All Things Aviation Related

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by rsrguy

The bd5 could be seriously sweet if ... you get a seriously light dependable power plant.

Yup.
I will be installing the proper light, air-cooled engine.
Some have installed heavier liquid cooled engines, with required lead counterweight in the nose.
Stall speed goes way up, along with longer take-off and landing distances to go along with the higher speed.
Weight is critical on such a tiny airplane.

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

Polished aluminum airplanes, and wood boats.
I love them both, but will never own either, as I don't want to work that hard to maintain the fantabulicious finish.

The polished spinner on the Bonanza is enough.
Likewise, I have a boat with three small teak strips near the transom.
Wiping the teak once a year with teak oil on a paper towel is enough woodwork.

So very true…. I have a relative who built an RV-4 that was fully polished to a mirror finish. After he melted his third canopy ( sun’s focal point being 3” below the top of the canopy) due to the reflection from the wings on hot summer days, he painted it.

Luckily, the spinner is the only shinny part on the plane. Kinda wanted it to bling. I did the same thing after striping the paint off of our 150’s spinner.

The 150’s spinner had three layers of blue paint that was chipped so I decided to give it a go. Worse case, I could re shoot it. It turned out well and I liked the contrast. Sold her a year ago August.







Sitting in the work hangar


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[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

I'm 6'-1, and barely fit. Won't be able to use regular headsets, as my hair is about on the canopy now.
Seating position is similar to Formula 1.
This will be basic day, VFR only.
Not a cross country machine, more like a flying jetski.
Just goof off for a bit.
The RV-7 will have a nice panel for going places.

When both airplanes are completed, my "big" airplane will have two seats.



Porsche content:
That's a 944 race car under the blue cover in the background

I had a BD-5, gas powered, control-line model as a kid. A Testors model IIRC. All plastic. Like this one (not my photo)

[svandamme]

that BD is Sierra Hotel Either way.
You do have to buy a Range Rover and Horse trailer now. I believe it is mandatory.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by svandamme

that BD is Sierra Hotel Either way.
You do have to buy a Range Rover and Horse trailer now. I believe it is mandatory.

Took a bit, then I really cracked up!

[cgarr]

Here is my Dad at 92 now flying the same plane he soloed in 1946 at 16 years old.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=584236939713422&id=1541963794&mibextid=v7YzmG


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[bugstrider]

^^^^ very cool

Got to perform some taxi tests as well as high speed taxi runs down the runway in my friends LongEZ.




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[rsrguy]

Veri cool.

[3rd_gear_Ted]

First flight B-21 Raider
https://twitter.com/i/status/1722993343485866184

[Zeke]

^^^Awesome!

[kevin993]

B-21 first flight - still curious to know why they launched in daylight with lots of cameras around. Would have thought transit on a moonless night up to Groom Lake for testing would be the plan. Clearly trying to send a message.





Full credit to full story with more detail and photos here:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/b-21-raider-has-flown-for-the-first-time

[rsrguy]

Messy day today There was corrosion(rust) under the paint. Whoever did it last shot it with epoxy primer. Epoxy primer is good it just needs to be top coated with urethane... it wasn't topped. Anyway the epoxy is porous and it allows moisture to effect the tubes... not good, I need to replace a few more tubes

[HobieMarty]

https://youtu.be/w07LG-WjKJ4?si=sO-u-teAcrF9eHPj

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[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by rsrguy

Messy day today There was corrosion(rust) under the paint. Whoever did it last shot it with epoxy primer. Epoxy primer is good it just needs to be top coated with urethane... it wasn't topped. Anyway the epoxy is porous and it allows moisture to effect the tubes... not good, I need to replace a few more tubes

Oh damn!!!! I was under impression that epoxy primer was the chit!!! I honestly had no idea it was so porous and the local paint supply was telling me it seals. I am assuming that the moisture it allows in due to its porosity will affect the 911 chassis like the tubes? I was considering this as an interim as I sporadically had spare time to work the rust patches.

Love the filter selfie!!! I’m guilty of the same shot, lol
This of course, was before I invested in the 3M full face mask that seals all facial skin from the nasties… as well as a head to toe Tyvek hazmat coverall.



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[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by rsrguy

Veri cool.

Thanks dude!

Taxied her over to the fuel island only to discover they were out of 100LL.

He has enough for some test around the patch so off he went. Since he is out of country now, I am planning on getting some “official” dual instruction in the Speed Canard from RAFE. Recognized by insurance companies as legit training and transition for the Vari, Long and Cozy platforms. Guess we will see.






This is the RAFE speed canard. Built in Germany and has full controls fore n aft




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[rsrguy]

I've always loved the Rutan canards, but I really love the speed. Is there more room inside?
On the paint, I'm now using ppg commercial coatings cre product, as it's catalyzed like all epoxies but it also has corrosion preventatives in it, once topped with the urethane hard candy shell it'll have that final air tight seal that's impervious to chemicals, solvents, oils etc.
The respirator, well I have a new-ish compressor with an ac condenser, but haven't set it up yet, once it is ill be huffing through a fresh air system.

[bugstrider]

Oh yeah, the Speed has quit a bit more room from what I’ve seen, enough so to accommodate full stick and rudder controls. The Long is bigger than the Vari but you feet still sit awkwardly on the floor unless a builder cuts a toe hold. I’ve yet to see rudders in the rear seat. Now the Berkut(my personal unicorn) is much bigger and has controls in the rear as well.

https://youtu.be/xwbgicG_2U0?si=P2VclfVPW32xgRf6




I’m waiting to hear back from the school in availability. Will have to make the trek from CA to TN to partake in the transition training. It’s the only training the bloody insurance companies will recognize as “official” training. I’ve got front seat time logged and another friend let me run patterns at Mather Field from the rear seat. But being completely honest, that is worthless and a waste of time since I can not see forward and not really enjoy him yelling in off course, to high, etc. I guess I can look at it as suto IFR….

Thanks for the info on the primer, all good to know. I have been looking at the remote fresh air sealed units but don’t do it enough to justify the cost. With that said, it could be used for interior painting, sanding etc.

Cheers


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[rsrguy]

Unfortunately the berkut situation has been like that for some time. It's a magnificent ac. I'm partial to the stagger ez.
The ac insurance situation is getting out of hand. Our state made many pilots outlaws by requiring liability. Many can't afford even liability, think they're going to not fly? About a third of the multiple ton rvs lumbering down the road would be parked if their drivers had to pass an aviation type medical... and they are far more dangerous to the public.
Things are really messed up... the progressive flavor of progress..... isnt.

[HobieMarty]

https://youtu.be/OBVmYi7mkZM?si=QYNxD6XHs8SZNy8m

Just my opinion, but this has got to be one of the most badass, cutting edge aircraft to ever exist.

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[bugstrider]

Just imagine what is out there that we have no idea about. Just like the 71, when it was designed and developed with slide-rulers.


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