If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Question: Researching Project
Hi,
I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now. I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at options. I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's hard to think of cost figures this early. So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven) aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat) follow the above criteria. Thanks, Lyle (Alberta, Canada) |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Hi Lyle,
" I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics." A very good match for your criteria is the BD-4 designed by Jim Bede back in the 60's. While not a true 4 place by original design, a proven modification to extend the fuselage does make it a true 4 place. The BD-4 meets and exceeds the performance you are looking for. Mind you, it is not a beautiful plane with sleek rounded lines, rather it has a boxy fuselage. This plane can give about the best bang for the buck and has a proven record with hundreds built and flying. Check it out at http://bd-4.org/ Bryan "Tilt" wrote in message news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no... Hi, I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now. I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at options. I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Bearhawk best bang per buck
"Tilt" wrote in message news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no... Hi, I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now. I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at options. I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's hard to think of cost figures this early. So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven) aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat) follow the above criteria. Thanks, Lyle (Alberta, Canada) |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Well, you're right about the beauty factor!!
The four seater even looks...um...less...beautiful!! Couldn't really find anywhere on the site that talks about costs. And I think I'd rather build from a specific kit. However, I will keep it on the list (for research sake). It does fit the other requirements I was looking for. Thanks, Lyle "Bryan" wrote in message ... Hi Lyle, " I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics." A very good match for your criteria is the BD-4 designed by Jim Bede back in the 60's. While not a true 4 place by original design, a proven modification to extend the fuselage does make it a true 4 place. The BD-4 meets and exceeds the performance you are looking for. Mind you, it is not a beautiful plane with sleek rounded lines, rather it has a boxy fuselage. This plane can give about the best bang for the buck and has a proven record with hundreds built and flying. Check it out at http://bd-4.org/ Bryan "Tilt" wrote in message news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no... Hi, I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now. I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at options. I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for the info James,
I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft. Lyle "James R. Freeman" wrote in message ... Bearhawk best bang per buck "Tilt" wrote in message news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no... Hi, I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now. I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at options. I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's hard to think of cost figures this early. So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven) aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat) follow the above criteria. Thanks, Lyle (Alberta, Canada) |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
In article y2aCb.665242$6C4.242523@pd7tw1no, "Tilt"
writes: Thanks for the info James, I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft. Lyle Then forget the BD-4 unless you have a good shoehorn. Bob Reed www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site) KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress.... "Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice, pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!" (M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman) |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Tilt wrote:
Couldn't really find anywhere on the site that talks about costs. And I think I'd rather build from a specific kit. However, I will keep it on the list (for research sake). It does fit the other requirements I was looking for. Currently there is no kit supplier for the BD-4. TVAP who used to sell the kits are winding down their business and supporting only existing customers. Their quickbuilt kits went for US$25,000. TVAP did never really probe the market and stepped back for internal reasons. That the owners keep a money losing business alive only to support the existing builders I find rather remarkable. While they are phasing out a new supplier is phasing in. At first parts like the wing spars are going to be offered (starting February '04). Gradually complete kits will be made available again. There is also another startup targeting a BD-4 like kit. I can't tell more about the latter but take it as sign for enough activities around the BD-4 to keep it very alive even after a 35 year history. No wonder, as there is still no alternative for an easy to build, inexpensive metal semi-4-seat high wing that gives you about a MHP for each HP up front. - Holger (don't every design need its lobbyist?) webmaster [at] bd-4 [dot] org. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The
bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft. Lyle I don't think you're going to find a larger project than the Bearhawk. It is relatively HUGE, especially in back, compared to just about everything else. As far as not liking a taildragger, any reason why you couldn't put nosegear on it? Find a nosegear off a Cessna 182 and figure a way to get it to fit, or maybe the nosegear off a Tri-Pacer, though engine interference will be "interesting", unless you go with an O-320. Drew |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
On 12 Dec 2003 05:07 AM, AlwaysLearning posted the following:
I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not really keen on a tail dragger. The bearhawk also looks a bit compact. I'm a bigger tall sort of guy and like my elbow room. I was hoping for some more room in the back for a 4 place craft. Lyle I don't think you're going to find a larger project than the Bearhawk. It is relatively HUGE, especially in back, compared to just about everything else. As far as not liking a taildragger, any reason why you couldn't put nosegear on it? Find a nosegear off a Cessna 182 and figure a way to get it to fit, or maybe the nosegear off a Tri-Pacer, though engine interference will be "interesting", unless you go with an O-320. People who have flown them say that as far as taildraggers go, the Bearhawk's handling is pretty tame. As far as the cargo space goes, try to find somebody who is building one that will let you look at their project. The pictures just don't do it justice. Reserve your opinion until you see the actual fuselage. I'd had my plans for 3-4 years and it was still a real awakening when I got to see a fellow builder's fuselage for the first time. ---------------------------------------------------- Del Rawlins- Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email. Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website: http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/ |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
I'm going to add a bit of info to add to the equation...
I really would prefer a composite style 'kit' along the lines of the Jabiru. I like the trike style setup for landing gear, I've never been a fan of tail-draggers. I understand that most home-builts (or at least the one's I'm looking at) are not very big. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh around 225 lbs. I like the 4 seater idea because I can see myself taking my family or friends on trips (not sure how far I'd go...too early in my thinking). I'd like the ability to take passengers that are around 200 lbs each. Not that it'll be that way everytime, but I'd like to have that ability. Realistically the passenger weight loads would probably vary a lot. So I do understand that space will be limited, but I just don't want to be stuffed in like a sardine!! I was checking out the New Glastar 4 seater last night (on their website), and I was thinking it may be the one. However, I came across the height limit for backseaters. 5 feet tall!!!! How usefull is that??!!! Anyways, this is what I'm looking at. Maybe I'm putting too much emphysis on the 4 seater thing. One could say that you'd probably mostly only ever fly with one other person. And for the occational longer trips with the family you could rent a Cessna or something. But then again, that defeats the whole purpose of building my own aircraft. Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-4 or a Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty. I'm partial to something a bit more newer looking and sleek. Cheers, Lyle "Tilt" wrote in message news:Of2Cb.663673$pl3.69462@pd7tw3no... Hi, I'm looking to get into a homebuilt project within a few years from now. I've been doing some early research to see what's out there and look at options. I haven't come close to picking a final subject as my project yet, but I have some pretty good ideas of what I want. So far the aircraft that interests me the most is a Jabiru J450. I'm sort of looking for a high-wing 4 place type plane. I want something with a bit of performance (able to reach around 150 knots or higher), and some VERY light aerobatics. Now I already understand that the Jabiru doesn't quite go fast enough for my needs, but it gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. As far as money goes, I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want to cheap it out. I may have others go in on this project with me. I know I don't really want to spend much more than around $75,000 (Canadian). It's hard to think of cost figures this early. So can anyone point me in the direction of some good quality (proven) aircraft projects that I can research further? As long as they (somewhat) follow the above criteria. Thanks, Lyle (Alberta, Canada) |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Tecumseh Engine Mounting Question | jlauer | Home Built | 7 | November 16th 03 01:51 AM |
Corky: Any new pics of your project? | Ernesto Sanchez | Home Built | 1 | October 15th 03 01:44 PM |
Wanted Rans S7 project | Peter C | Home Built | 0 | September 21st 03 03:29 AM |
Refinace a project | John Mireley | Home Built | 0 | September 18th 03 03:08 PM |
Question - Regarding Canard Pushers... | Tilt | Home Built | 33 | August 10th 03 11:07 AM |