This is the FAQ for the Europa e-mail list. It relates to the Europa kit
aeroplane, designed by Ivan Shaw (with a little help from Don Dykins).
=46AQ maintained at present by Rowland Carson <rowil@gn.apc.org>
(Any Europa enthusiast may apply to take over the job at any time.)
This is Europa FAQ version 1, published 9-i-1998.
Questions answered are:
0 How do I get a copy of this FAQ?
1 I have a suggestion for the FAQ - how can I get it included?
2 How do I join the Europa e-mail list?
3 How do I get off the Europa e-mail list?
4 How do I join the Europa Club?
5 Factory newsletter, Europa Flyer, e-mail list - I'm confused!
6 Are there any other organisations for people building aeroplanes?
7 I haven't got a pilot's licence - can I train for it in my Europa?
8 Can I fly a Europa on a microlight/ultralight license?
9 Can I buy a ready-made Europa?
10 How long will it take me to build a Europa?
11 How much will it really cost to build a Europa?
12 What are the dimensions of the Europa on its trailer?
13 Do I have to use the Europa factory-supplied open trailer?
14 What tools will I need to build a Europa and what will they cost?
15 Do I need special skills?
16 How will I know I've built it right?
17 Everyone says "build light" - how do I do that?
18 How do I get a C of A or Permit to Fly the completed Europa?
19 What engines are available for the Europa?
20 Where can I get more info about home-built aircraft generally?
0 How do I get a copy of this FAQ?
------------------------------------
This FAQ is posted once a month to the Europa e-mail list (starting January
1998).
Previous postings are available by searching the Avnet archives using the
subject line "FAQ".
1 I have a suggestion for the FAQ - how can I get it included?
New items, and correction or enhancement of existing items are welcome.
Send your suggestion in e-mail to the FAQ maintainer (see above).
Submissions most likely to be incorporated will have similar formatting to
the existing FAQ, and display accuracy in spelling, grammar, and syntax.
The ultimate deciding factor, however, will be the quality and relevancy of
the information. The maintainer reserves the right to edit for brevity,
clarity or humour.
2 How do I join the Europa e-mail list?
-----------------------------------------
You can subscribe automatically by sending an e-mail message to
<europa-request@avnet.co.uk>. The subject is not important but the body of
the message should include the following command:
subscribe europa
You will then receive all future contributions to the list.
3 How do I get off the Europa e-mail list?
--------------------------------------------
To remove yourself from the Europa mailing list, send the following command
in email to <europa-request@ayla.avnet.co.uk>:
unsubscribe
Please note that all commands (including subscribe and unsubscribe) to the
server which runs the Europa e-mail list must be addressed to the server,
NOT the list address where the discussion goes on. Doing that will make you
look careless, forgetful, or incapable of following simple instructions
(and you need to follow a lot of instructions to build an aeroplane).
4 How do I join the Europa Club?
----------------------------------
Contact the Membership Secretary for full information. At present the
Membership Secretary is:
Rowland Carson
4 Saville Close
CHELTENHAM
Gloucestershire
England
GL50 4NE
5 Factory newsletter, Europa Flyer, e-mail list - I'm confused!
The Europa factory puts out a newsletter from time to time, a subscription
to which is mandatory for all builders. Those not yet building can also
subscribe, but will not receive the inserts with details of modifications,
etc, which go only to builders. Subscriptions are paid to "Europa Aviation"
at the office in either Yorkshire, England or Florida, USA depending on
your own location.
The Europa Club puts out a newsletter (The Europa Flyer) four times a year
(Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec) to all paid-up Europa Club members. Subscriptions are
paid to "Europa Club". The Club and its newsletter is not connected with
the Europa factory or its newsletter.
