FloridaFlyer

Marc, I understand how a subaru powered aircraft can reduce operating cost by using auto gas. Why does IFR vs. VFR matter? It seems to me that the only difference in operating costs between various Cozy's would be engine type. Of course, fixed costs can vary widely depending on whether you use a hangar/tiedown, etc. From reading about your Cozy flying, it seems that you mainly fly VFR. Is the plane equipped for IFR? Would you mind stating roughly how much your panel cost? Not a builder yet, but this sounds like sage advice!

Marc, just thought I would give you my 2 cents worth... I have not built any airplanes but have been lurking here for a couple of months. I have no idea of the extent of your flying experience and am not trying to insult you. My flying background includes C150/152, C172/172XP, PA140/180, Citabria, Piper Cub, T34C, KingAir 90, P-3 Orion (Electra), 737-200/-300/-500/-700. Out of all of these airplanes, only the 737 has electric roll trim. It is usually set on the ground and not touched the entire flight. Occasionally, you may make a fine adjustment in flight. Electric pitch trim makes sense to me because pitch trim changes with power/airspeed. Roll and yaw trim don't require that many changes. If I were building an airplane, I would not even consider adding electric motors anywhere that I don't have to. Not only does it add extra weight and complexity, it is also an additional source of fire. The only exception that I'll make to this is that when I build an airplane, it will likely include a two-axis autopilot which will of course require pitch/roll servos. I just thought of this as I was writing this post. Does a pusher exhibit P-factor induced yaw like a tractor configuration? I would think it is at least significantly reduced.

This is one of the most active discussions that I have seen on this forum! You don't have to carry around extra weight to be shifted around in the RV-10 like you would the Cozy. Speaking of construction methods... just how loud is riveting. If I am in my garage with the door closed, will riveting disturb my neighbors. I live in a normal subdivision of single family homes with about 15' between houses. With fiberglass, I've read posts that humidity can affect the strength of the bond. How do you ensure that you are getting strong bonds in a humid (Florida) environment. J. Slade, I think you live in West Palm. Have you had any problems? I consider the construction method to be secondary to the utility of the aircraft that it will render. I am fully open to learning either construction method. If I choose to build the RV-10, I will likely go to Alexander's Tech Center in Griffin, GA. Seven days of hard work and the empennage is complete plus an education in metal work. Concerning cost... Acquisition is only part of the picture. Many ownership costs of the Cozy and RV would be identical. (i.e. hangar, fuel (slightly higher on the -10, insurance)

Everything except for takeoff/landing distance. Also, I think the Cozy may be more CG sensitive.

I am considering building a plane and my top contenders are the Cozy and RV-10. The advantages I see of the RV-10 over the Cozy are the ability to operate from grass strips, short takeoff/landing distance, and more useful load. Disadvantages of RV-10 are initial cost and fuel economy. I would like to hear from Cozy builders/flyers your opinions of these airplanes and the advantages/disadvantages of each.