My plans call for the use of 2024 1.5mm to use in the forming of brackets that will hold the bellcranks. Each part is doubled, (left and right bracket top and bottom parts on the bellcranks), so it seems to be extremly strong. Now, don't get me wrong, I can make a call today and order the material...

Why do we homebuilders use 4130 tube? My old Aeronca does just fine being made of mild steel. A bit of napkin calcs says that going up just one tube diameter for the size tube we normally use, the area, and the strength/weight goes up between 15% and 20%. This pretty much offsets the difference...

This may sound like a stupid question; I realize the prop can only turn at a certain speed to avoid transonic effects at the tips and has to be turned with a certain torque to transmit the power needed/ produce enough thrust. So far so good. But why does the torque have to be produced by the...

Personally, I've never enjoyed anything as much as the act of creating a flying machine. Well, ok, there was sex back in my young and dumb days. But for me - it's the act of creation. I suspect others may have different thoughts. Anybody care to share? Richard

Last night the Mythbusters put about a 2 inch layer of clay a a sedan and drove it at 65 mph and recorded their mileage. They put dimples in the clay, like a golf ball, and repeated the same test and got 11% better mileage. This again begs the question why don't wings have dimples, especially for...

Hi all, I always wanted to build my own airplane but the time and money has eluded me. So I've decided to design and build my own recumbent trike, with farings. This brings me to my question, if golf balls have dimples, to help them sail further, why don't wings -- especially for STOL aircraft? ...

He's nuts. But he's not a pegboy like Collins, McLellan ad nauseum. And he's not a Poberezny, fleecing all you SUCKERS.

Just venting here. Why is it so hard to find out how many people fit in airplanes? Visit the Murphy Rebel page http://murphyair.com/Product_Info/Rebel/Description.htm. I see you can install a third seat "if your family expands." That's great! Do they mean that literally (3-pax airplane)...

I'm currently in the same situation. I bought a Cendyne DVD burner, advertised with a $30 rebate. The company was already in bankrupcy at the time of the sale. What can be done about that? They were advertising a drive with a rebate that there was no chance of getting back. That's...

I am just wondering...if composite materials are stronger and lighter than steel, why composites tubes aren't glued together to form the fuselage frame just like the traditional 4103 steel tubes being welded together? Any reasons? Shin Gou Rans S-9 Warrenton, VA

Just wondering, exactly why are radial diesels not part of the diesel revival? You can't beat radials on airplanes for smooth reliability. I once saw a cracked-off jug pounding through the cowling as the engine was still running (the single Otter had just landed).

DOES ANYONE ELSE have the same problem that I do-- no new msgs since 9-21-04 Half those that are there are expired?/-ERROR MSG !!

Howdy, After reading a bit about the early Lockheed Vega, the Focker Albatross DIII and the Dehavilland Mosquito I was a bit suprised that plywood monocoque construction hasn't been used in any more modern airplanes. (Or at least none that I can think of) What gives? Is it cheaper to use glass...

I'm currently considering embarking on an RV project and after checking out a few in our local EAA chapter I ran across a seemingly curious fact. I recall the builders telling me that their RV kits have around 10,000 rivets. Compared to a Piper Comanche at 3,714 and a Warrior at 1,785 that's a...

I have a Stitts SA-3A playboy I picked up recently. It has an A-75 Continental and a 67" Fottorp prop with a 47 pitch. The plans indicate this machine should fly around 120 mph with this engine; no mention of prop. A previous owner I spoke to said it cruised around 118mph for him. For me,...

Why are several people flying the chevy V6/90 when it looks like the V6 Buick is a much more available engine and lighter and shorter? Not that the Chevy is bad.....but it just loks like the Buick is more attractive.

Why are several people flying the chevy V6/90 when it looks like the V6 Buick is a much more available engine and lighter and shorter? Not that the Chevy is bad.....but it just loks like the Buick is more attractive.

Hello, I am building a Hatz biplane which looks a lot like the Waco. I was thinking about putting an authentic looking wicker or caned seats in it. Can someone in this group point me in the right direction for some plans, ideas or examples? Thanks Ebby Hatz CB-1 s/n 598

No Canopy,landing gear,or electronics available. Have most AN hardware, wing ribs -Sunderlund airfoil - rivets, most welded steel parts, wing attach fittings and some wing extrusions. These are all new never used. E mail concerning availability and price.

I'm building a wing. Outta aruminum, as per Riveting 101. Just finishing fitting the lower skins around the landing gear legs. Rivet holes are all done; the thing is at the Bristle Stage although most of my bristles are PK's instead of clecos because the former are about two cents each and...