The Europa e-mail list on the internet is open to anyone to join. There is
no charge. Like most things on the internet, it is not controlled by
anyone. Neither Europa Aviation nor the Europa Club have any power over
what goes on there, although representatives from both take part from time
to time. It's simply a forum for discussion among Europa enthusiasts. Many
of the useful nuggets of information appearing there are reproduced in the
Europa Club newsletter. The list was set up by and is still maintained by,
a Europa Club member, in the time left over from bringing up a family,
earning a living, and building a Europa.
Both the Europa Club and Europa Aviation have World Wide Web sites, and
they are linked together. The Club pages provide access to the archives of
the Europa e-mail list, and some past copies of the FACTORY newsletter, but
NOT the CLUB newsletter.
6 Are there any other organisations for people building aeroplanes?
Many countries have a homebuilt aircraft organisation, and you can get help
and advice by joining. In UK, it's the Popular Flying Organisation (PFA)
with local Struts. In USA, it's the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
with local Chapters. In France, it's RSA.
7 I haven't got a pilot's licence - can I train for it in my Europa?
This is probably a bad idea. The aviation administrations in some countries
will not permit it, anyway. But consider the possibility that you spend
several years toiling to build the aeroplane, then find that:
you have some subtle medical condition that prevents issue of a
flight medical
you spent so much on building the plane you have no funds left to pay
for training
you don't really like flying in a small plane
you just don't seem to have an aptitude for controlling a plane
OK, you can still probably sell it for more than the parts cost, but maybe
you might have chosen to use your time differently had you known in advance.
8 Can I fly a Europa on a microlight/ultralight license?
No. The Europa requires an ordinary private pilot's license. It is too big,
fast, and heavy to be classed as an ultralight or microlight. The rules
defining microlights are slightly different in different countries, but the
Europa would not meet any of them. As far as formal pilot qualifications
are concerned, it's in the same category as a Cessna 150. However, since
(in its most popular configuration) it is a monowheel taildragger, your
flight safety will be greatly enhanced by having some prior taildragger
experience, and even more by getting some training on the Europa itself
---From a pilot experienced on type before you launch solo.
9 Can I buy a ready-made Europa?
----------------------------------
The only way you can do that at present is to find someone who's built one
and is willing to part with it. It is also possible that someone who has
developed an epoxy allergy through careless handling and cannot complete
the project may wish to sell a part-finished kit.
Ads for such Europas have appeared in the classified sections of general
pilot-interest magazines (eg "Pilot" & "Flyer" in UK), and in the magazines
of the homebuilder organisations (eg PFA's "Popular Flying" & EAA's "Sport
Aviaton"). You can also find them in a Europa-specific forum such as the
Europa Club's "Europa Flyer" or the Europa internet e-mail list.
10 How long will it take me to build a Europa?
-----------------------------------------------
In July 1997 Laurent Charvet of Europa Aviation said, of the "pre-XS" kit:
With the "old" Europa kit, I believe the quickest time that we know of is
just over 920 hours and the longest 1,500.
Rowland Carson responded by quoting the following hours to complete from
Europa Club members:
900
1200
1500+
1580
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000+
2300
2400
2400
2500
2500
~2800
2900
2900
3000
3000+
Some of the longer times will be by first-time (ie slower-working)
builders, or perfectionists repeating stuff they weren't happy with on
first try, or people doing lots of extra detail for a concours-winner "show
plane" - or even all of the above!
