the correspondence and name! Too bad it was such a rushed visit and glad
those $$$ leaf tickets where worth the value.... for father and son to see a
good game. Sure glad it wasn't the game on Sunday afternoon that you'd paid
those big bucks to watch!!!.
As for the hydraulic skis, I've been keeping quiet about them.... until we
have everything refined and know what the final price will need to be (still
don't know!). The set that you saw in my shop is actually the third set
we've put together and I have been keeping this under wraps since late last
year. Two sets where tested this winter to work out any bugs. One set on an
"owner maintenance" Luscombe and another on a certified Champ (with the
blessing of Transport Canada).
As I told Warren, when he was here, now that we have the design pegged down
and all the jigs manufactured we have a retired gentleman constructing the
skis in his garage to keep the labour $ down........ considering that there
is OVER 250 hrs going into each set of skis. Then on top of that time there
is all the pivot attach fittings to mfg. for each different type of
airplane, as well as the rigging. At least on the certified airplane side of
things once you have a set of fittings you can duplicate them for any other
airplane of the same type. Unfortunately the Rebel has at LEAST 3 different
wheel/axles arrangements and two different gear styles. Add on top of that,
the fact that with the bungee gear airplanes the builder chooses where to
place/drill and bolt the axle. This builder "function" can move the
wheel/tire in relation to axle gusset bolts as much as an inch or so either
way...which makes it very hard (if not impossible) to make a universal inner
pick up bracket for the ski arms. The outer axle extension almost has to be
built for each unit on a "one off" basis as well. This is why the design was
tested on other airplanes this winter, as they where much easier to make
attachments for (with their hollow axles) and also my airplane is too well
known and attracts too much attention for using as a "shake down" platform.
Also gave the opportunity to get the certification process started using the
Champ.
I will be marketing these skis strictly for the Amateur built/owner
maintenance market. John Donaldson (ATC engine shop) will be marketing for
the certified side and is in process of trying to get a TSO for these skis,
for installation on certified airplanes. I wasn't interested in this
process, what so ever, and John already has a TC approved facility which
helps considerably with this process of testing the ski, getting the
paperwork through the TC "wheel". Of course thanks to all the required
flight testing, load testing of the skis to DESTRUCTION ($$,$$$ OUCH!),
paperwork etc to obtain a TSO (STC or what every they will call it) there
will be a wee bit of a difference in pricing between the skis sold for
Amateur builts and certified airplanes!!
The skis have been built, for many reasons, to wrap around a set of 6.00 x 6
tires only.....but with a bit of milling work on the bases and a set of
mounting pivot brackets made with airplane onsite (to insure the tire is
exactly centered in the opening) I think we can sneak the 8.00 x 6 turf
tires onto them. Haven't even looked at an 8.50 x 6 but don't think that is
an option at this point. Someone in this situation could just have a spare
set of wheels with 6.00 x 6 tires on them, for a swap at ski installation
time (no different than any of the certified hydraulic skis that are out in
the field already).
If I can get Howard's annual finished up this week I just might have the
skis mounted to my airplane by weeks end... next week. Probably won't have
the hydraulics hooked up in time, but may be able to lock the plate in the
wheels down position to attend the Wiarton RAA AGM Saturday May 15th and
then the Rebel builders meeting Sunday May 16th (to avoid Mothers day -
RIGHT BOB???). You might think it's a weird time to be mounting skis to an
airplane, but sure a lot warmer than when we did the Luscombe in a snow bank
on the shore of Georgian Bay! This way I can also make sure that I have
hydraulic hook ups that will work for the skis as well as my future amphibs.
This will also give you guys the summer to save your nickles, so you can pay
the balance (in a few months) for the skis that you order now....... to
insure you get a set before winter. Can only make so many at about a month
and a half per set!
Cheers,
Wayne O'Shea
Irish Field Aviation
www.irishfield.on.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: "Warren & Marg Montgomery" <monty@emirates.net.ae>
To: <murphy-rebel@dcsol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 7:58 AM
Subject: O'Shea Skunkwork Skis
Leaf's/FlyersYes I made my flight okay and it was at 18:15 not 45, even stopped for
1/2 hour of shoping on the way.
96 hours in Canada and logged 42 hours getting there and back including
a turnaround flight to Cairo just before leaving here.
Was pretty cool being in my old mess kit with my son in his scarlets,
also an awsome game!
Was a great pleasure meeting Wayne even if only a short visit. What
wonderful planes and Mopars.
It's a good thing Waynes a great talker as I nearly froze in his shop
and my jaw was numb.
Quickly thawing out in the desert heat though!!
As Wayne has alluded to in another post, I spied a neat set of skis he's
developing.
He has to deal with a few headaches due to the multiple axel
configurations of ther various MAM product changes through the years but
I'd say they're nearly a work of art. I'd be interested in a set down
the road if I can ever get my blood reajusted to the Canadian winter.
It's probably none to early to start looking ahead to next winters ski
flying for those that are thicker blooded then me.
Warren
Moose 029
Dubai, UAE
Wayne G. O'Shea wrote:
Just a quick post to say I have posted a couple pictures.
I had Warren Montgomery and his son, Alex, drop by this afternoon for a
quick 1hr-30min visit. Warren flew over to catch game 4 of the
Postedat the ACC (and attend his 16 yr old Son's full mess diner). He had a 6pm
flight back to Dubai, U.A.E. and left here at 2:45! Hope he makes it!
thea picture of myself and Warren standing in front of my Rebel to Super
Rebel - Personalities
The other picture is a behind the scenes shot of CLAMAR's progress on the
Composite 3500 Amphibs. Plug layout is coming along well.... going with
*-------------------------------------------------------------------------*double flute bottom design pulled from my EDO 3500's.
Cheers,
Wayne
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