QuickTalk 10 - LETTERS
- Details
- Category: Q-Talk Articles
- Published: Thursday, 30 June 1983 07:11
- Written by Jim Masal
- Hits: 2490
"I have been in contact with Howard Meisner of Q-Aircraft in Southern California. We have set up an informal gathering of Q2 and Quickie builders the Thursday before Oshkosh (July 28). Rockford, Illinois is just a short hop from Oshkosh. The thinking is that a few builders may want to fly into Rockford, have an informal chicken bar-b-que and a good night's rest before going to Oshkosh the next day. This way everyone would be well rested and alert going into the Oshkosh traffic.
We will have our own parking area at the Rockford Airport. There is a Howard Johnson's Motel at the airport and van service to the Clock Tower Inn will be provided. A special rate of $49 single or double occupancy has been set at the Inn."
Spencer Whitted (#2154)
Food & Beverage Director
Clock Tower Inn
(815) 398-6000
"I decided I had to educate myself on hardware and was referred to two books which are excellent. The FAA "Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics General Handbook" (#EA-AC-65-9A, $12.95) has just about anything you ever wanted to know about for homebuilding. The other is for hardware listings, specs, dimensions, etc. and is called "Aviation Maintenance Handbook and Standard Hardware Digest (#EA-AHS, $4.95). Both are available from Aviation Maintenance Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 890, Basin, WY 82410. (307) 568-2413."
Bob Falkiner, #2015
Sarnia, Ontario
"I feel guilty for not having contributed to QUICKTALK thus far. I think I could write a book when my Q2 is done!...I hate the plans. As an engineer and machine designer, I consider the pseudo-cookbook approach frustrating and disconcertingly vague with regard to many details. Except for maintaining critical geometries and specs, I have all but discarded the plans. Too many words and not enough drawings (engineering standards, PLEASE).
I was attracted to the Q2 for its performance and fast construction. The reality has been sobering. 500 hours to build is absurd. I've lost track on hours I've logged, but with kit number 2021 you can guess. (It might fly this summer.) The takeoff and landing data of the ships flying is very much at odds with the factory specs. I finally got a ride with Bob McFarland at Lakeland (much appreciated, Bob) and was delighted with handling, but dismayed at the takeoff and landing speeds. Garry LeGare told me he flew out of rough, short Canadian strips with the prototype, but accumulating evidence does not lead one to believe factory Q2s can safely do so. I live on a 2000' grass strip, so my outlook for satisfactory utility is dismal. Hopefully, the new canard will help (which brings me to my present gripe).
I resent QAC operating as a bank that doesn't pay interest. They are in a hurry for their money, but in somewhat less of a hurry to ship. I'm waiting to see just what one gets for $600 besides two carbon spars. I also resent not being able to buy the plans for various options (e.g. reflexer). The kit is overpriced (like most options.) I sent a request to LeGare for the T-tail MONTHS ago. Annoyed hardly describes my feelings on the subject of deliveries.
On a better note, I look forward to flying soon. (After I build a trailer and find a 6000' runway.)"
Paul Yarnall (#2021)
Canandaigua, NY
"As a true first time builder, I have found the plans to be useable and complete until I finished the composite work. At that point, I had a shell of a Q2 and several boxes of engine, instruments and miscellaneous part. The plans writer seemed to think that I would know what to do with all this stuff. The electrical system schematic does not help a lot if you have never worked on an electrical system before. The fuel system drawing leaves some things to be desired --How about a way to get through the firewall? Does QAC really intent for us to use the plastic tubing in the engine compartment. Does the engine work like magic because you attach it to the firewall? Sure, these are simple questions and anyone who has any experience KNOWS...but if I had done it before, I wouldn't be a 'first time builder'.
At least, Q2 #2151 has been an enjoyable learning experience and hobby for the past 18 months and will continue to be for a long time.
Get 'em flying!"
Tom Gordy, #2151
Houston, TX
"I'm writing to renew my membership in QBA. I'm sorry I don't have any builder suggestions for you. I haven't bought a Quickie yet, but plan to in the future. I'm only 15 and will be starting lessons at our local airport (where I'm employed as a lineman) around the first of June. Believe it or not, it's hard to build airplanes and learn how to fly at the same time on a lineman's wages. I also need to get some practical experience in composite construction first, as the only local homebuilder is building a Pitts...my luck!
I would like to compliment you and your staff on the fine publication. I really enjoyed the Pilot Profile on Norm Sanford (Issue #6), as I someday want to be accepted into the Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot.
After I buy my Q2, I'll be sure and keep you in "business" by asking many questions and sending in a suggestion or two as they come along..."