11 How much will it really cost to build a Europa?
---------------------------------------------------
John Kackay posted these figures (US $) in August 1995:
Kit delivered 19250
Trailer kit 750 (approx, no firm price given)
Rotax 914 12500
prop 1500
Inst/avionics 10000
Upholst/paint 1000
-----
Total 45000
Douglas Wagner posted these costs (UK pounds) in August 1995:
Type: Item: Total (incl VAT):
Stage 1 empennage 3,442.75
Stage 2 wings 4,641.25
Stage 3 fuselage 6,462.50
Powerplant Subaru 118 hp 6,462.00
Fitting kit 2,937.50
overflow bottle 39.95
rectifier/regulator 41.13
slipper clutch 323.13
vacuum pump 675.63
Propeller electric, variable speed 1,997.50
Instruments altimeter 199.75
air speed 141.00
vertical speed 129.25
turn and slip 282.00
gyro horizon, RCA22-7 625.10
directional gyro, RCA-11A-8 559.30
standby compass 70.50
Westach hour meter 2A10 41.42
Avionics Terra TX760D Comm 928.25
Terra TRT250D Transponder 1,028.13
Terra height encoder 207.48
Antenna kit 17.63
GPS 705.00
Electrics wiring, switches etc 528.75
navigation lights 176.25
strobe 229.13
landing light 0.00
intercom 30.55
=46inish paint 587.50
paint labor 2,750.00
interior trim 587.50
Trailer 1,568.63
workshop rent 12 mths 3,938.76
Total: 42,355.69
my labor cost 1000 hrs 10,000.00
Minimum Realistic Sale Price 52,355.69
In April 1996 Carl Pattinson posted these costs (UK pounds):
Stage 1/2/3 kit #12,500
Rotax engine kit # 9,000
Average Instrument Fit # 3,000
(ASi, VSI, Alt, AH, TS, GPS, Com Radio, switches)
Cushions/Carpet/Trim # 500
Paint and misc parts # 1,000
Registration & test flying # 1,000
Value Added Tax # 4,725
This adds up to about #32,000 on the assumption that you use no
professional labour (eg for painting) and many builders in reality will end
up spending nearer 35 - 40,000.
I certainly would not consider building a Europa unless you can lay your
hands on at least #30,000. I believe insurance will be in the region of
1,500 - 2,000 fully comp, per year
In July 1996 Tony Renshaw posted these costs for Australia:
The tail kit will cost you about $750.00 AUD to sea freight out. Then
you'll have to insure it which will cost about $52.00. Then customs
clearances which will be about $120.00, and road transport and its
insurance increment from the port to your home. I recently got a quote from
Europa for a part share in a container for any future stages I may choose
to purchase. The tail kit by the way cost me $6000.00 approx (2900.00
Pounds).
A wing kit 3800.00 Pounds
Packing 40.00
Crating 115.00
Insurance 16.00
Delivery approx 423.00
=46uselage Kit 5200.00
Packing 60.00
Crating 435.00
Insurance 21.00
Delivery 696.00
If both purchased together
Wing kit 3800.00
=46use " 5200.00
Packing 100.00
Crating 435.00
Insurance 36.00
Delivery 1078.00
If both were sent in a container
Wing kit 3800.00
=46use " 5200.00
Packing 160.00
Insurance 36.00
Delivery 700.00
12 What are the dimensions of the Europa on its trailer?
Tony Krzyzewski wanted to know how big a garage would be needed when he got
his Europa built back in New Zealand, so when he visited the factory, he
brought a tape measure:
The absolute dimensions of the Europa on its trailer, measured at
Kirbymoorside, are as follows.....
Height 84 inches 214 cm
Width 81 inches 206 cm
Length 19 feet 9 inches 610 cm
13 Do I have to use the Europa factory-supplied open trailer?
No. There are several other designs of trailer available in UK, including
several enclosed types. Northwick Manufacturing, Wade Trailers, and
Schofield Aviation have all advertised in the Europa Flyer at various
times. You can also design and build your own, as described in Europa Flyer
#12.
14 What tools will I need to build a Europa and what will they cost?
Dremel tool
Scissors
Razor saw
Digital level
Resin balance
Perma-Grit abrasive materials
15 Do I need special skills?
-----------------------------
Most aeroplane designs are not beyond the capabilities of the average
handyman, but some skills will almost certainly need to be learnt or at
least sharpened. This is not surprising, as one of the official reasons
given for allowing people to build their own aeroplanes is "education". Few
people who have not previously built a foam & glass aeroplane will be
familiar with the techniques, but most will reach an acceptable standard
after some small practice pieces.
