Today's Message Index:
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1. 10:59 AM - Re: mono vs. trigear (Ian Mansfeld)
2. 12:18 PM - Re: mono vs. trigear (Morten Lund karlsen)
3. 12:51 PM - Re: mono vs. trigear (DaveBuzz@aol.com)
4. 12:54 PM - Re: mono vs. trigear (STOUT, GARRY V, CSFF2)
5. 09:36 PM - Re: mono vs. trigear (DuaneFamly@aol.com)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Re: mono vs. trigear |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Ian Mansfeld" <ian_mansfeld@lineone.net>
Morten,
I may as well add something to your problem. With a few hundred hours total
and over a hundred on taildraggers, I bought a Europa Classic last year. It
was bought with the intention to convert to a conventional taildragger using
the swiss carbon fibre leg (looks are not quite as nice as Bob Berubes, but
not bad). Before committing to the conversion, I flew about 40 hours,
including the 'differences' training. I have to say that in all those
flights, the aircraft was superb in the air, but I never ever looked forward
to the landing. I never experienced a problem, but I did restrict myself
initially to 5 knots of crosswind, eventually building to 7 knots. I found
this to be quite restrictive.
The conversion work is now finished, awaiting PFA approval, so I have only
flown a few test flights. The aircraft handles better on the ground (with
individual wheel brakes), and take-off and landing (now with full flap
available) are 'normal' taildragger. In flight, the few knots of cruise
speed that I have lost will be recovered by fitting leg fairings and
eventually a 'speed' kit.
I tend to favour taildraggers over tri-gear, but I can see that the mono may
have benefits if you expect to operate from short or rough strips. The
tri-gear will be a much more straightforward for a 'new' pilot, and more
forgiving when you are out of practice after months of bad weather.
Have fun deciding!
Ian.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Morten Lund karlsen" <mortenlund@tiscali.no>
Subject: Europa-List: mono vs. trigear
> --> Europa-List message posted by: "Morten Lund karlsen"
<mortenlund@tiscali.no>
>
> Hi all you Europa builders!
>
> Really could need some advice frome you! I am takeing flightlessons for my
> PPL (cessna 172). This is noe of my dreams comming true! I also have one
> other dream, to build my own Europa...! I just can't deside which one to
> build. The mono, or the tri.. I understand that the mono can bee a real
> chalenge, particulary to unexperienced pilots. But I like the the mono
looks
> so much better than the tri! Any one out there who can help me make up my
> mind? It canges from day to day.. I really don't want to build an aircraft
> which I can't handle...
>
> Regards!
>
> Morten Lund Karlsen
>
>
Message 2
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| Subject: | Re: mono vs. trigear |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Morten Lund karlsen" <mortenlund@tiscali.no>
Hi again!
Thank you all for your comments! I really think I will go for the Trigear. I
don't think I will be landing at unprepered farmers fields very often so...
Any known problems with fitting the tri-undercarrige??
Morten
Message 3
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| Subject: | Re: mono vs. trigear |
--> Europa-List message posted by: DaveBuzz@aol.com
Hello Morten,
The main reason you dont hear much from monowheel fliers is because we are all
off enjoying ourselves so much! There are dozens, probably over a hundred, monos
flying worldwide now and yes, some have been converted to tri/conventional
taildragger, but the rest are happily flying around quietly, quickly and cheaply
and giving their owners a great deal of (aviation) pleasure.
Yes, it can be interesting on landing/takeoff with certain wind conditions,
thats where experience comes into it (there are a few first time fliers who built,
learnt on and still operate their mono) but I have NEVER come to the end
of a flight and worried that I might have difficulties on landing.
My 912, 80Hp classic mono is great: I decided with my heart, bought somehow..
and operate it with my head (and feet!) and can honestly say that I have never
had so much fun as these last three weekends flying, especially yesterday coming
back to the UK from Switzerland via Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany and France;
2 stops and 5 hours flying.
The only recommendation I can make is: Join the Europa Club (www.europaclub.org.uk) and meet up with people who have gone through a similar decision as you are now considering.
All the best,
dave bosomworth
kit67
g-bxum
<<Any one out there who can help me make up my mind? It canges from day to day..
I really don't want to build an aircraft which I can't handle...
Regards!
Morten>>
Message 4
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| Subject: | mono vs. trigear |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "STOUT, GARRY V, CSFF2" <garrys@att.com>
Morten,
When building the trigear make sure the alignment of the wheels is such
that they are absolutely parallel when the plane is at gross weight. If
the alignment isn't perfect you'll have difficulty in taxiing and you'll
wear the tires out very quickly. Regretfully, my trigear has 2 inches
of "toe out" (front of wheel versus back of wheel), and there is no
known fix. Consequently I wear out tires every 40 hours and when
taxiing I dance on the rudder pedals like walking on hot coals.
Do try to get it right the first time!
Garry V. Stout, N4220S
From: Morten Lund karlsen [mailto:mortenlund@tiscali.no]
Subject: Re: Europa-List: mono vs. trigear
Thank you all for your comments! I really think I will go for the
Trigear. I
don't think I will be landing at unprepered farmers fields very often
so...
Any known problems with fitting the tri-undercarrige??
Morten
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: mono vs. trigear |
--> Europa-List message posted by: DuaneFamly@aol.com
Hi Gary,
I'm building a Trigear and have not heard about this problem. I'm about to
put in the cockpit module, so I have some time before I get my wheels.
Some questions:
How difficult is it to get the right amount of "toe"?
Are the directions that come with the conversion kit well written?
Is there anything to draw upon in the archives?
Does the toe change when going from single person, no baggage, low fuel to
gross weight?
Mike Duane A207
Redding, California
XS Trigear
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