Next Project!

[Phoenix]

After your Cobra build, you might consider:

http://www.kitplanes.com/

 

[STL Mark]

Sorry - not for me.
When the Cobra breaks down, I pull over and call for a tow. When the kitplane breaks down, I will die.

 

[Kerry & Kathy]

Sorry - not for me.
When the Cobra breaks down, I pull over and call for a tow. When the kitplane breaks down, I will die.

Mark,

Not to worry.

With the proper choice of aircraft… an engine out emergency is a non event as you can land just about anywhere…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiy5EEvawEg&feature=PlayList&p=08936A3FA06E9656&index=4

Pay particular attention to the take off from a turn in the paved road.

 

[Kerry & Kathy]

Kathy and I purchased a plan set for the XL 650 series of Light Sport Aircraft:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GPHTjUhhE4&feature=PlayList&p=08936A3FA06E9656&index=3

Once the Cobra is finished…this becomes the next project.

Zenith is based out of Mexico MO.

 

[Tim M]

Kerry, that looks awesome! So, what about winter flying with that thing? Why does it appear the plane jumps side to side up and down? I've always wanted to learn how to fly, sure would make those trips to arkansas a lot quicker.

 

[Kerry & Kathy]

Kerry, that looks awesome! So, what about winter flying with that thing? Why does it appear the plane jumps side to side up and down? I've always wanted to learn how to fly, sure would make those trips to Arkansas a lot quicker.

Winter flying can be great as long as you dress for it and have an adequate heater. Air density in cold weather provides additional lift for even better short field take offs.

The movement you see is the result of these being very light aircraft. Often less than 700 lbs empty. Any wind gusts will move such a light aircraft quite a bit. But this light weight also allows such short take off runs.

Do some Google searches on "light sport aircraft" and the new rules that allow you to learn to fly in about half the time and lets you use a state driver's license in lieu of a 3rd class medical certificate to insure you are healthy enough to fly. It has never been easier to learn to fly...

Start here:

http://www.sportpilot.org/

and here:

http://www.zenithair.com/




Kerry

 

[STL Mark]

Here you go:

[youtube]_GPHTjUhhE4&feature=PlayList&p=08936A3FA06E9656&index=3[/youtube]

 

[rednour1]

I have a friend who built his own plane. Pretty amazing and flys great. You have to have an FAA inspection before flying it. (At least in Illinois) He and I discussed it at great length one day, as I almost got my pilots license a couple of years ago.

 

[Tim M]

Alright, let's build a club plane! Ok, maybe that's a little crazy....

 

[Phoenix]

I don't think that is crazy at all! I would help.

 

[Kerry & Kathy]

I would suggest each of you join EAA....( eaa.org ) and then get your LSA license first...

Some of the Zenith aircraft come with CNC pre punched skins and ribs which takes considerable time out of the project to measure and drill the necessary rivet holes.

Some builders have completed flying aircraft in as little as 350 hours....with 400 hrs being the norm.

At Oshkosh several years ago five experienced builders built a Zenith 701 aircraft in 7 days...without paint or upholstery...and flew it on the last day of the show. This was not an ultralight...but a two place all aluminum experimental category aircraft now designated as a LSA (light sport aircraft).

The quality of many "homebuilt" aircraft exceed that of comparable general aviation aircraft from Cessna or Piper....and maintain a better safety record as well.