On Sat, 06 Dec 2003 20:09:52 GMT, "Forrest" wrote:

The following is an email I sent to Jim Weir of KitPlanes Magazine.



Jim requested that I post my message to this newsgroup and and open these
issues up for discussion. I'm the new guy to aviation.


Forrest
having read your wish list you need two aeroplanes (seriously!)
one in basic day vfr fitout that you can make the commutes over to see
your mum in (this is the real aeroplane)
the other a project that you can dream about, fit all the toys into
and satisfy your creative urges with. (this is the unfinished project
aeroplane)

I'm familiar with the KR2. a friend is rebuilding his after pranging
it. they suit a small light pilot (5ft nothing, jockey build) and dont
have capacity for too much instrumentation without going overweight
and having dog like performance.
the engine will cause you problems. the continental will cause you
weight problems. target engine was an 1850cc or 2150cc VW aero
conversion. cruise is about 140 knots on these.
a jabiru 2200cc engine would be good.

I fly a day vfr tailwind and I have commuted to mom's in it on a
number of occasions. my commute is 1500 nautical miles each way.
I havent needed anything more than the instruments I have and I
wouldnt want any less. the tailwind is fitted with:
airspeed indicator
slip indicator
sensitive altimeter
tacho
artificial horizon.
oil temp
oil pressure
vacuum gauge.
fuel gauge
garmin gps 2 plus.
wrist watch on my wrist.
magnetic compass.

anything beyond that is really just dead weight.
I use everything that is there.
the A/H has got me out of the guano on three weather occasions,
however for most situations it is merely an angle of bank indicator. I
wouldnt be without it.

my practical suggestion for your KR2 is as follows.
find out the design empty weight of the aircraft.
weigh the actual aircraft as it sits.
work out what you have to do to achieve the design empty weight in
your finished aircraft. if you cant achieve it then dont bull**** to
yourself. that isnt the aircraft you should be building.
look for something more practical/more suited.

dont embark on a projest that will see the first flight occurring
after your mum isnt here. stick with something simple and practical
for the real aircraft and build a second whizbang project.

Stealth Pilot (no transponder)
Australia