Dwight,
That's quite a laundry list...sounds like you might be getting a bit
heavy...t'would appear that you'd be doing some serious cloud-street
soaring to meet your range target...though, as you may know, a short-
wing Europa has encircled the globe...
Every now and then there's a seller who, for liability reasons, wants
to sell his plane w/o an engine...then you could re-engine to suit and
spend some spare time building a set of long wings...consider your
appetite for pioneering...you'll want to have a hearty one...then
again, if you want to be a builder, start w/ an airframe kit...only
one or two Europas w/ diesels as far as I know.
I know of no one who is actively pursuing a BRS install...
Good luck,
Fred
On Feb 6, 2010, at 11:47 AM, Dwight Van Zanen wrote:
> I am new to this system of communication. If you can direct me to
> somewhere to get this information, please let me know.
>
> I have been interested in a Europa for some time and would like your
> advice on the feasability of a diesel tri-gear, long wing; with aux
> fuel tank, IFR GPS coupled to autopilot with altitude hold, BRS and
> oxygen systems. I have looked into the WAM 120 from Weisch
> Airmotive, but open to alternatives. I am in the USA where an
> Experimental glider can be flown without a medical, night and IFR if
> properly equipped. Here are some reasons for my question:
>
> 1. Long range: Use a turbo-diesel at 3gph, aux tank, perhaps 2000NM
> in economy cruise?
> 3. GPS direct:
> 4. Low fuel cost: See #1
> 5. More safety in a SEL: great power-off glide, diesel fuel, add a BRS
> 6. Easier to make modifications: EXP, pretty simple systems
> 7. Cheaper for maintenance: Do it yourself mostly
> 8. Steady IFR platform: wingspan of 47.25 feet
> 9. Higher altitudes: turbo-diesel, add oxygen system
> 10. Remove the wings, take it home in a trailer. No hangar rental.
> 11. Higher speeds: 150kts TAS @ 10k, turbo for altitude.
> 12. No medical required for a registered glider in the USA, even for
> night and IFR if equipped.
>
> And on the negatives:
>
> 13. Reduced to 2 seats. Solo for long range flights. Possible to
> increase useful load with more power?
> 14. Initial cost to buy/build and set it up the way I want it.
> 15. Necessity of getting the glider rating and self-launch
> endorsement.
> 16. No toilet. Not needed with my current plane, but Porta-John works.
> 17. ? I know some people consider EXP a negative, but see 1-12...
>
> Most of my flying has been solo or with one passenger anyway,
> retired with grown kids mostly on the other coast. The MG idea would
> not work for everyone, but it seems like it would work for me better
> than my current plane does. And the FAA rules allow night and IFR in
> a properly equiped MG without a medical. May be valuable as I get
> older. Thanks for any advice or comments on feasability. And if
> anyone is doing something similar, I would love to hear from you.
>
>
> Dwight B. Van Zanen
> 22426 262 Ave. SE
> Maple Valley, WA 98038
> (425) 432-2213
> dbvz@hotmail.com
>
>
> Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft=92s powerful SPAM protection.
>
>
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