Author Topic: Homebuilt followup (Read 1160 times)

Habu · « **Reply #45 on:** January 29, 2006, 09:43:19 AM »

You know if anyone in here has the determination and tenacity to finish a project of this magnitude it is Chairboy.

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.

Have you looked at that new engine Rotax is developing? They have thousands of aircraft engines on homebuilts and ultralights. My 912S is really a nice well performing engine. I think the new engine will be out in time for your project.

Holden McGroin · « **Reply #46 on:** January 29, 2006, 02:52:00 PM »

Hey Chairboy, have you taken your obligatory trips to Redmond and Cottage Grove yet?

Chairboy · « **Reply #47 on:** January 29, 2006, 03:30:54 PM »

I've flown over Cottage Grove airport, what's there? And what's in Redmond, Vans?

Holden McGroin · « **Reply #48 on:** January 29, 2006, 04:27:59 PM »

Lancair kits in Redmond, production aircraft in Bend.

Cottage Grove is where the guy that built the replica Bee Gee is from. He also built (and augered it in) the replica Hughes H1. He's gone, but hopefully the group of homebuilders in his group still carry on.

In Roseburg was a couple who "Winnebagoed" a Grumman Albatross and flew the pacific rim. I haven't heard what they are up to lately.

Habu · « **Reply #49 on:** January 30, 2006, 12:19:05 PM »

Chairboy here is the link to the new Rotax engines.

Rotax Engines

The US distributor site (lots more information)

You should really consider these instead of a rotary engine. Because they are Rotax they will become the standard for homebuilt and you can rely on Rotax for parts and service.

Rotax has such a long history with its 912 line of engines in homebuilt aircraft that I would expect their new engines to be very well designed. The advanced engine controls will insure the engine runs at optimium conditions at all time. They will be out in time for your project and since you will not need one for a couple of years they will already have track record by the time you buy one.

Chairboy · « **Reply #50 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:42:07 PM »

I'll keep an eye on the Rotax, of course, but I dunno. We'll see, I know that they're becoming popular, along with the Jabiru, but I'm not sure they've got a lot of engines running in the horsepower range I'm interested in. There are a couple million Wankel rotary engines in that power range, and about 300,000 Lycomings, for comparison.

Habu · « **Reply #51 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:47:11 PM »

Those two engines put out 220 hp and 300 hp respectively.

How much HP are you looking for?

There are millions and millions of Rotax engines in the market. Most are in snowmobiles and boats etc. However the 912 series is widely used in the ultralight, sport pilot and homebuilt fields. Many are used in certified aircraft.

Rotax is the industry standard for 60 to 100 HP engines. Now they are moving up into the bigger plane market with those two engines. I would say that you would be smart to seriously consider them when you are ready to buy.

Also never buy your engine until the last possible second. Many homebuilders buy a year or two before they need them and frequently find when they go to use them that there are AD's on their older engines or changes in the newer ones.

Chairboy · « **Reply #52 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:53:23 PM »

180-220hp is my target. The second to last thing I'm buying is the engine, and the last thing I'm buying is the avionics.

gear · « **Reply #53 on:** January 30, 2006, 05:00:21 PM »

for those on a tight bugget,here's a plane we all can build

http://www.funnyjunk.com/funny_pictures/460/Build+Your+Own+Airplane

Chairboy · « **Reply #54 on:** January 30, 2006, 05:15:29 PM »

Sure, but the weight and balance is a bugger.