CyberSushi

Hi, I haven't had much time to get down and properly design the main gear yet, so no PDF's or CADs at present. I have been digging around to find out which forks can do the job. I'm thinking about some Ohlin's forks if a stock forks can't handle the load. Seeing as I don't feel like having my main gear collapse under me on landing, I think this is one avenue that needs some serious investigation. As soon as I have something, I'll let you all know.

Can the wings on a Cozy be made stiffer? Would this have an implication on the aerodynamics of the craft? Surely the more rigid the wings, the better the aerodynamic capability? Obviously the wings cannot be inflexible or too rigid, as turbulence and other airflow effects would damage the structure of the craft if the wings didn't move at all.

See ... that's why you ask questions on the forums. Then you get good suggestions like that. I'm gonna give it a try. Thanks!

It's not so much the shipping, it's more the Import Duty and the VAT (Value Added Tax) I would have to pay to clear it through Customs. I'm not sure why I have to pay VAT on the product. I can understand the Import Duties, but at the end of the day, shipping costs, plus taxes and duties will probably add about 60 - 80% of the original cost. I can find out from Infinity what their shipping costs would be, but trying to get an answer from the SA Customs people is nigh impossible. I'll see what I can do.

My catch is that the cost of landing the Infinity retracts here in South Africa is probably going to cost me in the region of R60,000, which is approximately $10,000 - double the price of the gear. It's ridiculously expensive to get parts shipped out here. Seeing as I would like retractables, I'm kinda forced towards having to design my own, or mod another aircraft's retracts to fit the Cozy. Bike shocks appealed to me 'cos I believe they work on the same principle as the Infinity's gear, and it'll cost me about R12,000, or $2,000 to get them modded to fit. Anyhow, if anyone does have any ideas, feel free to fire them my way. Thanks!

Has anyone considered or investigated the possibility of using motorcycle front forks as an alternative retractable gear setup? The front forks of a new Yamaha R1 or the new Aprilia are light, strong and should be able to do the job. Of course, some mods are required all over the place ... Any ideas?

Hi, Looking at all the various engine options out there is starting to make my head spin. While an automotive diesel engine is the most appealing, I'd rather be first to follow than on the "bleeding edge" What I'm looking for is the dry weights of various engines. Can anyone help out with the following weights? Lycoming O-360 (or equivalent) Lycoming O-540 Mazda 13b Rotary BMW 330d Volvo D5 Subaru WRX 2.5 Toyota Avensis 2.2l D-4D engine Thanks Soosh

Hi Jon, Thanks for the welcome. I'm going to be lurking around the forums sucking in as much knowledge as I can. Much appreciated!

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but have been considering for quite some time to build a plane such as the Long-EZ or Cozy. I'd like to find out if anyone knows of any builders down in South Africa. I have spoken to Chris van Hoof (who has recently completed his Cozy project) but am interested if anyone knows of any Long-EZ's in SA? I'm excited and terrified at the same time at the prospect of building my own plane, but I think it's gonna be an adventure! Thanks CyberSushi