An approved mods listing would be most useful: I propose that builders
should also post messages on proposed mods too: hopefully, this will
generate some interesting emails, and prevent people from working on similar
projects in isolated parallel.
To kick off the thread, I suggest that the subject header be started with
"Proposed mods" followed by subject(s), as above. Makes it easier to find in
the Database...
So far, the FLYER Europa (#251) is pretty much standard except for minor
mods to wing/stab tip shapes. However, we are planning to deviate (so far)
in 3 areas:
(1) We will be fitting a Pitts type Pitot/Static mast to the port wing near
the tip, projecting from the LE. This is because we wish to do some serious
testing using a +1 chord long pitot (outside the influences of the wing) and
it will provide a second static source: besides, I like the Pitts type
static source: it seems to be very good when it comes to static errors. It
will be removable to prevent damage on the ground (berks walking into it)
and so that we can experiment with reduced length ones (probably around
12-14") for normal use. Soon as I finish the drawings, it'll go to Francis
for approval, and copies will then be available. It will probably be
possible to fit it to built wings before the tip is fitted (or by cutting
off some of the tip) but it'll be much easier to build in place before
bonding the LE cores to the spar.
(2) Flyer, in conjunction with Europa, are examining the feasibility of
fitting a BRS (Ballistic parachute recovery system) to the airframe; DO NOT
HOLD YOUR BREATH.... 9 years of trying to get BRS approved by the CAA have
proved fruitless so far, although there might be light on the horizon. The
UK is the sole country in the world where it's illegal (!) despite something
like 10,000 units out there, no reported malfunctions and approaching 100
lives saved. We intend to push the issue publically.
We will be reporting on the application in FLYER in due course, and
expect that it will involve various major airframe mods -possibly not
retrofittable to existing aircraft.
(3) With the possibility of the occasional outrigger collapse (ahem, not
unheard of, I believe) we plan to fit wingtip skids to prevent needing to
get out the ampreg, bid, and paint; can anyone out there tell us the ideal
location is, preferably both mains up and down?
Cheers,
Miles
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