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  1. D

    Keeping it non-airworthy

    A "real" airplane has a known builder and history. What you are proposing is no more than a big model airplane that will not have a data plate. No builder of record, no airworthiness certificate, no serial number, nobody to hold liable should some dimwit knucklehead decide to attempt flight.
  2. D

    Vans RV-15 design

    I think Van's knows what it's doing. The back country market is exploding. Business success? build what the customer wants. Van doesn't try to change the laws of physics. Their recipe is simple- Take the same engines that Cessna and Piper bolt to their full-size family haulers, and stick it...
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    BD-5 - Why is it so engrained in our psyches?

    Where else can a thread about the BD-5 end up discussing the flight characteristics of the An-2? The name of both airplanes is formatted Letter-Letter-dash-Number, so, very appropriate, Carry on...
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    Supplier - Aircraft Spruce vs Home Depot

    When I was framing houses, I refused to use spruce studs. Nice, straight walls when assembled, but by the time the sheetrock guys started hanging, the spruce has twisted into goofy propeller shapes, making the framer, me, look like a maroon. My go-to lumberyard stocked Douglas Fir, exclusively.
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    BD-5 - Why is it so engrained in our psyches?

    Rough scaling off the plans: Wing spar: O.D.= 3-5/16" I.D.=2-15/16", so 3/16" wall thickness. Center section: 2-15/16" O.D., 1/4" wall thickness.
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    Let’s Say I Wanted to Fly on Pedal Power

    Perhaps instead of pedals turning a propeller, the pedals wind up a very big rubber band. Pedal for several minutes storing up enough power for take-off.
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    BD-5 - Why is it so engrained in our psyches?

    What I have learned- Build a BD-5 according to the plans, and it will be crooked and unairworthy. The subcontractor that supplied the formed parts with compound curves did not trim the panels to final size. Yet the plans call for taking measurements from the edges of these parts, and the proper...
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    Can't find any specific tractor configuration propellers for various motors...

    I have a prop for a Moni motorglider (hanging on my office wall). 33" diameter, 18" (IIRC) pitch. Perhaps bolt this or something similar for testing, before spending a pile of Loonies for a one-off custom prop.
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    BD-5A/B factory engines study

    Yes, but a different Hirth from the original. Hirth has improved their product line. Hirth went bankrupt right when Bede Corp was about to start shipping kits. A mad scramble ensued to find an adequate replacement. That's why several different engines have been tried.
  10. D

    BD-5A/B factory engines study

    BD Micro currently recommends a Hirth 3202 for a piston powered BD-5
  11. D

    Van's announces highwing RV-15

    This surprises me. I've experienced nothing but stellar customer service from Van's, both over the phone, and in person at the factory.
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    How important is authenticity when a design inspired by a classic airplane?

    How imporant? Zero. "Inspired" is very different from "Replica". Your airplane, build whatever makes you happy.
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    Bonanza Center Section Structural Test

    I doubt the engineers who designed the 185 horsepower airplane with a max weight of 2550 pounds ever thought it would end up as a 300 horsepower airplane with a max weight of 3800 pounds.
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    Any opinions on best color?

    Studies have shown Yellow to be the most visible the majority of the time.
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    RV-12iS price check...wow, and not in a good way

    I am not an aeronautical engineer. Long ago, I thought if I ever built an airplane, it would be a Glasair, since Stoddard-Hamilton was based at Arlington, a short flight from where I lived. Factory support would be readily available. Later, when attending the Arlington Fly-in/Airshow, on one...
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    FEAR of ……………..RADIO ?

    While there is standard phraseology to be used, it helps to remember you're just talking to people. Just say who you are, where you are, and what you want to do. Won't take long to sort out if there is any confusion.
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    EAA - For better or worse

    My local chapter in Sandpoint, ID is very active. Outside of the monthly meetings being postponed during the virus scare, 60 or so show up for meetings that always start with good food. They support the high school aviation program that has several students come on Saturdays to work on airplane...
  18. D

    What taildraggers with retracts exist?

    My mechanic, who has flown both, says one should get time in a P-51 as practice before flying the T-6.
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    Making your hangar more comfortable?

    I added bright lighting and additional electrical outlets. Garage door opener for the back door. Really nice to pull right into the hangar behind the airplane. Refrigerator and carpet. Carpet under the airplane is nice on the knees when sumping the gas tanks. Workbench and shelves are...
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