Mark Merrill
Price, UT
"I am not interested in becoming a member. The Q2 I built is N23QT, which has been sold.
I am a 700 hour pilot...being that about one-half of this time is in tail-draggers; I feel I am somewhat of a competent pilot. To me, the Q2 is a VERY DANGEROUS AIRPLANE TO LAND and I feel that eventually many people are going to get hurt in it. Naturally, you will not print this in your newsletter, because it seems that negative feedback is kept from the builders.
My article appeared in March 1981 SPORT AVIATION and, yes, I am the one who put the stripes on the canard and wing. But we also took them back off after one flight.
My airplane is not as fast as they say, does fly fine, visibility is very poor and does not land like any other tail dragger. In fact, it is a very difficult airplane to land smoothly and do it the same twice!
Here is my idea of the landing problem: Approach at 85 MPH. Touch down 80-85 MPH with rudder control possibly down to 60 MPH. Then the rudder becomes ineffective, the tail wheel is now skidding and is very ineffective. Apply the brakes and whatever the tailwheel might be doing is lost as the weight is reduced from the tailwheel when brakes are applied. This is a very touchy situation at this point and if any crosswind exists, the aircraft weathervanes!
I am not aware of the tremendous success of the Quickie and Q2 and am sure it will die suddenly once more Q2's attempt their first flight...My phone number is still the same as in SPORT AVIATION '81, so if anyone wants to hear more of my experiences, other than what is explained there, you know how to contact me."
Melvin Ellis
Aloha, OR
"To those that have developed an allergy to SAFE-T-POXY...do not waste money by going to an ordinary MD. See a good allergist; there are only a few...
I became allergic to the dust of micro and Feather Fill. It made my back and one hand itch and peel. So, I hired a couple of boys to do the rest of the sanding, with me standing upwind behind a big fan dressed in protective clothing and gloves. The allergist could think of nothing to prevent the attacks, except to stay away from the cause of the trouble. He gave me a prescription for a strong cortisone cream. I used it only on the hot spots. It cured the worst places, but it is expensive and is no preventative. We found that Aloe Vera gel from the health stores would cure the lesions in time and is also a protection. Another common protection is Kerodex from any drug stone.
But don't despair. Your body can develop a resistance. I am able to make small layups with no problem. I use no gloves, only the barrier cream. Wet sand only and keep out of dust.
Hats off for the detailed report on the Onan engine by Don and Bob Walker (Issue #8). Selling an engine that will require that amount of work just to keep it from rattling the plane apart, doesn't seem quite cricket. If we didn't have QBA and QUICKTALK to alert us, there could be a lot of new, unused Onan engines around, and maybe a few Quickie crashes because of vibration."
Vic Schatz (#317)
Athol, ID
"Enclosed are observations 'for what they're worth' from 22.5 HP Quickie N175HM...
N175HM was flown from Saginaw, MI to Oxford, CT (about 720 statute miles). Average groundspeed with light and variable winds was 90 MPH. Fuel consumption was 1.2 GPH. Empty weight is 299 lbs. Max level speed is 125 MPH. Max altitude flown is 8100'. Pitch bucking occurs at 45 MPH.
N175HM was flown in light rain twice. Airspeed decreased 5-10 IAS, pitch stick forces increased noticeably and about 3 degrees more elevator angle was needed to maintain trim.
I have noticed excessive axle wear (main wheel bearings wearing grooves into the axles) and may replace the 6061-T6 axles with steel.
I highly recommend the Terra TPX-720 radio. I have mine mounted on a kneeboard (push-to-talk on your left leg) and get good reception after grounding the stainless steel firewall to the engine block and using resistor plugs.
I find the Onan to be a nice running little engine in general. My static runup is 3200 RPM with the standard 42"x30" prop. I have had no major problems with it other than occasional loose bolts (intake and exhaust manifolds) and a small oil leak around the Kevlar plate mount bolts. I also feel the propeller could be improved and will read with great interest the results of some of the propeller comparisons underway..."
Brian Meyer (#175)
Seymour, CT
/The following poster was written by a Canadian builder who is building in a well-traveled area of an apartment complex. -Ed./
YES! - I'M BUILDING IT MYSELF
NO! - It's not a boat.
YES! - It is an airplane.
NO! - It's not a model.
YES! - I do intend to fly it.
NO! - I'm not afraid it will fall apart.
YES! - It is styrofoam and I'm gluing it together.
NO! - I don't enjoy the smell of the glue.
YES! - I'm building it in sections to get it out.
NO! - I'm not sure the doorway is wide enough.
YES! - It's hot down here.
NO! - The glue is not affecting my mind
.....I DON'T THINK!!!
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