SAF_Zoom

Thanks Steve, this article talks about this: http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/lightning-strike-protection-for-composite-structures.aspx It also give a glimps of how the Cirrus Sr-20 and 22 use this technology : "Astrostrike aluminum mesh is produced by Astroseal Products (Chester, Conn.) from a solid foil, which is then perforated and expanded to increase formability and augment adhesion to composite structures. Astroseal claims that its product provides significantly greater conductivity than woven mesh, while offering weight savings vs. metallized fiber products (see "Metallized fabrics and fibers," p. 47). Cirrus (Duluth, Minn.) uses Astrostrike on the fiberglass composite airframes of its FAA-certified SR-20 and SR-22 single-engine, piston-powered aircraft. Astrostrike aluminum mesh is embedded in the composite layup, and 3-inch to 4-inch (76 mm to 102 mm) metal strips run the length of the plane to electrically bond the aircraft's surfaces to its frame. The company knows of two lightning strikes to Cirrus aircraft: one hit the propeller tip and went through the engine; the other went through the airframe and exited through metal flake paint on the plane's graphics. Both were conducted through the aircraft as designed, without causing injuries or seriously damaging structures or equipment." At first glance looks to be a simple process... but first glance can be misleading

Thks Neverquit, but I'm not confusing anything, Just jumping from one subject to the other... Let me know how in works out for you,

Thats why you should always have a rubber....... dinky But seriously, I was reading up on surface films... some say they can cut done on the sand/fill/sand cycle a lot... Some can be used when vacuum-bag process is used... and some even have embeded conductive metal mesh for LSP (lightning stike protection)...

Thats what I was looking for. As anyone here done this to his LE (or other)? And what are the risks or downside ?

Ha yes the 26 thread with a mention of the word "lightning" but no discussion of the subject except avoid at all cost... Could be just that, but maybe there is a way to reduce the impact/effect of mild stikes... I'm weel aware that fully immunizing an LE from Lightning stikes is less then likely. But this was only part of the question... But what I'm mostly interested in... was what is being done to discharge static electricity build up... Surely there as been advances made in 30 years... And I'm not just talking about proper grounding and refueling techniques thats just common sence, I'm talking about the use of aircraft static discharger and their installation...

Thanks for the links And BTW... Relax Tmann... I'm only in my second/third week... not year ;o)

I know that visiting builders/owners would be the best... but... up here in Montreal Canada, their are very few canard type aircraft. If you guys know of any, please let me know. I'm already a EAA member, so I will have to see what the local chapter offers. Also, Cozy Girrl, if you have a quick list of required tools that you can send my way, you would be most welcome if you would do so. I'm ready to kick this thing in high gear, but with all the bits and peaces of info out there its hard to be sure nothing as been overlooked... BTW... the work table is ready Thanks,

Pretty much how see it too, but who knows... an once of prevention is worth .....

Ok while researching accident report involving a LE, I can up on this one: http://www.bea-fr.org/docspa/1996/n-vn960917/htm/n-vn960917.html For those of you that don't speak/read French it tells of a LE flying at 9600' when it got hit by lightning. There was evedence of electric arcs on one of the control tubes... According to the report one of the wing exploded from the strike. I know that these planes were buil for VFR flying away from conditions where one would expect lighting to be a danger. But lightning can strike a good distance from a storm... Ive seen holes the size a 25 cent in the fuselage of widebodies from lightning strikes. Do any of you know of a way to protect against such a risk ? Also what about static dischargers ? As always just looking for what as been done before.

Tmann, when I say, if one is not very familiar... I'm talking about Joe the Plumber here And thank for the link to the index,

OK so your idea is having a guy that is not trully convinced on a design to go out and buy $600 of material (Terf CD and back issues of CSA newsletters) and take 3 to 4 weeks going through that stuff... Wow... thats efficient Also when one starts out... and he is not very familiar with airplanes (or more so with canard type airplane) how is he even suppose to know what to look for? BTW I was thinking of building an index for all of my CSA newsletters... I can see you have it done... could be a good idea to post it somewhere. This would incourage many more to go out and buy them when they have an idea of the countant. The way I see it, every time one's starts a project he as to reinvent the wheel... no wonder they still take 3000+ hours to complete more then 30 years after the first one flew...

