It is a good project idea - I am building my Europa MG tri-gear with full IFR
with the same ideas . I have both sets of wings but will fly first with the
short
ones. I did think about a bigger engine but settled on the 912S. Unlike hot
rods - more power is not necessarily good - there are very real problems of
weight and balance as well as structural strength with a bigger engine - as well
as handling. And more power won't necessarily translate into more speed or
performance. There is also a safety issue - besides weight and balance. The
airfoil,
wing area and stabilators are designed for certain speeds and weight -
fly at over the weight limit or speed limit and very bad things can happen.
The plane as designed is very nice, and any mods greatly increase the build time
- as I have learned the hard way.
As for only two seats - I can only think of a few trips in 38 years of flying
where
I had more than 2 people in a plane.
I looked at attaching a BRS (I have one in my Kitfox Lite) but it would require
a complete re-engineering of the airplane. And in the Europa (as in the SR-22)
use of the chute destroys the plane. Better to build and fly so you don't need
it - and it only helps in very limited situations (like an in-flight structural
failure at altitude - it won't help in situations where most accidents happen
- take-offs and landings - since the chute can't deploy fast enough.)
Realize that with the glider wings the carrying weight is reduced as the wings
weigh, I think, 100 pounds more than the short wings.
Be sure you register the plane as a motor glider even if you build the short
wings
first as it is very difficult to change the classification after registering
as a SEL.
There is a guy in Utah or Nevada that flies up to 22,000 ft. in his "Mini-U2"
with oxygen. I think he has the 914 Turbo. I think his name is Dave Anderson(?).
He had a web site that was pretty good. It may still be on the club site.
I would suggest the high top and extra width mod (I am 6 ft tall and have wide
shoulders) - this also gives you a higher windshield that greatly increases the
viewing area. And it appears to not hurt performance.
Gary Leinberger
A237
________________________________________
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]
On Behalf Of craig bastin [craigb@onthenet.com.au]
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 6:59 PM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Diesel Europa tri-gear MG?
I would suggest you have a look at the MGL EFIS panels, which will give you the
IFR, autopilot gear you need, at a great price compared to most of the
others. The Smart 1.5l turbo diesel comes in at 95hp, which is about the same as
the rotax engines, fuel consumption runs to about 5 litres an hours
good luck, sounds like a good project.
craig
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Dwight Van Zanen
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 5:47 AM
Subject: Europa-List: Diesel Europa tri-gear MG?
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<mailto:dbvz@hotmail.com>
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