To answer all your queries in one note, the taildragger Swiss conversion has
been further developed by Luc Job and a prototype built, tested and approved
in the UK. That was over a year ago since when nothing has happened because
the PFA was unwilling to give wider approval for want of an installation
manual to enable us mere mortals to be able to understand and make the
installation.
The exception was that Dave Hunter in the UK could install one for you
(because he had done the prototype).
As the manual was the only thing holding things up, I undertook with Luc Job
to write the manual and re-present the drawings he had already done.
Meanwhile, Luc was looking for a UK agent to market a complete kit.
When the manual is complete, then in theory there would be nothing stopping
you ordering the principal component (the carbonfibre single-piece gearleg)
and installing the thing yourself. At this stage you would need to obtain
the other bits and pieces needed to make the conversion; these are common
off-the-shelf items like bolts, bushing stock, phenolic sheet, glass, resin
and Matco wheels (if you prefer). Currently there are no fairings available,
but its not beyond the wit of a Europa builder to make his/her own or (using
that other homebuilder skill) wait.
Approval of your local regulatory authority would also be your problem.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Duncan McFadyean
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Renshaw <renshaw@ozemail.com.au>
Date: Monday, June 26, 2000 1:58 AM
Subject: Re: taildragger conversion
>Duncan,
>Have you been doing any more gear considerations now that you too have seen
>the pictures of HB-YIB in the latest Europa Aircraft News?? I have! I am
>basically convinced I need either a conventional taildragger, which would
>be fun and easier to teach ab-initio in, or tricycle. The swiss connection
>looks really professionally done, don't you think?
>Reg
>Tony Renshaw
>
>
>>I had thought about conventional gear too, but decided to build the Europa
as
>>originally intended (for now!).
>>
>> Add to your list of "fors" increased prop clearance.
>>
>>Drag from well faired fixed gear is conventionally thought to be
>insignificant
>>below about 120mph. But I wouldn`t have GUESSED any more than 5 to 10 mph
>would
>>be lost from top speed.
>>
>>I had in mind Wittman taper rod (available off the shelf in the States)
gear
>>taken directly off the LG mount a-la Vans RV series, although Europa
layout
>>dictates reduced separation of the legs. No thought given to stress
analysis.
>>
>>Lets have some more debate on this one.
>>
>>Duncan McFadyean.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>Reg
>Tony Renshaw
>Builder No.236
>
|