AND THE KIS CRUISER ROUNDS THE PYLON...

I fly a COZY MKIV with a 180 HP O-360. The performance (TO, climb,
landing) should be pretty close to the SE FG, although the COZY will
cruise faster (I plan for 175 KT block speed, and get it). I fly out of

Why is that? (I'm not too familiar with the Cozy - plans building is
over my head.) I can't believe it's cleaner than a Velocity to the tune
of 15 knots.

Fitchburg, MA (KFIT) which has 4500 and 3400 ft. runways, at 350 ft MSL.
Even at gross weight, I rarely take more than 1/2 the long runway to
lift off. I've often flown into 2900 ft. fields, although I wouldn't be
very comfortable trying to get out of there at gross (2155 lb., for my
plane). I can land and stop my plane, at any weight, in less than 2000
ft - usually closer to 1500 ft.

Good to know. Thanks.

Personally, I would say that MWC is more than adequate and safe for 99%
of the flying that most folks do with a 4-seater - how often do you
really load the plane to gross weight? When I'm alone, I'm off the
ground in about 1500 ft, and if it's cold, even less. I think that even
if you were at gross weight, the 4100 ft runway is completely adequate
except on the hottest of days.

No doubt about the 4100 footer, but it's not like I'm going to want to
land with 20 knots of crosswind, right? Could happen. (I've landed
with gusts to 34 knots 30 degrees off the runway in my 152 - we get
windy days in the spring & fall especially.) Thus, really, the 3100 has
got to be adequate as well. After further research, I'm nearly totally
convinced that it is. Thus the Velocity is now a serious contender
again. Fortunately I have as long as 4-5 months yet before I really
want to have my mind made up and the kit ordered.

Also, with respect to cost, I've got $70K in my COZY (IFR legal
w/autopilot), and it's one of the more expensive ones, I'm told - most
build for less.

Well, being a plans-building stud probably helps a bit there. :-)