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  1. Bigshu

    21st century Volksplane?

    Plus, you can hang a Corvair motor off the front and be very close to Bernie's bird (after the Ford engine...).
  2. Bigshu

    21st century Volksplane?

    Completely agree, in the context of this discussion, I just wanted to point out an option to the guy looking for something light. I like the H5 more than the Hummelbird. It's more refined, simpler to build, and checks a lot of boxes for the topic. I don't think we need to put this in terms of a...
  3. Bigshu

    21st century Volksplane?

    If you have to have part 103, just build the Ultra Cruiser. Almost the same dimensions as the H5, but thinner skins and smaller engine get it just under 254#. I think Dennis Brooks built one that came in a 243#. Simple, uncomplicated, no exotic materials or skills required to build it, can be...
  4. Bigshu

    Tractor engine, twin boom...just because?

    That would lead to yaw effects with every power change, to go with the pitch effects. I can't imagine how you'd be able to fly on one engine with one in front of the CG and the other behind it. When Dan Raymer penned his split push- pull twin design, he kept the engines close to the CG.
  5. Bigshu

    Oshkosh 2023

    I stopped by Tuesday morning, but the conversation was already in full swing, so I didn't sign the place marker. Had a nice leisurely time this year, got to see what I came to see, and talk to most all the folks I normally touch base with. I don't think I can come to another AV without making...
  6. Bigshu

    Stolen from Verner Motor's Facebook page

    Sam took the blame for this. Something about not being sure the design changes would be installed and ready for AV. By the time he was sure, spots were filled up and he was lucky to get in the UL area. I was happy to see them there. Looking forward to the improved features on a P40.
  7. Bigshu

    Stolen from Verner Motor's Facebook page

    Also beefed up the landing gear. Sam said they haven't flown the plane since November, but are ready to get back in the air. I'm still eagerly awaiting the P40, or for that matter, the F6F...It was weird seeing them in the Ultra light area. I wonder if Myers has a claim on their spot for good...
  8. Bigshu

    Current US state of pilot training (midwestern perspective)

    Are you an EAA member? I checked their site and found listings for lots of CFIs in Michigan who will train in experimental aircraft. Not sure where Jackson is in relation to these people. Seems like there are plenty of accelerated courses available in the midwest that could handle it in the time...
  9. Bigshu

    How do Manufacturers Prep Aluminum?

    They've made cars so difficult to work on, I just let the dealer do the oil changes, get a tire rotation and multi point inspection same time. I do change the filters (cabin filter was a pain). I did install a factory trailer hitch and wiring harness. That involved taking off the back bumper...
  10. Bigshu

    How do Manufacturers Prep Aluminum?

    Says who? My cars get a lick and a promise, and still get around 200K on the odometer before I move on! Oil changes and the rare wash, that's the ticket! ;)
  11. Bigshu

    Low aspect ratio sport plane ideas

    Everyone has been posting pics with smooth curves and 3D modeling. I thought I'd throw in the Sawyer Skyjacker. I think it still exists out at the Mojave Space port. Angular, but LAR with a lifting fuselage. I'm sweet on pusher designs, so this one appeals to me. And, it flew!
  12. Bigshu

    SHEET ALUMINUM ULTRALIGHT

    Plus, they're good people to work with. I especially like them because they are local to me, so no shipping charges!
  13. Bigshu

    Are all 103 ULs powered by 2 stroke engines?

    A lot of the folks who are doing the industrial V-twins are souping up the HF engine. If you go to performance670.com you'll see all kinds of internals to squeeze performance out of them, up to crate conversions that are quoted to produce 43hp at 4700 rpm. For around $3K for a ready to run...
  14. Bigshu

    Are all 103 ULs powered by 2 stroke engines?

    The Hummel UC was designed for a half VW, and there's now at least one with an industrial two-cylinder engine flying. Lots of half VW powered ULs out there.
  15. Bigshu

    21st century Volksplane?

    Not a fan of the undercarriage/flying struts at all. If we're going with a single seater, by far the easiest example seems to be the Hummel H5. VW power, flat wrap skins, canopy, mature design with more than a few examples flying. I don't see how we tick more boxes than this for a worthy 21st...
  16. Bigshu

    Cardboard drones in Ukraine war

    Well, it's not from the manufacturer, they still sell the quad kits. It was a CAP administrative directive to stop using the drones based on one failure (motor controller or wiring started smoking).
  17. Bigshu

    Cardboard drones in Ukraine war

    CAP had a cardboard and wood quad copter as a STEM kit for the squadrons. Pretty nice setup, but the fleet got grounded due to a bad batch of motor controllers. Once you add the explosives payload, the thing ought to be less bothered by wind...And with the flakey electronics, it's self igniting!
  18. Bigshu

    What's your confidence level in proposed new LSA rule expansion?

    I found it difficult to find an LSA that had the useful load for me and a CFI. Not a lot of choices at the time I was looking, and the W/B range was pretty small.
  19. Bigshu

    2023 final year for air racing at Reno

    Just like NASCAR, I would expect.
  20. Bigshu

    Hummel UltraCruiser - a good idea as a first project?

    What's the fuel burn on the 2 stroke? The 5 gallon limit on fuel tank size for US ULs doesn't make for long flights.
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