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#1
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Good plans-built Light Sport Aircraft
Having been a lurker on this site for a while, I'm not sure what I'll
get as a response to this post, but here goes: I have a long term plan to get a PPL and build a plane for cross country travel (from South Dakota to Idaho, so it would involve flying over the Rockies). Maybe a Dyke Delta, but this part of the plan is so far off, things could change between now and then (and all things considered, it may end up making more sense to rent something, too, but at this point I'm hoping to build a second plane). My more immediate desire is to get a Sport Pilot license and get some stick time in a Light Sport aircraft - I want a lot of flight time under my belt before I take the family up. So, what I am looking for is suggestions for a good choice for a plans built LSA, preferably wood (I've already got the tools) but I'm not absolutely set on that factor. Since this would be the first of two planes, it needs to be as low cost as possible (Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome, you know.) I want something more substancial than an ultralight - preferably an enclosed cabin. A kit probably isn't an option, as I'm hoping to pay for it by spreading small costs out over time rather than putting big lumps on the credit card (excluding the engine, of course). I seem to like the more unconventional designs (say the Ibis, or Barnaby, how 'bout some plans for the FacetMobile?) but in the interest of keeping this first plane as cheap as possible, I'm guessing I'll end up with a traditional design. I'm expecting something along the lines of a VW power plant. Single seat is fine, assuming I'd be able to use this thing to stay current with my evenutal PPL. I'm in my mid thirties and plan to keep this plane for a long time, so resale isn't a big factor. I saw somewhere somebody built a small version of the Dyke Delta, but apparently the plans aren't available. Too bad, as that could dovetail nicely with my long term plans for the full size plane (assuming it qualified as an LSA). At any rate, basically it needs to be cheap to build, cheap to own, and fun to fly. Off the top of my head, I've heard good and bad things about the Volksplane, next to nothing about the Afordaplane, and generally good things about the Pietenpol. Any advice on those three, and any suggestions for alternatives? Thanks in advance. Rob |
#2
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Look at:
http://www.lightminiatureaircraft.com/ Their website is under an update at the moment but you can look at the Yahoo group. Fred and Doc have been at this since the 80s and give great support. They have 3 models of stick and rag models that meet L.S.A. . The Evans VP-1 and VP-2 will do a good job. You can still get the VP-1 plans from Evans or a lot of folks on the VP (Yahoo again) have a spare unused set. Evans stopped selling the VP-2 plans but again they are not hard to find. Jim "Rob Schneider" wrote in message om... Having been a lurker on this site for a while, I'm not sure what I'll get as a response to this post, but here goes: I have a long term plan to get a PPL and build a plane for cross country travel (from South Dakota to Idaho, so it would involve flying over the Rockies). Maybe a Dyke Delta, but this part of the plan is so far off, things could change between now and then (and all things considered, it may end up making more sense to rent something, too, but at this point I'm hoping to build a second plane). My more immediate desire is to get a Sport Pilot license and get some stick time in a Light Sport aircraft - I want a lot of flight time under my belt before I take the family up. So, what I am looking for is suggestions for a good choice for a plans built LSA, preferably wood (I've already got the tools) but I'm not absolutely set on that factor. Since this would be the first of two planes, it needs to be as low cost as possible (Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome, you know.) I want something more substancial than an ultralight - preferably an enclosed cabin. A kit probably isn't an option, as I'm hoping to pay for it by spreading small costs out over time rather than putting big lumps on the credit card (excluding the engine, of course). I seem to like the more unconventional designs (say the Ibis, or Barnaby, how 'bout some plans for the FacetMobile?) but in the interest of keeping this first plane as cheap as possible, I'm guessing I'll end up with a traditional design. I'm expecting something along the lines of a VW power plant. Single seat is fine, assuming I'd be able to use this thing to stay current with my evenutal PPL. I'm in my mid thirties and plan to keep this plane for a long time, so resale isn't a big factor. I saw somewhere somebody built a small version of the Dyke Delta, but apparently the plans aren't available. Too bad, as that could dovetail nicely with my long term plans for the full size plane (assuming it qualified as an LSA). At any rate, basically it needs to be cheap to build, cheap to own, and fun to fly. Off the top of my head, I've heard good and bad things about the Volksplane, next to nothing about the Afordaplane, and generally good things about the Pietenpol. Any advice on those three, and any suggestions for alternatives? Thanks in advance. Rob |
#3
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Check out the M-19 Squirrel.