16 How will I know I've built it right?
Keep in close contact with your PFA Inspector (USA: EAA Technical
Counselor) and she/he will make sure you do everything to a suitable
standard - may even help you do some things first time around!
You may be required (and it's probably a good idea anyway) to make & keep
small samples of each batch of layup that you do, which can be tested to
destruction as proof of strength.
17 Everyone says "build light" - how do I do that?
---------------------------------------------------
Graham Singleton said:
Burt Rutan described the best check I know.
6 plies of BID, laid up on a waxed (and buffed off) flat surface. Squeegee
out as much resin as poss without allowing air to creep in. If too much
pressure is used air can be sucked in as the fibres relax. Allow to cure,
cut to an accurate 10" X 16" rectangle and weigh. 297 gms is a bit light
and might have air voids. 310 gms is perfect. 340 gms is too heavy. If your
aircraft was built to this ratio of resin to glass it would be around 40
lbs overweight. ( 18 Kgs if you must )
18 How do I get permission to fly my completed Europa?
-------------------------------------------------------
In the UK, the paperwork which clears your aeroplane for flight is the
ultimate responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) but they have
delegated the day-to-day function of this to the PFA. So, as an aircraft
builder in UK, you really have to join the PFA. In the US, you deal with
the local FAA office when it comes to clearing the aircraft for flight. In
UK, homebuilts do not get a C of A, but rather a "Permit to Fly", similar
to that issued for a manufacturer's prototype. In USA, they are issued a C
of A in the "Experimental" category.
In the UK, inspections of the work in progress are made by an inspector
appointed by the PFA. Without evidence of such inspections, the aircraft
will not be permitted to fly. Documentary evidence of the building process,
preferably countersigned by an EAA "Technical Counselor" is required in USA.
Before the aircraft is cleared for flight, the responsible authority must
be satisfied that it has been built correctly, to an acceptable standard of
workmanship, that it is substantially the work of the builder (ie not built
by a "hired gun") and that it matches the design to agreed tolerances. Any
modifications made by the builder must also be approved.
The Europa Flyer, #14 & #15, contains more detailed information about the
UK paperwork requirements.
19 What engines are available for the Europa?
----------------------------------------------
Rotax 912
Rotax 914
Subaru
Mid-West rotary
Jabiru
BMW
Some of these engines are more "available" than others; but Europas are
already flying with some of these engines. The others are still at the
development stage.
20 Where can I get more info about home-built aircraft generally?
Join the homebuilders organisation in your country (PFA, EAA, RSA, etc).
The homebuilt plane FAQ is posted regularly to the newsgroup:
rec.aviation.homebuilt
You should be aware that its answers relate to the situation in USA. If you
live elsewhere, things may be different.
Several books are available on the subject.
Allan J Hall said:
My vote for most useful books would be:
Sportsplane Construction Techniques - Tony Bingelis
=46irewall Forward - Tony Bingelis
Aviation Spruce & Speciality - Catalogue
Jim Campbell said:
Don't forget US Aviator's MASSIVE SportPlane Resource Guide... 740 pages
detailing the REAL highs and lows of nearly 600 sportplane kits as well as
over 40 "How-To" chapters covering everything from basic composite
construction technigues to test flying and dealing with the Feds...
US Aviator is at 3000 21st St-NW, Winter Haven, FL, 33881.
1-800-356-7767
Rowland Carson said:
I personally have found the following books useful. Choosing Your Homebuilt
=8B the one you=B9ll finish Kitplane Construction
by Ron Wanttaja; Composite Construction for Homebuilt Aircraft by Jack
Lambie; and of course Moldless Composite Homebuilt Sandwich Aircraft
Construction by Burt Rutan. All except the last are available from the PFA
bookshop. I can=B9t understand why they don=B9t do the Rutan one =8B I got mine
---From Aircraft Spruce, who also do a kit of materials to go with it, so you
can try out the techniques on a small scale.
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