Found a thread posted hear in early '06 that raised some issues about the
Texas Parasol plans. One was the issue of wing strength. I'm thinking that
as I'm trying to keep 103 leagle (as close as possible) I should end up near
the estimated safe gross of 500#. I'm also thinking a substitute of 2024T3
instead of 6061T6 might be a good idea on the 2" spar.

The other problem of longeron/ landing gear yoke placement I guess will take
some thought. Has anyone come up with correct measurments?

One suggestion that the 1/2 VW generates too much vibration for such a light
frame seems valid. I'm begining to believe I'm going to have to abandon my
hope to use the 1/2 vw for a 103 leagle aircraft.

A friend had recomended the Texas Parasol to me as it met many of my desires
and he said there was a lot of people who have built them and a lot online
resource. I havent been able to find the people or the online
resources.......

Looks like I may have to find a new design (haven't completly given up on
this yet however). Would love to hear from people built and flown these
(especially near 103 leagle weight).




A couple of things that you should know...

The 1/2 VW is not going to make a happy airplane.

One was built, and it flew fairly well, but it was underpowered as hell.
Not exactly the thing for an inexperienced pilot operating out of a
short field.

Best engine IMHO is indeed a Rotax 477 or 503. Lots of performance in a
very light weight package.

There was a lot of ugly noise about the wing not being strong enough.

As drawn, it has worked perfectly well in over 75 airplanes built by
Chuck Beeson, myself, and a bunch of others.

But it _is_ on the light side.

It works well because the airplane is draggy, slow, and simply cannot
command enough energy to produce high Gs.

If you are worried about the wing strength (even though there has never
been a structural failure in ANY of them - even in the early .035 wall
spars!) simply substitute 2-1/4" dia spar tubes and use 2-1/8" dia
sleeves. It will add weight and cost, but it will result in an
"acceptable" wing.

Lastly, I doubt you'll make a 103.7 legal ultralight.
If it were possible, I'd build one myself and be flying again.

Lightest one like this I've personally seen was 303 pounds.

Beeson has papers for a 103.7 legal machine - but it was a completely
different structure - much like the Aerotique Parasol.
1/2" square aluminum tube structure, gussets, and pop rivets.

If you can, deop in and visit Chuck at Zuehl Field (1TE4).
Just south of I-10 between San Antonio and Seguin.

It's a better machine that the reputation here indicates.
(Sadly)


All the best,

Richard