go to http://www.flysquirrel.net/ Robert "Rob Schneider" wrote in message om... Having been a lurker on this site for a while, I'm not sure what I'll get as a response to this post, but here goes: |
#4
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Good LSA cuise and cheap to build and own? Wittman's Buttercup -- see:
http://www.luceair.com Fred "Rob Schneider" wrote in message om... Having been a lurker on this site for a while, I'm not sure what I'll get as a response to this post, but here goes: I have a long term plan to get a PPL and build a plane for cross country travel (from South Dakota to Idaho, so it would involve flying over the Rockies). Maybe a Dyke Delta, but this part of the plan is so far off, things could change between now and then (and all things considered, it may end up making more sense to rent something, too, but at this point I'm hoping to build a second plane). My more immediate desire is to get a Sport Pilot license and get some stick time in a Light Sport aircraft - I want a lot of flight time under my belt before I take the family up. So, what I am looking for is suggestions for a good choice for a plans built LSA, preferably wood (I've already got the tools) but I'm not absolutely set on that factor. Since this would be the first of two planes, it needs to be as low cost as possible (Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome, you know.) I want something more substancial than an ultralight - preferably an enclosed cabin. A kit probably isn't an option, as I'm hoping to pay for it by spreading small costs out over time rather than putting big lumps on the credit card (excluding the engine, of course). I seem to like the more unconventional designs (say the Ibis, or Barnaby, how 'bout some plans for the FacetMobile?) but in the interest of keeping this first plane as cheap as possible, I'm guessing I'll end up with a traditional design. I'm expecting something along the lines of a VW power plant. Single seat is fine, assuming I'd be able to use this thing to stay current with my evenutal PPL. I'm in my mid thirties and plan to keep this plane for a long time, so resale isn't a big factor. I saw somewhere somebody built a small version of the Dyke Delta, but apparently the plans aren't available. Too bad, as that could dovetail nicely with my long term plans for the full size plane (assuming it qualified as an LSA). At any rate, basically it needs to be cheap to build, cheap to own, and fun to fly. Off the top of my head, I've heard good and bad things about the Volksplane, next to nothing about the Afordaplane, and generally good things about the Pietenpol. Any advice on those three, and any suggestions for alternatives? Thanks in advance. Rob |
#6
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"James R. Freeman" wrote in message ...
Look at: http://www.lightminiatureaircraft.com/ Their website is under an update at the moment but you can look at the Yahoo group. Fred and Doc have been at this since the 80s and give great support. They have 3 models of stick and rag models that meet L.S.A. . The Evans VP-1 and VP-2 will do a good job. You can still get the VP-1 plans from Evans or a lot of folks on the VP (Yahoo again) have a spare unused set. Evans stopped selling the VP-2 plans but again they are not hard to find. Jim I stumbled onto the plans for the VP-2 a while ago, but the fact that Evans isn't selling them anymore makes me a bit hesitant. Evans web site says they own the copyright for both planes, so I don't understand why they wouldn't be selling both. What are the differences between the VP-1 and VP-2, and does anybody know why the VP-2 plans are off the market? |
#7
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"Rob Schneider" wrote in message om... What are the differences between the VP-1 and VP-2, and does anybody know why the VP-2 plans are off the market? I've talked to a couple of builders and owners. They all seem to agree that designs have evolved a bit in all areas. Compare the construction of a Mini-Max to a VP-1. The Max seems pretty beefy, in comparison. |
#8
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"Robert Loer" wrote in message ...
Check out the M-19 Squirrel. go to http://www.flysquirrel.net/ Robert "Rob Schneider" wrote in message om... Having been a lurker on this site for a while, I'm not sure what I'll get as a response to this post, but here goes: This one looks pretty interesting, but the cabin would be too narrow (I wasn't kidding about the wide shoulders). I'm not quite sure what to make of the wood, foam, and fiberglass construction, either. Seems like overkill to have a wood frame and a fiberglass monocoque all in the same body. I'm also a little hesitant to play with fiberglass, as from what I've read the resin volume is difficult to get right, and it can have significant strength and/or weight penalties if you get it wrong. I've played with RC planes over the years (none glass) and done a bit of wood working, so I'm pretty comfortable with wood. I don't have the tools for metal, and I can't see buying them just to build the plane. I guess if I eventually build the Dyke Delta, I'll need some experience with fiberglass, anyway. I'll give this one some thought. I wonder how difficult it would be to widen the cockpit four or five inches... Thanks. Rob |
#9
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(Rob Schneider) wrote in message
So, what I am looking for is suggestions for a good choice for a plans built LSA, preferably wood (I've already got the tools) but I'm not absolutely set on that factor. Since this would be the first of two planes, it needs to be as low cost as possible (Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome, you know.) I want something more substancial than an ultralight - preferably an enclosed cabin. A kit probably isn't an option, as I'm hoping to pay for it by spreading small costs out over time rather than putting big lumps on the credit card (excluding the engine, of course). I seem to like the more unconventional designs (say the Ibis, or Barnaby, how 'bout some plans for the FacetMobile?) Cygnet? VW powered, wood, plans built, and kind of unconventional. Not all wood but lots of it used. http://www.airsport.com/kits/kcygnet.htm ============ Leon McAtee |
#10
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(Rob Schneider) wrote in message . com...
So, what I am looking for is suggestions for a good choice for a plans built LSA, preferably wood Some ideas for you at http://users.lmi.net/~ryoung/Sonerai/rant.html You may want to think again about a kit. Both the Fisher and the JDT designs are available as kits in bite sized chunks. http://www.fisherflying.com/fleet/TheAvenger/prices.php http://www.jdtmini-max.com/1550v.htm The V-Max you can build from plans. Other designs that meet your criteria include: * Avions Pottier P-60, P - 180, P - 130 * Brandli Cherry or Swing * Brugger MB2 Colibri * Clutton FRED * Cvjetkovic's CA-61(Mini Ace) might be too fast * Druine Turbulent * Falconair F-9 * Fisher Avenger, Youngster * Flying Flea * Flaglor Sky Scooter * Jodel d-9, D17, D-18 * KR-1, -2 (wood fuselage, wooden wing spar) Might be too fast * Stern ST-80, ST-85 * Taylor Monoplane |
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