage, although I have no real way of telling. I have been advised by a couple of friends within the aviation community that the plane is not now nor ever will be airworthy. I am at a loss, and would appreciate some input as to whether to go ahead with the purchase. This is one of those "how long is a piece of string?" questions, but any input would be valued. Thanking you Chris