But I understand, why some must be tired of answering the same old questions. But if I may suggest something. I know that most of my questions could have been answered if someone (recognised as very knowlegeble) had taken the time to put up a thread (that should be stickied and maybe even locked so that it does not get "currupted") were these issues would be discussed: Fuselage modifications : Common mods (i.e.: longer nose). And what one can expect it he goes wider/longer fuselage (pros and cons/risks); Wings/Canard/strakes (i.e. moving bulkheads for more fuel, going wet leading edges, etc.) Engines (certified Lycomings, uncertified Lycs or others) Landing gears mod (fixed vs retract) I think that a sticky FAQ thread (could entitled "Initiation to the Long EZ design") that discuss (in an impartial way) these questions with pros and cons would cut down significantly on the newby factor... Newbies are not all engineers or aircraft tech... After a few weeks of reading through countless threads and asking questions I know that most of that stuff is out there, could be worth to have it organised.... Just my 2 cents,

Well as I indicated to Jtest in another thread... this newb is an aircraft technician... not a plumber not an accountant not... wait thats not true LOL after going back to university I am now a forensic accountant... But I have spent a fair deal of time around, under, over, inside... airplanes... lol But you guys got to realised that no newbs... asking newbies question = no more canards being built... This means this kind eventually fades to memory and when you want to sell yours in 20-40 years... well .... As for the dreaming part... I'm not dreaming at all... actually all is purchased (Terf CD, CSA assoc, EAA assoc, Open EZ plans printed... etc). I'm still keeping my eyes open for a good deal on a flying example though... I find it strange that experience builders question why newbies would ask about what can and cannot be done with such and such design... humm maybe we/they want to learn from previously made mistakes.... and not make them themselves... is that so hard to understand... And guess what... the best time to asked question is before you actually start. Then you can move forward... without to many OMFGWDID lol

I ear you Jtest... Guess only time will tell

I ear you Jtest, These are notorious for low completion. Most poeple don't realise the dedication one most give his project to see it through. 3000 hours (typical time) does not sound long but its close to 2 years worth of 40 hours per week building. Given that life will undoubfully throw you a curve along the way... most are bound to take way more then 2 years to get airborn BTW I too find it frustrating, its hard to determine what is genuine information from that of illinform participant. I'm only in my planning phase... and from the looks of it... I will start building soon (its going to be an Open EZ). So I have no actual "hands on" experience with this type. Regards,

The newbie you talk about is an aircraft technician and I used to be in the Canadian Ski Patrol... so this is where I found out about these great scissors... a bit unconvential but still very good. I like showing mine of by cutting a cent in two pieces... http://www.stjohnsupplies.co.uk/products/default.asp?productId=F11935 They do not have a long cutting edge though... but for the price... And they do not replace all scissors or cutting tools... they are just one more tool for the trade. And BTW the Terf CD is purchased LOL... Like that changes anything

Hey Crazycanuck, are you the same Crazycanuck that flies Spits vs 109...

Just a thing on scissors... one can buy a pair of emergency technician scissor (ambulance worker ???) they will cut throught anything from paper to metal.... so cutting fiber glass.... not even a problem....

Yes that is true (about the previous offer) Sorry I forgot... I'm offically making a list of all offering help (with subject)... Regards,

Hi, I'm from Montreal BTW, and I would very much like to have such a conversation. I'm in the planning stage right now, so its the perfect time to think about engine installation. I know a bit about rotary engines, I used to own (and fix) a RX-7. I'm also an ex-aircraft technicien so I know also a bit about Lycs / Cont. I would like to talk about the reliability (and performance) of the RWS EC2 as it seems this is where most of the problems are comming from (I could be wrong here... that's why I'm asking). Finally, what do you think of the space available in a LE to fit either a 13b or 20b rotary in the back? Would it be better of with a STD install or a "plugs up" installation. Which would yeild a cowling that mostly reasemble a "stock" Lyc LE? Anyway, hope to have a chance to chat about the above,

Thanks, Tmann already have all the info on this one. You are installing a 20b if I'm not mistaken... that's a 3 rotors engine.. right? Is it going to be just a bit heavy? BTW, is your fusalage stock? or is it wider? I'm wondering which installation )std (plus to the side) or plug up would make for nicer cowling (more in line with the plans). Regards,

Hi guys, As usual, just trying to get your opinion on such an installation in a LE. Would it fit more easaly in the back? Here is a link to such an installation (its not a LE though). http://www.flyrotary.com/whypu.htm Thanks agains,

Is the Cozy MIV spar and wing construction the same as that of the LE (other then the lentgh)? Or do they differ. If they do what are the main difference (i.e. different composites/foams etc...)?

Will do

Found this when looking around... if anyone is interested in a Wankel for his plane... http://www.rotaryengines.ca/main/aircraft.htm These seem to have been adapted specifically for aircrafts